The Jiggaman secures the first spot on the list of the Hip-Hop highest-earning stars with $37 million, while his album with Kanye West rules iTunes charts in 23 countries.
- Aug 10, 2011
AceShowbiz - Jay-Z is, once again, crowned Hip-Hop Cash King by Forbes. The husband of R&B diva Beyonce Knowles is sitting atop the 2011 list for pocketing at least $37 million in the past twelve months. It becomes the fourth time in five years he took the top spot of the list.
The huge amount of money Jigga earned come from his ongoing lucrative deal with Live Nation. The rap mogul additionally pulled in a lot of cash from the stakes he has in the New Jersey Nets and 40/40 club. He also profited from his clothing line Rocawear, his label Roc Nation and many more.
On top of that, his music continues to sell high. His newly-released album "Watch the Throne", which he collaborates with Kanye West, is predicted to make a grand entrance on Billboard Hot 200 by bowing with half a million copies. By August 9, it has already topped iTunes charts in 23 countries around the world.
While he claims No. 1 on the "Cash Kings" list, his "Watch the Throne" partner Kanye secures the third place. The "Monster" rapper is sitting just behind fellow MC P. Diddy who occupies the runner-up position with $35 million. The outspoken rhymer trails behind the founder of Diddy-Dirty Money with $16 million.
Next on the list, Lil Wayne takes No. 4 in tie with Birdman as they each collect $15 million. Eminem, meanwhile, ties with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, following closely behind Weezy and Birdman with $14 million. Akon and Ludacris round up the top 10 with $13 million and $12 million respectively.
Outside the top 10, new artist Wiz Khalifa shares the No. 11 spot with Drake with $11 million. A few steps lower, there is Nicki Minaj who is tied with Swizz Beatz at No. 15 with $6.5 million. The other Hip-Hop stars who make the top 20 list include 50 Cent, B.o.B and Timbaland.
Some of those artists have shared what they felt about the listing. Birdman took to his Twitter, "If we ain't number one now, we'll be there soon." Having the same optimism, Swizz Beatz wrote in an email to Forbes, "I will be #1 next year." Wiz Khalifa, meanwhile, is simply thrilled for being included among the wealthiest. "I'm one of them?" he exclaimed. "That's what's up!"
Top 10:
1. Jay-Z - $37 million
