JAY-Z and Diddy Top Forbes Wealthiest Hip Hop Artists List
What's better than one billionaire?
Forbes has released its annual Wealthiest Hip Hop Artists List, and of course, JAY-Z and Diddy are once again, on top. In fact, the top three earners were no surprise.
However, for the first time since Forbes started the list in 2011, JAY-Z claims the top spot, with a net worth of $900 million. That's a huge jump from last year, when his net worth was $810 million. Forbes explains the huge jump comes from his interests in Armand de Brignac champagne and D'Ussé cognac, as well as ownership stakes in Roc Nation and TIDAL.
Diddy holds down the number two spot, experiencing modest growth from last year, with a fortune listed at $825 million. His money comes from Ciroc and Revolt, as well as DeLeón tequila and his joint venture with beverage giant Diageo.
So, what exactly do Diddy and JAY-Z's money status mean? Well, it means that they're not just the richest artists in hip-hop on the planet but the richest American musicians of any genre. And that is just awesome, any way you slice it.
Dr. Dre expectedly rounds out the top three with $770 million due Apple's $3 billion buy out of Beats in 2014.
As for the rest of the list, Drake, 31, is tied with Eminem with $100 million. Forbes reports that Drake has earned more than $250 million since 2010 (before taxes and spending). His wealth is enhanced by an equity stake in Virginia Black whiskey and expensive estates in Toronto, Canada, and Hidden Hills, California.
This is the first time Eminem has made the Forbes top five, climbing above Birdman who slipped below the $100 million mark because of some "liquidity" issues.
You can take a look at the top 5 list here.
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