Diddy Tops Forbes' Wealthiest Hip-Hop Artists List
It’s all about the Benjamins. Sean “Diddy” Combs has once again been crowned the Wealthiest Hip-Hop Musician by Forbes.
The Bad Boy mogul ranks No. 1 on this year’s Forbes Five, the magazine’s annual list of hip-hop’s wealthiest artists, with an estimated net worth of $580 million. The bulk of Diddy’s fortune comes from non-musical ventures including his deal with Diageo’s Ciroc.
Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter holds down the No. 2 spot with a net worth of $475 million. The Roc Nation mogul continues to amass his wealth with the $204 million sale of Rocawear in 2007, $150 million deal with Live Nation, plus stakes in Roc Nation, Carol’s Daughter, the Brooklyn Nets, Barclays Center, and D’ussé Cognac.
While he may not have released an album in 14 years, Andre “Dr. Dre” Young still ranks third with $350 million, up $80 million from last year, thanks mostly to his Beats by Dr. Dre headphones.
Bryan “Birdman” Williams rules the No. 4 spot with $150 million from his Cash Money/Young Money empire (which includes superstars Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Lil Wayne), YMCMB clothing line, and GT Vodka.
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson rounds out the top 5 with $125 million. The G-Unit mogul’s brand continues to grow with music, merchandise, video games, and books. He is still reaping rewards from selling his stake in VitaminWater to Coca-Cola in 2007.
The Forbes Five for 2013
1. Diddy – $580 million
2. Jay-Z – $475 million
3. Dr. Dre – $350 million
4. Birdman – $150 million
5. 50 Cent – $125 million