Jay-Z – $2 billion
Jay-Z was the first rapper to ever become a billionaire, a huge milestone for the genre. His longevity in the industry is one of the main reasons why he has accumulated so much wealth, since he has been active since the mid-1990s.
However, nobody can ignore the fact that his marriage to pop superstar Beyoncé has had a lot to do with his extreme financial wealth, with Queen B being worth $540 million herself. It's no wonder that the pair of them remain top of the list of musical royalty.
Diddy – $900 million
As well as writing, recording, and producing his own music, Diddy is also the founder of the Bad Boy Entertainment record label, which helped to launch the career of rap legend Biggie Smalls. Diddy has appeared in multiple movies and owns his own clothing line, Sean John, all of which have contributed to his hefty net worth.
Diddy continues to make smart business decisions that only add to his millions, with stakes in athletic beverage company Aquahydrate, as well as a recent lucrative investment in PlayVS, a company focused on competitive gaming within US high schools. These deals just prove that Diddy has always had his eye on the prize.
Dr. Dre – $500 million
Dr. Dre is another rapper who found fortune by starting up a record label. Aftermath Entertainment helped to launch both Eminem and 50 Cent to stardom, adding to the wealth that Dre had accumulated from his time in the rap group N.W.A. Of course, Dre also owns a very successful headphone business, Beats by Dr. Dre.
While a series of high profile legal issues have taken a fair share of Dre's millions, his game-changing legacy means the royalties, collaborations and brand deals will no doubt come piling in for the rest of his career and when it comes to rich rappers, nobody will ever forget about Dre.
Kanye West – $400 million
Once upon a time, Kanye West was easily one of the wealthiest celebrities on earth, let alone one of the wealthiest rappers. A lot of his early wealth was accumulated from his record sales, as he was active in the years before streaming services took over. He then went on to sign a number of endorsements, as well as setting up his own Yeezy clothing line.
A series of questionable and controversial outbursts in recent years have led to West being dropped from a number of lucrative brand deals, most notably losing his deal with Adidas. While Ye's current wealth is certainly nothing to sniff at, it's a far cry from where he once was.
Russell Simmons – $340 million
Russell Simmons may just be the most business-minded rapper on this list, having spent years investing in a number of money-making avenues. In addition to helping launch the career of the rap group Run-DMC through his label, Def Jam Records, Simmons also started a prepaid debit card company, a clothing line, and a production company.
Furthermore, Simmons is a senior advisor of vegan burger brand Everything Legendary, who, as of 2022, are worth around $6 million. While a series of allegations might have tainted Simmons' legacy, his cash remains, making him one of hip hop's wealthiest players.
Drake – $250 million
Drake has released more hit records than any other rapper on this list, which is a money spinner in itself. However, the majority of the Canadian’s income has been made through his live performances, as he charges extortionate prices for each performance. He also has a lucrative contract with Universal Music Group.
Drake's other high profile business ventures include collaboration with the Toronto Raptors basketball team, an exclusive deal with Apple Music and even a minority stake in Californian food chain Dave's Hot Chicken. All of these decisions have led to Drake consistently reeling in the big bucks.
Eminem – $250 million
At one point in the 2000s, Eminem was the biggest name in rap, with his Marshall Mathers LP becoming the biggest-selling rap album of all time after its release. Em went on to make successful waves in the acting industry, as well as starting his own record label.
Slim Shady may not be as active as he once was, but he has maintained a loyal listenership, raking in 63 million monthly listeners on Spotify, so he won’t be worrying about money any time soon. Oh, and in 2023 he announced the launch of his own pasta sauce delightfully titled 'Mom's Spaghetti', so he'll surely be raking in the millions from that very soon.
Master P – $200 million
1990s rapper Master P may not be the most famous name on the list, but his entrepreneurial endeavors have set him up very comfortably. He has invested in record labels, released clothing lines, owns a production company, and even owns a travel agency, proving that it’s always a good idea to diversify!
Master P also dabbled in the world of basketball, although his skills left a lot to be desired and his time with the San Diego Stingrays was short. Luckily, Master P, or Percy Robert Miller Sr., had his rap millions to soften the blow of a failed basketball career.
Usher – $180 million
Usher was one of the biggest artists on the planet during the 2000s and early 2010s. He has sold over 100 million records worldwide and charges a high price to perform live. He is also the co-founder of RBMG Records, the label that looks after Justin Bieber among others, which has ensured he will remain comfortable.
Music aside, a large portion of Usher's millions come from his ventures into other business opportunities. He's leant his name and brand to fragrances, school supplies companies and the streaming platform Tidal, as well as part owning the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team.
Lil Wayne – $170 million
With over 200 million records sold, and more Billboard Hot 100 entries than Elvis, Lil Wayne is certainly not short on cash. He’s also made money by selling his record label Young Money Entertainment for $100 million. The record label helped to launch the careers of both Nicki Minaj and Drake.
A series of high-profile legal issues and lawsuits that would surely have bankrupted anyone else are merely small change for Wayne, who has also dabbled in the lucrative industries of sports media (most notably as a writer for ESPN) and recreational cannabis use with his own company GKUA Ultra Premium.
Ice Cube – $160 million
Ice Cube got his start in the industry as part of the rap group N.W.A., and he forged a successful solo career following his departure from the group. He has produced numerous records for other artists and found success for himself as an actor, appearing in movies such as Boyz n the Hood and Three Kings.
In 2021, Cube passed up on adding a cool $9 million to his already bursting bank account by dropping out of the comedy film Stepdude, in which he would've starred opposite Jack Black, although with a starring role in the latest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles blockbuster, he's surely made it back.
Birdman - $150 million
Birdman, aka Bryan Christopher Williams, is a rapper and performer but he actually accumulated most of his wealth through his record label, the aptly named, Cash Money Records. He sold it to Universal Music Group for $30 million, while managing to retain the label’s musical output.
In a rather unique business venture for someone in the music industry, Birdman accrued even more wealth with his energy company, Bronald Oil, although according to official regulators, the company may or may not have ever existed. Whatever the case, Birdman is one wealthy guy.
Ronald Slim Williams – $150 million
And speaking of Birdman, his brother and business partner Ronald Slim Williams also owned a significant share in Cash Money Records. His wealth shot up thanks to the success of the label’s artists, Drake, Lil Wayne, and Nicki Minaj.
In addition to this, Williams has a healthy real estate portfolio, owning numerous properties in the affluent South Florida area. In 2009, Williams and his brother were featured in a CNBC documentary profiling and exploring the careers of several Black multi-millionaires.
Snoop Dogg – $150 million
Snoop Dogg is one of the most revered and well-respected rappers in the industry, with his album Doggystyle seen as an important milestone in the history of hip-hop. He went on to purchase Death Row Records, the label on which he released the album, and has appeared in multiple movies, video games, and commercials, which further increased his wealth.
Ever the entrepreneur, Snoop has tried his hand at several ventures (some more financially successful than others), including launching his own cookbook, his own brand of wine and most recently dabbling in the world of NFTs.
Swizz Beatz – $150 million
Hip-hop artist and producer Swizz Beatz has helped hone the sound of rap artists for multiple high-profile record labels. Aside from music, he has invested a large amount of his fortune in real estate and is also the husband of hugely successful singer-songwriter Alicia Keys.
As a keen collector, Beatz (real name Kasseem Daoud Dean) is prolific in the world of modern art, owning the largest private holding of images from photographer Gordon Parks, a venture that has surely boosted his already-impressive net worth.
Nicki Minaj – $150 million
Throughout her music career, Nicki Minaj has blended her rap lyricism with out-and-out pop music, solidifying her as one of the biggest names in the music industry. This has meant that she has played some of the biggest shows in the world, as well as giving her the platform to launch a successful acting career.
Minaj is also a successful business woman, and a large portion of her millions come from her line of fragrances. Her tenth fragrance, Pink Friday 2, releasing in time for Christmas will surely be another top seller. She has also successfully collaborated with luxury fashion houses such as Fendi and Marc Jacobs.
LL Cool J – $120 million
LL Cool J helped push rap music further into the mainstream, making him a legend in the industry. In addition to the millions of albums he has sold during his time as an artist, he has also appeared in a string of Hollywood movies and is even currently pursuing his acting career on the small screen.
Cool J, real name James Todd Smith, has dabbled in many business ventures across his expansive career, including founding his own music label and clothing line. Although neither company is still functioning, both bought in additional millions for Smith's expansive empire.
Pitbull – $100 million
There was a point in the early to mid-2010s where you couldn’t go anywhere without hearing a Pitbull song. The Cuban-American rapper has produced and featured in a whole host of songs by major pop artists, including Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, and Enrique Iglesias. As a result, he has a very healthy net worth.
As well as his expansive music empire, Mr Worldwide has made a name for himself in other lucrative business ventures. In 2019, he became the co-owner of NASCAR Cup Series team Trackhouse Racing, and has collaborated with mega brands such as Kodak, Dr Pepper and Walmart.
Ad-Rock – $100 million
Ad-Rock, or Adam Horovitz, is the co-founder of the music group the Beastie Boys, who achieved major success throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He has also made appearances in a variety of movies, such as Golden Exits and While We’re Young. Meaning that he will probably never have to worry about money again.
Although the famously political Ad-Rock has been opposed to a number of brand deals in the past, he has partnered with a number of companies to support causes close to his heart. In 2016, Ad-Rock partnered with L.A. vegan clothing brand Keep to create a limited edition sneaker. Ever the good guy, Ad-Rock made sure all the funds were donated to Planned Parenthood.
Mike-D – $100 million
Another Beastie on the list, Michael Diamond, or Mike-D as his fans know him, co-founded Beastie Boys in 1981 along with Adam Horovitz. Beastie Boys’ success and huge record sales landed them an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. Mike-D also provides commissioned remixes for other artists, another huge money-spinner.
Outside of music, Mike-D also dabbles in interior design, and has even designed his own wallpaper. Since 2016, he has hosted the Apple Music podcast The Echo Chamber, which has only added more to his hard-earned musical millions.
Timbaland – $85 million
Even before you knew Timbaland's name, you most certainly knew of his work. The Virginia native is a record producer, rapper, and songwriter, and has worked with many a high-profile artist during his career, including Missy Elliot and Aaliyah.
His work has transcended genres, as he has also been involved in projects with the artists Madonna and Chris Cornell, who paid him handsomely for the privilege. In 2023, Timbaland procured a stake in luxury vinyl company 12on12, which will surely add another handsome sum to his expansive fortune.
Cardi B – $80 million
Cardi B first came to the public’s attention after her Instagram account went viral, gaining around 100 million followers. This, along with an appearance on a reality TV show, helped her earn a record deal with Atlantic, with whom she has produced a string of hits.
She’s also branched out into acting, appearing in the movie Hustlers, alongside Jennifer Lopez. Cardi has also secured a number of lucrative brand deals and collaborations with huge companies such as MAC, Pepsi, Reebok and McDonald's, as well as launching her own vodka-infused vegan whipped cream.
DJ Khaled – $75 million
Known for saying ‘another one’ at the beginning of every song, DJ Khaled has been involved in a lot of huge hits, working with Justin Bieber, Rihanna, and many more. Outside of music, he is a corporate machine, with endorsements from large companies such as Apple, Weight Watchers, and T-Mobile.
Khaled's other ventures include launching his own luxury furniture line called We the Best Home. The pieces are as classy as you can imagine, mostly featuring a lot of crushed velvet, gold plating, crocodile skin and lion motifs. There's even a key-shaped bed that'll set you back $1,199 - small change for Khaled!
Kendrick Lamar – $75 million
Multiple Grammy winner Kendrick Lamar is one of the faces in rap music responsible for pushing the genre to new levels of experimentation, from the mid-2010s to the early 2020s. The success of his music has led to him performing some huge shows, including headlining Glastonbury in 2022, which comes with a generous fee.
Lamar has secured lucrative brand deals with sportswear giants Nike and Reebok, and in 2022, he collaborated with Converse on a selection of sneakers. He's also a shareholder and owns a percentage of his former record label Top Dawg Entertainment, which surely brings in a hefty sum each year.
Nas – $70 million
Nas is beloved in the world of rap music, having provided inspiration for many in the generations after him. As well as his successful music career, Nas has invested heavily in emerging technology firms and cryptocurrency. He also owns a chicken and waffle restaurant chain, called Sweet Chick.
A series of high-profile legal struggles stripped Nas of a fair few of his millions back in the early 00s, but frankly, it's small change compared to his full accumulated wealth.
Will.i.am – $70 million
Will.i.am was the driving force behind the success of The Black Eyed Peas in the 2000s. He further cemented his status in the music industry by producing songs for other artists.
He has also done voice acting in movies and appears as a regular judge on the TV talent show, The Voice.
Wiz Khalifa – $70 million
Wiz Khalifa has been active in the music industry since 2005 and has carried on releasing records to this day. His most prolific spell was in the 2010s, which helped him generate large amounts of wealth before the rise of streaming.
Nowadays, it is notably harder for artists to make a large amount of money through record sales.
Ice-T – $65 million
Ice-T’s career went mainstream in a big way in the 1980s, as he released three albums towards the end of the decade, with each one selling over a million copies.
Following this success, Ice-T decided to branch out into acting, appearing in both movies and television shows, yet again increasing his wealth.
Akon – $60 million
Akon was another 2000s artist that it was hard to escape from. His prolific work in that decade helped him to generate a very comfortable living: writing, producing, and performing on records by Snoop Dogg and Eminem, among others.
He has also started his own clothing brand, Konvict Clothing.
J. Cole – $60 million
J. Cole’s success in the music industry was greatly helped by the backing of Jay-Z, who signed him to his record label, Roc Nation in 2007.
J. Cole has gone on to sell millions of albums under his own name, as well as producing for multiple other artists.
Rev Run – $60 million
Joseph Simmons, also known as Rev Run, was a founding member of rap group Run-DMC, who achieved major success in the 1980s and 90s.
While the majority of Simmons’ wealth initially came from Run-DMC, he has also starred in reality TV shows in the years since, adding to his enormous wealth.
PSY – $60 million
PSY entered everyone’s world in 2012, following the release of Gangnam Style. The song shot PSY to fame if only for a brief period, as it became one of the most viewed videos in YouTube history.
This song, as well as his huge fame in his homeland of South Korea, has contributed heavily to PSY’s extreme wealth.
Chad Hugo – $55 million
Chad Hugo is responsible for creating the sounds for much of Jay-Z’s most revered work, pushing the definition of what rap music could sound like and keeping things unique and interesting.
Hugo’s work has landed him with writing and production credits on some huge songs, making him an incredibly wealthy man.
Travis Scott – $50 million
Travis Scott is another rapper in the height of his career, releasing hugely popular albums and embarking on world arena tours.
He is also associated with the mega-rich Kardashian family, having dated billionaire Kylie Jenner before ending their relationship in 2019.
Future – $50 million
Future’s music career began to take off in 2011 after he signed a deal with Epic Records. He had previously been releasing self-recorded mixtapes, which had gained him a good reputation in the industry.
His music has since sold well and has been used in movies such as Black Panther, which have given him a good chunk of Marvel money.
Chamillionaire – $50 million
Chamillionaire has released a fair bit of solo material since 2005, but is probably best known for being the founder of his company Chamillitary Entertainment. Many rappers have come and gone through the Chamillitary doors over the years, helping to line Chamillionaire’s pockets.
He has also invested in self-driving car technology, in a slightly left-field business venture.
Common – $45 million
Common is known for his attention to detail and for his perfectionist approach to making music. This has led to him releasing some extremely high-quality material over the years, gaining praise from rap music purists.
He’s also made it as an actor, appearing in Hollywood movies such as Suicide Squad and Terminator Salvation.
Post Malone – $45 million
Post Malone has done some great work in closing the gap between the world of rap music and rock music, taking both genres in strides at once. This has helped him gain a large fanbase, including those who wouldn’t usually be interested in rap.
Malone’s Stoney broke the record in 2018 for the longest time a song has spent on the Billboard singles chart, which explains his wealth.
Rick Ross – $45 million
As well as having a successful music career, Rick Ross has invested in the luxury living lifestyle, curating an impressive real estate portfolio and a collection of luxury watches.
We mustn’t forget about his music career though, as he has, for a long time, been one of the most sought-after rappers in the world.
50 Cent – $40 million
50 Cent first entered the spotlight in the early 2000s after being discovered by Eminem. Dr. Dre then offered him a million-dollar record deal, which helped him to release a string of highly successful albums.
He then transitioned into an acting career, building up great wealth, before lawsuits and excessive spending pushed him down the list.
Daddy Yankee - $40 million
Daddy Yankee has sold over 30 million records since the 1990s, which has helped him to amass a huge $40 million wealth.
He is most recently known for being a guest performer on the hit song Despacito, which took over the world in 2017.
Darryl McDaniels - $40 million
Darryl McDaniels, or DMC to many of his fans, is one of the founding members of Run-D.M.C., the much-loved rap group.
As well as performing, McDaniel's owes some of his $40 million wealth to his record label IME Records, which he founded in 2011.
Andre 3000 - $35 million
Andre 3000 is often regarded as one of the best producers in the rap game, as well as being one of its brightest performing talents.
Having originally made it big with Outkast, Andre 3000 released his latest album New Blue Sun in 2023, which is a selection of ambient flute instrumentals.
French Montana - $35 million
The Moroccan-born American rapper French Montana had amassed a wealth of $35 million after just over a decade in the music industry.
He has gone from strength to strength since the release of his first real hit, Shot Caller in 2012, now collaborating with some of the biggest artists in the world.
Ludacris - $35 million
Ludacris first began rapping at the age of nine following his move to Atlanta. He would go on to be part of an amateur rap group shortly after.
Ludacris has gone on to be one of the most recognizable faces in rap since the release of his debut record in 1999.
Big Boi - $30 million
Big Boi is one-half of the rap-duo Outkast, acting as the perfect complement to Andre 3000's eccentricity, as well as being the more traditional rapper of the two.
Outkast has been nominated for 18 Grammys since they broke onto the scene in 1994 with their single Player's Ball.
G-Dragon - $30 million
The scale of South Korea's music scene tends to be overlooked by many Westerners, with many of the country's biggest stars earning extraordinary amounts of money.
G-Dragon is one of these stars, having originally broken through as part of the hip-hop band Big Bang. He has since gone solo, enjoying huge success in his home nation and around the world.
Lil Jon - $30 million
Lil Jon's career in rap started in 1996, when he formed the group, Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz. His distinctive cries of 'yeah!' and 'okay!' made him a crunk superstar.
As well as writing, performing, and producing music, Lil Jon has other business interests, with a line of Oakley sunglasses and a wine company.
Quavo - $28 million
Quavo is best known for his work as part of the rap group Migos, who rose to fame in 2013 following the popularity of their hit, Versace.
Another contributor to his enormous wealth is his solo career, which consists of two solo albums and a selection of EPs and mixtapes.
Offset - $28 million
Offset made the majority of his fortune thanks to the success of his former rap-trio Migos, who enjoyed a lot of success throughout the 2010s.
He has also become known for his relationship with fellow rapper Cardi B, with whom he has two children, Kulture and Wave.
Takeoff - $26 million
The third member of Migos, Takeoff, was worth $26 million at the time of his death in November 2022.
Takeoff was best known for being the youngest member of the group, alongside his uncle Quavo, and his long-time friend Offset.
Stormzy - $25 million
Stormzy is known for being the face of grime music, the rap subgenre that spread through the UK in the latter part of the 2010s.
He has had three UK number-one albums, which earned him a handsome amount, as well as being part of multiple business ventures, including a publishing company.
Meek Mill - $20 million
Meek Mill was raised in poverty and experienced a tough upbringing after losing his father when he was just three, which partly inform his hard-hitting lyrics.
He has, however, gone on to experience huge success in the rap game, amassing a wealth of around $20 million.
Juicy J - $20 million
Juicy J has been involved in music since the 1990s, when he was part of the group, the Three 6 Mafia.
He has since released a healthy amount of solo work, as well as working behind the scenes in the music business as an A&R representative.
Yo Gotti - $16 million
Yo Gotti has been prolific throughout his years in rap music, releasing a total of 11 studio albums since 2000.
He is also the founder and CEO of his own record label, Collective Music Group, and a restauranteur, having bought a restaurant for his mother. How sweet!
Gucci Mane - $14 million
Gucci Mane is regarded as one of the pioneers of trap music, turning it from a Southern-State subgenre into a mainstream, well-respected form of music.
Mane has amassed his wealth over a two-decade-long period, continuing to make money from music being released while he spent some time in prison.
Pusha T - $14 million
As well as his hugely successful career as a rapper and performer, Pusha T also makes his money through the business side of music.
He is the co-founder and co-owner of the record label Re-Up Records, alongside his brother and former rap partner Gene Thornton.
2 Chainz - $12 million
2 Chainz rose to prominence in the late 1990s as part of the group, Playaz Circle, before achieving huge success as a solo artist.
As well as his rap career, 2 Chainz also generates money from side projects, such as his line of hoodies and sweaters that he releases under the company name, CEO Millionaires.
Chief Keef - $10 million
Chief Keef is seen as one of the pioneers of the rap subgenre, mumble rap, as well as being at the forefront of the drill genre.
Alongside music, Chief Keef has a clothing brand called GloGang Worldwide, and has endorsement deals with brands such as Adidas and Beats by Dre.
Soulja Boy - $10 million
Soulja Boy has now become a relic of the now-distant 2000s, the decade in which he achieved major success with the single Crank That (Soulja Boy).
Soulja Boy's appeal has significantly declined over the years, with album sales having dropped since he broke onto the scene in 2007.
T-Pain - $10 million
Thanks to his family connections, T-Pain was hanging around music studios at the age of three, and recording his own songs by the age of ten.
Of course, T-Pain's main income source is his music, but he has also explored other media avenues, such as appearing in movies and creating animated TV shows.
Jeezy - $10 million
Jeezy, sometimes known as Young Jeezy, emerged as one of the most popular rappers to come out of the 2000s, before his fame dwindled in the 2010s.
Some of his best work has come through collaborations with major artists such as Jay-Z, Rick Ross, and Lil Wayne.
Lil Baby - $8 million
Lil Baby has come a long way since releasing his mainstream breakthrough mixtape in 2017. He has become one of the go-to rappers in the USA for features and collaborations.
He has been nominated for eight Grammy awards, winning one, and has been the subject of a 2022 documentary about his life.
Lil Yachty - $8 million
Lil Yachty's main breakthrough success came when his song One Night became the song used for a viral online trend.
This helped him grow as an artist, playing huge, lucrative shows around the world. He has also worked as a model for Kanye West's Yeezy brand, further expanding his fame.
Lil B - $7 million
Lil B's music is varied, spanning multiple subgenres within rap, while also breaking out into separate categories such as gospel and indie rock.
The rapper has amassed his wealth thanks to his prolific nature, frequently releasing music since he first broke out in the late 2000s.
Waka Flocka Flame - $7 million
Waka Flocka Flame is a rapper by trade, but also a regular feature on many reality television shows, which have helped boost his notoriety.
He was always destined to have some sort of career in music, as his mother worked in the industry and has managed artists such as Gucci Mane.
Giggs - $6 million
Giggs is widely appreciated by his contemporaries for being one of the main faces in British rap for over a decade.
His wealth has grown thanks in part to album and ticket sales, but also partly from collaborating with major labels such as Island Records.
JME - $6 million
British rapper JME has been an active rapper since the mid-2000s, impressing audiences with his hard-hitting songs about growing up in London.
As well as performing and writing music, he owns a record label called Boy Better Know, signing multiple successful artists such as Skepta and Wiley.
YG - $5 million
YG is an American rapper from Compton, California, a city widely known for the large number of rap artists it has produced.
He has released five studio albums since he broke through in 2014, and has collaborated with some huge artists, including Mariah Carey.
Ty Dolla Sign - $5 million
Ty Dolla Sign is a frequent musical collaborator, working with major label artists such as Nicki Minaj, Jason Derulo, and Megan Thee Stallion.
Ty Dolla Sign is a multi-instrumentalist, capable of playing bass, keyboard, drums, and guitar, allowing him to rake even more cash in through performance credits.