Forbes’ 2015 Hip-Hop Cash Kings List Features Diddy, Jay Z, Drake & More
Diddy is back on top. The hip-hop mogul is earning the big bucks, which finds him in the highest position on Forbes' 2015 Hip-Hop Cash Kings list followed by Jay Z and Drake.
With 25 years in the music industry, the Bad Boy Records label head has been building his enterprise since his early 20s. From becoming the brand ambassador for Ciroc vodka to being the owner of the TV network, REVOLT, the 45-year-old has amassed over $60 million this year. His apparel line Sean John and alkaline water brand Aquahydrate also played a part in his crowning.
In addition, Diddy is returning to music as his sixth studio album, No Way Out 2, is expected to be released soon. The project, which features the Pharrell-assisted banger "Finna Get Loose," will serve as a follow-up to his debut album of the same name. To be fair, he told you that "we won't stop"
Forty-five-year-old Jigga man isn't too far behind on the 2015 Hip-Hop Cash Kings list with $56 million. Beyonce's husband has been keeping busy with endeavors of his own including launching the music streaming service, TIDAL, as well as his efforts through Roc Nation and Armand de Brignac champagne.
Drake is the surprising addition to one of the top spots the list. At nearly half the age of his top five counterparts (he's 28), the Toronto rapper takes third place with $39.5 million. The OVO Sound leader has been praised lately for being business savvy as he dropped controversial diss records as well as his collaborative effort with Future, What a Time to Be Alive, through his radio program and label, OVO Sound. That along with Sprite and Nike endorsements helped Drizzy claim the spot. Plus, he just opened a new restaurant in his hometown.
Most surprisingly, Dr. Dre dropped to the fourth spot (from No. 1 in 2014) despite co-producing one of the highest grossing movies of 2015, Straight Outta Compton, and releasing his first album in 14 years, Compton, which received critical acclaim. Perhaps his slip on the list is because Forbes can't count "Eminem checks I ain't opened yet," as he rhymed in "Talk About It." Forbes also claims that much of that success will push him forward in next year's list.
Check out the entire list below which includes Pharrell, Eminem, Kanye West and Nicki Minaj.
Forbes' Hip-Hop Cash Kings 2015
1. Diddy: $60 million
2. Jay Z: $56 million
3. Drake: $39.5 million
4. Dr. Dre: $33 million
5. Pharrell: $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
11. Pitbull: $17 million
12. Lil Wayne: $15 million
13. Kendrick Lamar: $12 million
13. J. Cole: $11 million
14. Snoop Dogg: $10 million
16. Rick Ross: $9 million
17. Tech N9ne: $8.5 million
18. Ludacris: $8 million
19. T.I.: $6 million
20. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: $5.5 million
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