Source: stuff.co.nz
Hip-hop star Jay-Z's talent for extending beyond rap to the executive worlds of music, fashion and other businesses has earned him the top spot on Forbes magazine's "Hip-Hop Cash Kings" list.
Forbes on Thursday said Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, raked in $US34 million in 2006, the year he released a comeback album Kingdom Come.
But the boyfriend of pop singer Beyonce earned much of that income as chief executive of New York-based Def Jam Recordings, owner of a sports bar franchise and holder of endorsements deals with Budweiser, Hewlett-Packard and General Motors, Forbes said.
In March, Jay-Z, 36, sold his Rocawear fashion label for $US204 million - a sum that will again place him high up in the music world's earnings for 2007.
Coming in at No. 2 was rapper 50 Cent, aka Curtis Jackson. He earned $US32 million from his music and businesses such as a record label, video games and a line of books, the survey said.
Diddy - real name Sean Combs - came in third. He owns the Sean John clothing label and a cologne that he licensed to Estee Lauder. He also is an MTV television producer. Timbaland, whose real name is Timothy Mosley, was No. 4 with earnings of $US21 million from collaborations and running Mosley Music Group.
Dr Dre, aka Andre Young, grabbed fifth place with $US20 million from ventures that include running Aftermath Entertainment, followed by Eminem at No. 6, who brought in $US18 million, and Snoop Dogg at No. 7, who earned $US17 million.
Forbes associate editor Lea Goldman said the hip-hop stars are "masters at branding and cross-promotion" so that "they're still making a killing as the rest of the music industry suffers."
"They get that it's not just about selling albums, but about selling a lifestyle," she said. "So they've plowed their earnings into media empires that include their own record labels, clothing lines, restaurants and bars."
Grammy award winner Kanye West was No. 8 with $US17 million followed by Pharrell Williams, who has his own sneaker and clothing lines, and Scott Storch, a former keyboardist with the Roots turned hip-hop and pop writer and producer. Both also earned $US17 million.
Posted on November 30, 2007 09:20
wow those flavors was hot to beat, men i reall love those guy out there my name is Frank Lawrence From Nigeria. well Jayz worth it yes he really worth it, as the richest rapper.but though i was thinking that P Diddy will come out second.he has clothing company and a record label. Talking about Jayz, i wish him goodluck as a friend to beyonce, becos she is every mans dream even me that is writting i wish to marry her when ever how ever i love to kiss those lips of her's
Regard
FRANK LAWRENCE.
Posted on March 16, 2008 13:42
well, i will say(kanye west suppose to be among the top 5 of the world' s known hip hop rapper).
Posted on July 14, 2008 12:10
man! talking about jay-z and his crew , they real hot.not surprise to hear he is the first on the list,however,fifty has realy proved to the world that he stil stands inspite of all his hustle and bustle.personally i wish jay will welcome me as a new member in his clan.
ROC-A-FELLA TILL WE DIE
DON BLENDEN AKA BLOW
Posted on July 17, 2008 15:29
50cent is the richest to me
Posted on July 28, 2008 14:50
My name is Tshepo Ndou from South Africa(Limpopo-Giyani)Congratulation for that million dollars u got with you,bt i use to think that 50 Cent is rockin' anyway 50 i kno ur on the way man,wishing all D lucky 2 those who r following Hip hop music
Go Fifty go!
Tshepo Ndou(SA-lIMPOPO-GIYANI)
Posted on August 23, 2008 13:11
I think Jay-Z's rightly placed as number 1
He's a wonderful guy who really knows how to do the thinks he does.On the other,i think with just another release 50 Cent will top the chart.The title of his first 'Get rich Or Die trying' simply implies he is a guy who has goals to be realised and won't stop until he realises them.It'll be great to have him toppin' the chart.
Posted on August 31, 2008 17:18
Hey paapi !!!
A song 4rom J 2 d Z. I wish he should go back nd watch dat songs video.its off d hook. Jay z is d best so no one can stop him.roca roca fela.
Please jay z can u employ me 2 b cleaning ur shoes.?
Please!
Posted on December 10, 2008 03:44
hey ths is Fido aka Maake kid all the way frm limpopo bokgaga majakaneng i thnk tht P-UNIT is the best group in the world i wish 1 day they wil be on stage wit G-UNIT peace niggarz
Posted on December 19, 2008 10:17
my boi NAS where the heck is he ranked ..?i really wished he were somewhere near the top 10 or what do ya all think
Posted on December 29, 2008 00:54
I love hip hop
Posted on January 23, 2009 00:28
hello
how is everyone out there..
who did the selection of this because i am 100% sure p.didy is the richest because he has a record label,cloths company and a world class restaurant..
so can someone tell me why is it not didy ??
please i really wants to know...
Posted on February 4, 2009 04:37
I think jayz is the richest,he got alot such as rocka wear,basket ball team.
Posted on February 18, 2009 11:18
i nthing p dd is second on that list because he have exsist before 50cent in the rap world and he have soo many companies such as sean john clothing company. i thing he can be the second . can some body tell me why he is not ?
Posted on April 4, 2009 17:21
Nice selection bt am still goin 4 enough reinforcement abt 5
bt meanwhile watch 4 wizzy (lil wayne - cash money billionaire - cash flow)
Posted on July 8, 2009 08:12
that was supposse to be on top of the list on both rnb and hip hop i mean r-kelly but conpgra to j-z
Posted on July 21, 2010 14:26
My daughter and I were actually arguing abou this a couple of days ago, I will show her this when she comes home from school today.