Forbes Wealthiest Hip-Hop Artists
Forbes is a name that is known as one of the most foremost media and publishing companies in the world. Its biweekly magazine, Forbes Magazine, concentrates on business and related matters, but it is also known for its lists that expose the wealthiest people on the planet. Forbes Magazine was founded in 1917, by B.C. Forbes and Walter Drey, and over the years, the magazine grew in strength and popularity. Today, it not only lists the billionaires of the world but top earning celebrities and music artists.
On 10 March 2011, Forbes released their new list for the Wealthiest Hip-Hop Artists. The number one Hip-Hop Artist on the list was Diddy, with a total fortune amount of a staggering $475 million. He is not only known for his music, but has over the years taken on the role of a record executive, began a vodka brand named Ciroc, opened the record label Bad Boy Worldwide and has his own clothing line that sells under the name of Sean John. With all his enterprising businesses, Diddy has managed to get the top slot of the wealthiest Hip-Hop Artist.
Close on his heels, in second position, is Jay-Z. His creation of the label Roc Nation, his music releases, advertizing campaigns and own fashion line have given him a total net worth of $450 million. Dr. Dre had to settle for third place. He not only got his own solo career off the ground but played a significant role in launching the careers of both Eminem and Snoop Dogg. Forbes calculated his net worth to be $125 million.
Fourth and fifth place on the list is a tie between Birdman and Curtis Jackson, better known as 50 Cent. Both these artists collected a worth of $100 million. Birdman is also the co-founder of Cash Monty Records, with artists such as Drake, Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj on his roster, while 50 Cent continues to release records and has shares in Vitamin Water (Coca-Cola). The list of Hip-Hop heavy weights was compiled in the same format used to determine the billionaires’ listings, and Forbes has kept this category strictly relating to performing artists. All lists are compiled by looking at the past earnings of an individual, their financial documents as well as their current holdings.
