Diddy sold enough Ciroc vodka and Sean John clothing in the past year to become the world’s highest-paid rap act, according to Forbes’ annual Hip-Hop Cash Kings list. The mogul earned $60 million — not from touring or releasing albums (he hasn’t since 2010), but from his various business interests, which also include the TV network Revolt and the water brand Aquahydrate.
At second is Jay Z with $56 million. That tally was boosted by his lucrative 22-date concert tour with wife Beyonce, as well as earnings from his Roc Nation business empire and sales from his Armand de Brignac champagne brand. (It’s unclear what kind of impact, if any, Jay’s purchase of Tidal had on his ranking.)
He may have started from the bottom, but Drake is now near the top of the list with $39.5 million, which the Toronto rapper earned the old-fashioned way: music sales, touring and endorsements.
Last year’s champ, Dr. Dre, took a huge-but-understandable dive on the list by making only $33 million this year. That’s a far cry from the record $620 million earned last year, thanks to Apple’s $3 billion purchase of his Beats brand. His executive producer cut from the biopic Straight Outta Compton, plus earnings from his recently released third album should put the good doctor back at, or near, the top of next year’s list.
This year’s top five is rounded out by all-around “Happy” guy Pharrell Williamswith $32 million. The singer’s diverse portfolio includes his role on NBC’s The Voice, several clothing lines, touring and music sales.
One more thing that sticks out: with the exception of Nicki Minaj ($21 million), the list is entirely male. Check out the top 10, of 20 total, below:
1. Diddy: $60 Million
2. Jay Z: $56 Million
3. Drake: $39.5 Million
4. Dr. Dre: $33 Million
5. Pharrell Williams: $32 Million
6. Eminem: $31 Million
7. Kanye West: $22 Million
8. Wiz Khalifa: $21.5 Million
9. Nicki Minaj: $21 Million
10. Birdman: $18 Million
