Rappers are well-known for their extravagant lifestyle with fancy cars, big houses, jewelry, and never-ending parties. And when you just take a look at their net worth, you will see why they can afford it.
If you have ever wondered how much these rappers make and who are the richest rappers in the industry, then you are in luck.
Here is a list of the top 20 richest rappers in the world:
1. Kanye West
Net Worth: $3.2 Billion
Kanye West is an American rapper, producer, fashion designer, and entrepreneur. He is also the husband of Kim Kardashian.
Kanye rose to fame with his debut album “The College Dropout,” which earned him 10 Grammy Awards nominations. He is considered one of the most successful and awarded musicians in the industry with 21 Grammy wins and 69 Grammy nominations.
Kanye has concentrated more on his business than his music in the past few years. His partnership with Adidas in creating the Yeezy brand has helped him earn a great fortune.
2. Jay-Z
Net Worth: $1 Billion
Jay-Z is an American rapper, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur. He is also the husband of Beyonce. Jay-Z has earned his fortune through his success with the music industry. He also found great success as an entrepreneur in different industries.
When Jay-Z released his debut album “Reasonable Doubt,” it sold 1.5 million copies in just a year. Today, Jay-Z was able to sell 100 million albums all over the world. Jay-Z has won 22 Grammy Awards, and every single he has released has gone platinum.
Jay-Z first reached billionaire status in 2019 thanks to the vast business empire over the years. His record sales, tours, merchandise, endorsements, and investments also contributed to his billionaire status.
3. P Diddy
Net Worth: $885 million
P Diddy is an American rapper, singer, actor, producer, designer, and entrepreneur.
P Diddy is best known for his record label “Bad Boy Entertainment.” He had a successful career as a record producer and executive. He also had success as a recording artist. P Diddy’s debut album “No Way Out” earned him 5 Grammy Awards nominations. He won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.
P Diddy is known to be one of the highest-paid celebrities in the music industry. He also had huge earnings from his business empire, music royalties, and investments.
4. Dr. Dre
Net Worth: $820 million
Dr. Dre is an American rapper, producer, music executive, actor, and entrepreneur. He is considered to be one of the most successful rappers in the last three decades.
Dr. Dre is also known as a great music executive and producer. He is the one who launched the careers of 50 Cent and Eminem through his label company, Aftermath Entertainment. As a solo artist, his single “Let Me Ride” earned him a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance. His album sold 6 million copies worldwide.
Dr. Dre’s net worth comes from his music career and his numerous entrepreneurial ventures. The most famous of which is the electric company, “Beats by Dre.” The company was sold to Apple in May 2014.
5. Eminem
Net Worth: $230 million
Eminem is an American rapper, producer, and actor. Eminem’s career was launched by Dr. Dre, who gave Eminem his first contract with Aftermath Records and re-recorded and polished Eminem’s work on the album “The Slim Shady EP” as an executive producer. The improved album was a commercial success and earned Eminem a Grammy Award for the Best Rap Album.
Eminem later created his own label, Shady Records, which was still under Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Records. 50 Cent was the first solo artist under Shady Records. He met 50 Cent while he was filming the movie, 8 Mile.
Eminem has sold over 170 million albums across the world. He has won 15 Grammy Awards, 8 American Music Awards, 17 Billboard Awards, and an Academy Award Best Song for the 8 Mile Soundtrack, “Lose Yourself.”
6. Pharrell Williams
Net Worth: $200 million
Pharell Williams is a recording artist, producer, and fashion designer. He is also the lead singer and drummer for N.E.R.D.
Pharell started his career as a producer for rap artists. He eventually launched his career as a recording artist in 2003 and still worked with other artists as a producer. Pharell has won 57 awards from various award-giving bodies – 13 of those are from the Grammy Awards.
Pharell is also successful as a fashion designer. He has two clothing lines and has collaborated with big names like Louis Vitton, Chanel, and Adidas. Pharell also built an afterschool center in his hometown, Virginia Beach, that offers internships to high school students.
7. Drake
Net Worth: $180 million
Drake is a Canadian rapper, producer, actor, and entrepreneur. Before becoming known as a rap superstar, he started out as a child actor in Canada, starring in “Degrassi: The Next Generation.”
Drake started out his career by releasing mixtapes. His talent got recognized. He was in demand in just a couple of years, causing bidding wars between various labels who wanted to sign him. Today, Drake has over 180 awards from different award-giving bodies – this includes 4 Grammy Awards.
Besides being a successful music artist, Drake has amassed a fortune with his endorsements from numerous big brands like Apple, Nike, Burger King, and Sprite. He also was able to form his own record label, OVO Sound, and hosts a famous summer music festival in Toronto called “OVO Fest.”
8. Usher
Net Worth: $180 million
Usher is an American singer, songwriter, actor, music executive, dancer, entrepreneur, and producer. He is known as one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time. Usher is also the co-founder of RBMG Records.
Usher was won Star Search when he was 13 years old and got signed on immediately with LaFace Records. His self-titled debut album was released in 1994 when he was 16 years old. Usher has won 5 Grammy Awards, 4 American Music Awards, and 19 Billboard Awards.
Aside from his success as a musician, he has made money as an actor appearing in numerous films and TV shows. Usher also has numerous endorsements with big brands like Pepsi, Samsung, and Mastercard. Usher also co-owns the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team and TIDAL.
9. Ice Cube
Net Worth: $160 million
Ice Cube is an American rapper, actor, producer, screenwriter, songwriter, film score composer, and film director. He is known as one of the West Coast gangsta rap creators and is one of the most influential figures in Hollywood today.
The rapper started out his career under Dr. Dre’s wing. He later started his solo career, where he continuously released albums that were well-received by critics. Ice Cube’s most successful album was “The Predator,” which debuted at No. 1 in both the R&B and Pop charts – the first album in history to do so.
Aside from his earnings in the music industry and his numerous roles in Hollywood, Ice Cube found success as an entrepreneur. He owns a clothing line called “Solo by Cube.”
10. Lil Wayne
Net Worth: $150 million
Lil Wayne is an American rapper, songwriter, producer, actor, and entrepreneur. He has gone by so many names in his career, including Birdman Jr., Dr. Carter, Weezyana, and Young Tune. Despite the numerous name changes, he has established himself as one of the best-selling musicians in history, having sold 100 million records worldwide and surpassing Elvis Presley as having the most entries on the Billboard Top 100.
Lil Wayne was able to catch the attention of Birdman, co-owner of Cash Money Records, by leaving freestyles and rap messages on Birdman’s answering machine. Lil Wayne’s career started as a member of the hip-hop group, Hot Boys. He then pursued a solo career and placed himself on the map as one of the industry’s most talented rappers.
After releasing the album, “The Carter IV,” Lil Wayne expressed a desire to retire for a while to focus more on his family.
11. Snoop Dogg
Net Worth: $150 million
Snoop Dogg is an American rapper, composer, producer, actor, and entrepreneur. He was discovered by Dr. Dre and is known to be one of the most successful rappers who has been around since the 90s and still rapping strong today.
Snoop’s debut album, Doggystyle, debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album and Billboard Top 200 charts. He has been releasing successful albums ever since. Snoop has won 27 awards from different award-giving bodies.
Snoop has appeared in numerous commercials, films, and television shows, playing a fictional character or appearing as himself. Snoop also directed a couple of adult films and even ventured as a pimp. He is also well-known for being a cannabis smoker and has made it a part of his image.
12. Swizz Beatz
Net Worth: $150 million
Swizz Beatz is an American rapper, producer, executive, disc jockey, composer, virtual artist, and fashion designer. He is the husband of Alicia Keys.
Swiss Beatz started out as a producer at the young age of 16. By the time he was 19, he was making tracks for artists like Jay-Z and Eve. Swizz Beatz then started his own record label called “Full Surface” and released his own singles. He became known as one of the music industry’s most significant producers as the years went by.
Swizz Beatz has earned a fortune with his collaborations as a fashion designer. He also has numerous endorsements and investments. Swiss Beatz and his wife, Alicia Keys, are known to be art collectors – their investments in numerous art works are expected to contribute to their joint net worth.
13. LL Cool J
Net Worth: $120 million
LL Cool J is an American rapper, songwriter, actor, producer, writer, and entrepreneur. He is one of the first hip-hop artists who were able to go mainstream. Today, he is currently known for his starring role in the TV series “NCIS: Los Angeles” and as the host of the celebrity game show, “Lip Sync Battle.”
LL Cool J stands for “Ladies Love Cool James.” LL Cool J has found success both in the music industry and in Hollywood. He also launched numerous clothing lines and authored books.
LL Cool J has 2 Grammy Award wins and 9 Grammy nominations. LL Cool J got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2016. He is the first rapper recognized at the Annual Kennedy Center Honors – an achievement considered to be the highest honor for American performers.
14. Birdman
Net Worth: $100 million
Birdman is an American rapper, producer, and entrepreneur. Birdman is known as the CEO and co-founder of Cash Money Records, the most successful hip-hop music label today.
Birdman started out in the industry as the co-owner of Cash Money Records. He eventually got into rapping when he formed a group called the “Big Tymers.” Eventually, he went solo, and his self-titled solo debut album peaked at #24 on the Billboard 200.
Birdman is known to live an extravagant lifestyle, and he is not afraid to show it. He is often seen wearing jewelry worth millions and has a fondness for buying cars.
15. Pitbull
Net Worth: $100 million
Pitbull is a Cuban-American rapper, songwriter, producer, actor, and entrepreneur. He is one of the most popular musical artists recognized worldwide. He has done many collaborations with some of the music industry’s biggest names, such as Usher, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and Ne-Yo.
Pitbull is well-known for his catchy singles and numerous collaborations. Pitbull has won 46 awards from different award-giving bodies. This includes one Grammy win for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album.
Pitbull has a lot of endorsements for companies like Bud Light, Dr. Pepper, and Kodak. Pitbull also launched a channel for Sirius in 2015 known as Pitbull’s Globalization Radio, customized to focus on Dance/DEM and R&B Hip-Hop hits from around the world.
16. Adam Horovitz aka Ad-Rock
Net Worth: $90 million
Adam Horovitz, aka Ad-Rock, is an American rapper, songwriter, guitarist, film score composer, producer, and actor. He is one of the pioneering members of the famous hip-hop group, the Beastie Boys. The Beastie Boys were recognized as having the first rap record that ever topped the Billboard 200 chart. The Beastie Boys were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
Aside from his work as a guitarist and rapper for the Beastie Boys, Adam also remixed a few tracks for other artists using the pseudonym “41 Small Stars.” Adam was also able to act in several films, TV shows, and documentaries. Adam also plays bass for the backing band of cabaret performer Bridget Everett.
Aside from his success as a musician and an actor, Adam teamed up with Keep, a vegan shoe company, to design a new sneaker.
17. Michael Diamon aka Mike D
Net Worth: $90 million
Michael Diamond, aka Mike D, is an American rapper, drummer, songwriter, film score composer, and actor. He is a founding member of the famous hip-hop group, the Beastie Boys.
The Beastie Boys started out as a punk band with original members Mike D, Adam Yauch, John Berry, and Kate Schellenbach. When John and Kate left the band, they welcomed Adam Horovitz and changed their image into a hip-hop band. The trio found success and has won three Grammy Awards as a group.
Mike D moved on from the band by going back to producing music and has been collaborating with various artists. He is an avid surfer and bought a massive estate in Malibu.
18. Timbaland
Net Worth: $85 million
Timbaland is an American rapper, songwriter, singer, producer, and disc jockey. He is currently known as a prominent producer for hip-hop and R&B artists.
Timbaland started out in the music industry as a disc jockey that went by the name DJ Tim. Missy Elliot heard Timbaland’s song and took him to New York. There, he was renamed Timbaland, inspired by Timberland, a brand of construction boots that was trendy during that time.
Timberland began producing hits and found success in the R&B and Pop industry during the late 90s. He produced hits for Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, Snoop Dogg, Aaliyah, Ludacris, Justin Timberlake, and many others. Timberland eventually started his own record label, Beat Club. Timbaland has won 15 awards from different award-giving bodies.
19. Akon
Net Worth: $80 million
Akon is a Senegalese-American rapper, singer, producer, songwriter, and producer. He is an extremely popular figure in the music industry. He has gained immense success not just as a musician but also as an entrepreneur.
Akon’s vocals could be recognized by anyone. He is the only solo artist in history who was able to occupy two spots on the Billboard Hot 100 simultaneously, and this happened twice. From then on, each album was a commercial success, and he has done various collaborations with big artists in the music industry. Akon garnered 36 awards from different award-giving bodies.
Akon has two clothing lines, Konvict Clothing and Aliaune. He is also well-known for his philanthropic work. He is currently working on a project to establish a futuristic city in his home nation, Senegal.
20. Nicki Minaj
Net Worth: $80 million
Nicki Minaj is a Trinidadian-American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actress. Nicki was discovered by Lil Wayne and has grown to be one of the most popular female rappers in the industry today.
Nikki has won 162 awards from different award-giving bodies. This includes 10 BET Awards, 6 American Music Awards, 4 Billboard Music Awards, and 3 MTV Video Music Awards. She has been nominated in the Grammy Awards a couple of times, but she has not won one yet.
Nikki also made a small fortune with her numerous endorsements. She also owns her own line of fragrances.
Summary of the net worth of the top 20 richest rappers in the world:
- Kanye West – $3.2 billion
- Jay-Z – $1 billion
- P Diddy $885 million
- Dr. Dre $820 million
- Eminem $230 million
- Pharrell Williams – $200 million
- Drake – $180 million
- User – $180 million
- Ice Cube – $160 million
- Lil Wayne – $150 million
- Snoop Dogg – $150 million
- Swizz Beatz – $150 million
- LL Cool J – $120 million
- Birdman – $100 million
- Pitbull – $100 million
- Adam Horovitz aka Ad-Rock – $90 million
- Michael Diamon aka Mike D – $90 million
- Timbaland – $85 million
- Akon – $80 million
- Nicki Minaj – $80 million
