Who are the richest rappers in the world?
Hip-hop artists have set new records in the music industry, selling millions of albums worldwide and helping shape the genre for a new generation.
This article covers the icons of the hip-hop scene, including household names such as Lil Wayne, Eminem, and Kanye West.
Table of Contents
The Top 50 Richest Rappers in the World
The best-selling albums and singles, as well as business ventures and investments, have all been explored to bring you this definitive guide to the most successful rappers of all time.
Here’s our list of the 50 richest rappers in the world:
50. Quavo
Net Worth: $28 Million
Rapper, songwriter, and record producer Quavo is well-known as a member of the hip-hop trio Migos, releasing three studio albums with the group.
In 2018 he released his debut solo album, Quavo Huncho, which reached number 2 on the American Billboard 200 charts.
He began dating Saweetie in 2018, with a video emerging in 2020 showing the two in a physical altercation.
As of August 2024, Quavo’s net worth is estimated to be $28 Million.
49. Offset
Net Worth: $28 Million
Offset is another member of the group Migos, along with Quavo and Takeoff, with a net worth of $26 million through his record sales.
Born Kiari Kendrell Cephus, Offset is Quavo’s cousin, with the stars growing up listening to hip hop performers including Gucci Mane, Lil Wayne, and Master P.
In addition to his work in the music industry, Offset has appeared in campaigns for fashion designers including Bryce Barnes, and Lavati.
As of August 2024, Offset’s net worth is estimated to be $28 Million.
48. Soulja Boy
Net Worth: $10 Million
Soulja Boy found success with the release of his hit debut single Crank That (Soulja Boy), which hit the top spot of the charts in 2007.
His platinum-selling debut album, Souljaboytellem.com, followed that year, with further albums Loyalty and How Can You Blame Me? securing his reputation as a leading hip-hop artist.
Once noted for his facial tattoos, Soulja Boy had these removed in 2020 so he could more easily make the move into acting.
As of August 2024, Soulja Boy’s net worth is estimated to be $10 Million.
47. Lil Jon
Net Worth: $30 Million
American rapper, record producer, and actor Lil Jon formed Lil Jon and The East Side Boyz in 1996, beginning his productive career in the music industry.
Singles such as Get Low and Freek-a-Leek both hit the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, while Yeah! Yeah! won Best Rap Performance at the Grammy Awards.
A pioneer of the crunk subgenre of hip-hop, Lil Jon has diverse investments including a line of Oakley shades, an energy drink, and a wine company.
As of August 2024, Lil Jon’s net worth is estimated to be $30 Million.
46. G-Dragon
Net Worth: $30 Million
South Korean rapper, producer, and model G-Dragon, born Kwon Ji-Yong, is the leader of the hip-hop boy band Big Bang.
A performer since the age of eight, G-Dragon moved away from Big Bang in 2009 to begin his debut solo career with the album Heartbreaker.
One of South Korea’s highest-paid celebrity endorsers, G-Dragon’s influence extends beyond the music industry into fashion and culture.
As of August 2024, G-Dragon’s net worth is estimated to be $30 Million.
45. Big Boi
Net Worth: $30 Million
American rapper Big Boi is perhaps best known for being one half of the duo Outkast along with rapper Andre 3000.
With six studio albums under their belt, Outkast has sold over 25 million albums worldwide, five of them achieving platinum status and one diamond.
Big Boi has picked up an impressive 18 Grammy Awards nominations, including a win for Best Rap Performance, Big Boi’s other awards include four American Music Awards and three Soul Train Music Awards.
As of August 2024, Big Boi’s net worth is estimated to be $30 Million.
44. Andre 3000
Net Worth: $35 Million
Big Boi’s partner in Outkast, Andre 3000, has been frequently listed as one of the greatest rappers in the world, as well as a pioneering record producer.
In addition to the many hits he’s enjoyed under the Outkast brand, Andre 3000 is a successful solo musician and entrepreneur with his clothing line.
A successful actor, he’s appeared in movies with some of the richest actors in the world, including Four Brothers with Mark Wahlberg, as well as hit television shows such as The Shield and Families.
As of August 2024, Andre 3000’s net worth is estimated to be $35 Million.
43. Future
Net Worth: $50 Million
Hip-hop rapper and singer Future, whose real name is Nayvadius DeMun Wilburn, began his career in 2010 by releasing mix tapes and was signed to Epic Records the following year.
The mixtape Streetz Calling was followed by his first album, Pluto, which included four hit singles that charted near the top spot on the American hip-hop charts.
In 2019, Future won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance for his work on the track, King’s Dead, which was featured in the blockbuster Marvel movie, Black Panther.
As of August 2024, Future’s net worth is estimated to be $50 Million.
42. Darryl McDaniels
Net Worth: $40 Million
Darryl McDaniels is best known by hip-hop fans as DMC and is one of the founding members of the iconic rap group Run-D.M.C. along with Joseph Simmons and Jason Mizell.
A prolific producer and songwriter, he released his solo album Checks Thugs and Rock n Roll in 2006, co-founding his own record label, IME Records, in 2011.
His long and illustrious career in the music industry earned McDaniels a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, marking him as one of the most successful rappers in the world.
As of August 2024, Darryl McDaniels’s net worth is estimated to be $40 Million.
41. Daddy Yankee
Net Worth: $40 Million
One of the most successful rappers working today, Daddy Yankee has sold over 30 million records over a career spanning three decades.
Born in Puerto Rico, he began rapping at the age of thirteen and appeared on numerous mixtapes by DJ Playero throughout the 1990s.
A leading figure in the Reggaeton genre, Daddy Yankee has released multiple solo albums and became the most-watched person on YouTube for his Despacito music video.
As of August 2024, Daddy Yankee’s net worth is estimated to be $40 Million.
40. Cardi B
Net Worth: $80 Million
American rapper, singer, producer, and reality television star Cardi B launched to fame after her Instagram account went viral and gained over 100 million followers.
After appearing on the VH1 reality television series Love & Hip Hop: New York in 2015, Cardi B went on to produce music, signing to Atlantic Records in 2017.
One of the richest female rappers in the world, she’s also appeared in movies including the Jennifer Lopez crime comedy Hustlers, released in 2019.
As of August 2024, Cardi B’s net worth is estimated to be $80 Million.
39. 50 Cent
Net Worth: $40 Million
Rapper, producer, and actor 50 Cent rose to fame after he was discovered by Eminem in 2002, who hooked the rapper up with Dr. Dre and secured a $1 million record deal.
His 2003 album, Get Rich or Die Trying, catapulted 50 Cent into the spotlight, debuting at number 1 on the Billboard charts with nearly 1 million copies sold in a few days.
He’s also appeared in several movies, including Escape Plan with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, and the Al Pacino movie, Righteous Kill.
50 Cent’s net worth reached over $100 million at one point in his career, but his lavish spending habits combined with a series of lawsuits have seen this sum come down to $40 Million.
As of August 2024, 50 Cent’s net worth is estimated to be $40 Million.
38. Rick Ross
Net Worth: $45 Million
With millions of albums and single sales under his belt, rapper, producer, and record executive Rick Ross is one of the most successful rappers in the world.
The release of his debut single Hustlin’ led to a multimillion-dollar deal with Jay-Z’s Def Jam Records, which was followed by two albums that hit the number one spot on the Billboard album charts.
Owner of some of the most expensive watches you can buy, Rick Ross also has an extensive property portfolio including a $5.2 million mansion in Florida.
As of August 2024, Rick Ross’ net worth is estimated to be $45 Million.
37. Post Malone
Net Worth: $45 Million
Post Malone first gained recognition with his single White Inversion, which featured his signature blending of hip-hop with country and rock music.
After signing to Republic Records in 2015, Malone collaborated with Kanye West on the single Fade, significantly enhancing his reputation.
In 2018, Post Malone smashed the record previously held by Michael Jackson for the most weeks on the Billboard charts with his single Stoney.
As of August 2024, Post Malone’s net worth is estimated to be $45 Million.
36. Common
Net Worth: $45 Million
American rapper Common’s studio album Like Water for Chocolate brought him international recognition and was to mark a consistent run as a producer of high-quality hip-hop music.
In addition to his music career, Common has enjoyed a successful career as an actor, appearing in movies including Suicide Squad, Now You See Me, and the Christian Bale movie, Terminator Salvation.
His net worth of $45 million has been increased thanks to his film production company called Freedom Road Productions, which produces movies in collaboration with Amazon Studios.
As of August 2024, Common’s net worth is estimated to be $45 Million.
35. Chamillionaire
Net Worth: $50 Million
The aptly-named rapper and entrepreneur Chamillionaire has earned a net worth of $50 million over the course of his career, much of it through his company Chamillitary Entertainment.
Real name Hakeem Seriki, he’s worked with rapper Paul Wall on a variety of projects before releasing his solo album The Sound of Revenge in 2005.
Lil Ken and Troy Henry are two of the prominent artists who have released music through his Chamillitary Entertainment label, while other business ventures include Cruise Automation, which designed self-driving car technology.
As of August 2024, Chamillionaire’s net worth is estimated to be $50 Million.
34. Chad Hugo
Net Worth: $55 Million
American rapper, musician, and record producer Chad Hugo is the working partner of Pharrell Williams, with whom he has written and produced a range of songs.
Together with Williams, Hugo has produced music for a broad range of artists including Jay-Z, which critics have celebrated for their unique sounds.
Known collectively as The Neptunes, Hugo and Williams were awarded the Producer of the Year accolades at the Billboard Music Awards and The Source Awards.
As of August 2024, Chad Hugo’s net worth is estimated to be $55 Million.
33. PSY
Net Worth: $60 Million
Born Park Jae-Sang, South Korean rapper PSY became an international sensation with the release of his single Gangnam Style in 2012.
One of the most-viewed music videos in the history of YouTube, the track smashed established acts including Katy Perry and Justin Bieber off the top of the charts.
Much of his net worth came from this song, as well as a series of endorsement deals that PSY signed to in the wake of the song’s success.
As of August 2024, PSY’s net worth is estimated to be $60 Million.
32. Travis Scott
Net Worth: $60 Million
Travis Scott is one of the most popular rappers in the world, earning around $50 per year when touring and from his record sales and endorsements.
He released his first studio album, Rodeo, in 2015, and has since gone on to pick up various accolades at the BET Hip Hop Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and the Grammy Awards.
Scott began dating Kylie Jenner in 2017, and the two had a daughter together, Stormi Webster, before splitting up in 2019.
As of August 2024, Travis Scott’s net worth is estimated to be $60 Million.
31. Joseph Simmons AKA Rev Run
Net Worth: $60 Million
Another founding member of the iconic hip-hop act Run-D.M.C. is Joseph Simmons, whose career had a second life in the mid-2000s thanks to the reality TV series, Run’s House.
Simmons’s hip-hop career began before Run-D.M.C. was founded, but the group’s success is where much of his impressive $60 million net worth is drawn from.
A prolific actor, Joseph Simmons has appeared in TV shows including The Last O.G., Grounded for Life, and All About the Washingtons on Netflix.
As of August 2024, Rev Run’s net worth is estimated to be $60 Million.
30. J. Cole
Net Worth: $60 Million
Rapper, record producer, and songwriter J. Cole began his career in the music industry when he was signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation record label in 2007.
Platinum-certified albums soon followed, including 2011’s The Sideline Story, which Cole produced while touring as the supporting act for Drake.
His fifth album, KOD, topped the Billboard 200 in 2018, which was also his fifth number 1 album in a career of successive hits.
As of August 2024, J. Cole’s net worth is estimated to be $60 Million.
29. Akon
Net Worth: $60 Million
Aliaune Thiam, known by his stage name Akon, achieved fame for his songs Smack That and Locked Up, launching a hugely successful solo career in the music business.
A string of best-selling albums solidified his presence with collaborations with Snoop Dogg and Eminem, along with his work as a producer helping up-and-coming artists establish their name.
His clothing line Konvict Clothing was launched in 2008, and his songs have been reportedly used for ringtones more than any other artist in the world.
As of August 2024, Akon’s net worth is estimated to be $60 Million.
28. Ice T
Net Worth: $65 Million
Ice T, born Tracy Lauren Marrow, began his music career after DJing at parties, putting his criminal past behind him with the release of his single, Cold Wind Madness.
A trio of albums in the late 1980s was each certified gold by the RIAA, while his 1991 hip-hop masterpiece, O.G. Original Gangster, is widely considered to be the founding record of gangsta rap.
Ice T has also enjoyed a successful acting career, appearing in a regular role for the series Law and Order: Special Victims Unit and winning an NAACP Image Award for his performance.
As of August 2024, Ice T’s net worth is estimated to be $65 Million.
27. Wiz Khalifa
Net Worth: $70 Million
American rapper and actor Wiz Khalifa released his first mixtape in 2005, but it was his debut album Show and Prove that was to gain his attention, released the following year.
After a stint at Warner Bros. Records, Khalifa released numerous studio albums throughout the 2010s, helping to push his net worth up to its current $70 million.
An outspoken supporter of marijuana, Khalifa claims to spend $10,000 each month on the drug, joining the ranks of Snoop Dogg as a public advocate for smoking weed.
As of August 2024, Wiz Khalifa’s net worth is estimated to be $70 Million.
26. Will.I.Am
Net Worth: $70 Million
Will.I.Am’s net worth of $70 million has been earned through a combination of rapping, record production, and his many appearances on television shows.
One of the founding members of the band The Black Eyed Peas, his career includes several hit albums and singles, both with the group and as a solo artist.
A regular judge on the television show The Voice, Will.I.Am has also appeared in movies including Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa with Ben Stiller, Date Night, and the Rio animated movies.
As of August 2024, Will.I.Am’s net worth is estimated to be $70 Million.
25. Nas
Net Worth: $70 Million
Nas became a sensation in the hip-hop community in 1994 with the release of his debut album Illmatic, which earned the best album of the year accolade from The Source magazine.
In addition to his music production, Nas has made considerable money as a venture capitalist, investing in emerging technologies through the firm QueensBridge Venture Partners.
Other business activities include Sweet Chick, a chicken and waffle restaurant, and shares in Coinbase.
As of August 2024, Nas’ net worth is estimated to be $70 Million.
24. Kendrick Lamar
Net Worth: $75 Million
Rapper Kendrick Lamar began performing at the age of sixteen, before signing with Top Dawg Entertainment in the early 2000s and releasing a string of mixtapes and singles.
His 2015 album, To Pimp A Butterfly, was an international smash hit, topping multiple Albums of the Year lists and earning the rapper five Grammy Awards including Best Rap Album.
Lamar has also met some of the richest politicians in the world over the course of his career, including a meeting with Barack Obama at the White House.
This success and other album and single sales have pushed Kendrick Lamar’s net worth to $75 million, with the star earning $10 million in 2021.
As of August 2024, Kendrick Lamar’s net worth is estimated to be $75 Million.
23. DJ Khaled
Net Worth: $75 Million
DJ Khaled, whose real name is Khaled Mohamed Khaled, is an American rapper, record producer, and label executive with a net worth of $75 million.
As well as his music production credits, DJ Khaled is the host of a radio show for WEDR and the DJ for Terror Squad, a hip-hop group.
Much of his net worth has come from a series of endorsements for companies that include Apple, Weight Watchers, and T-Mobile Ciroc.
As of August 2024, DJ Khaled’s net worth is estimated to be $75 Million.
22. Timbaland
Net Worth: $85 Million
Timbaland is a rapper and producer with a net worth of $85 million, whose production credits include tracks by artists Ginuwine, Aaliyah, and Missy Elliot.
Initially releasing music through his Beat Club record label, Timbaland has also produced albums for Madonna and Chris Cornell, displaying a remarkable degree of versatility.
Timbaland has also worked to pass on his production knowledge to the next generation, hosting Masterclass courses from 2019.
As of August 2024, Timbaland’s net worth is estimated to be $85 Million.
21. Michael Diamond AKA Mike D
Net Worth: $100 Million
Beastie Boys co-founder Michael Diamond, who goes by the performing name Mike D, is a musician and producer with a long track record in the music industry.
In addition to his role in the Beastie Boys, Diamond has provided remixes for artists including Moby and Bjork.
His music career has included several chart-topping releases, with the combined discography from the Beastie Boys selling over 40 million albums worldwide.
As of August 2024, Mike D’s net worth is estimated to be $100 Million.
20. Adam Horovitz AKA Ad-Rock
Net Worth: $100 Million
Adam Horovitz, also known as Ad-Rock, is the co-founder of the Beastie Boys along with Michael Diamond, and a successful producer in his own right.
For his role in the success of the Beastie Boys and other music ventures, Horovitz was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
In addition to remixing productions, he’s also appeared in several movies, including While We’re Young, Golden Exits, and Roadside Prophets.
As of August 2024, Ad-Rock’s net worth is estimated to be $100 Million.
19. Pitbull
Net Worth: $100 Million
Cuban-American rapper Pitbull’s career began in the early 2000s working with Lil Jon, releasing his debut album M.I.A.M.I. in 2004 to commercial and critical acclaim.
His album Planet Pitt, released in 2011, reached number 9 on the Billboard charts, expanding his exposure and increasing his net worth.
His combined record sales have reached millions of copies worldwide, and he has opened for megastars such as Britney Spears and Enrique Iglesias.
As of August 2024, Pitbull’s net worth is estimated to be $100 Million.
18. Nicki Minaj
Net Worth: $150 Million
Nicki Minaj was discovered by rapper Lil Wayne, launching her career as a rapper and actress that would earn her a string of music industry awards over the following years.
After releasing her first mixtape in 2007, Playtime Is Over, Minaj’s first studio album, Pink Friday, sold over 4 million copies around the world.
Thanks to her combined record sales and endorsements, and roles in films including The Other Woman starring Cameron Diaz, Nicki Minaj’s net worth is an impressive $150 Million.
As of August 2024, Nicki Minaj’s net worth is estimated to be $150 Million.
17. LL Cool J
Net Worth: $120 Million
One of the most iconic and revolutionary hip-hop performers of his generation, LL Cool J helped to bring the genre into the mainstream.
His rapping career through Def Jam Recordings included several singles and albums that achieved platinum status, making him one of the most sought-after rap artists of the time.
Movie roles have earned him a place on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with the hip-hop star currently appearing in the hit show, NCIS: Los Angeles.
As of August 2024, LL Cool J’s net worth is estimated to be $120 Million.
16. Swizz Beatz
Net Worth: $150 Million
American hip-hop artist and music producer Swizz Beatz has a net worth of $150 Million, which represents his combined earnings along with his wife, Alicia Keys.
His music career has seen Beatz produce tracks for a range of mainstream labels, including Def Jam, Atlantic, Epic, and Bad Boy Entertainment.
He’s invested money in some of the most expensive houses in the world, with his net worth further increased thanks to his extensive collection of valuable artwork.
As of August 2024, Swizz Beatz’s net worth is estimated to be $150 Million.
15. Snoop Dogg
Net Worth: $160 Million
Multi-talented rapper, songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur is among the most famous rappers in the world and has been producing music since the 1990s.
He released his debut album Doggystyle in 1993 for Death Row Records, acquiring the rights to the label in 2022 and consolidating his already exceptional net worth of $150 million.
His vast wealth has been expanded by a series of endorsements, including for Chrysler 200, Boost Mobile, and Orbit Gum, as well as cameos in movies including Pitch Perfect 2 starring Anna Kendrick.
As of August 2024, Snoop Dogg’s net worth is estimated to be $160 Million.
14. Ronald Slim Williams
Net Worth: $150 Million
Music producer and entrepreneur Ronald Slim Williams, also known as The Godfather, co-founded his successful record label Cash Money Records in 1991.
The label’s success came thanks to the hit records from artists such as Drake, Lil Wayne, Young Thug, and Nicki Minaj, each of whom has released platinum-selling albums via his platform.
Williams also has considerable investments in real estate, and in 2012 he purchased the largest home in South Florida for an impressive $7.15 million.
As of August 2024, Ronald Slim Williams’ net worth is estimated to be $150 Million.
13. Birdman
Net Worth: $150 Million
Bryan Christopher Brooks, also known as Birdman, is the co-founder of Cash Money Records along with his brother Ronald Williams, as well as a rapper in his own right.
The brothers made their fortune when Cash Money Records signed up to the Universal Music Group with a $30 million contract while still retaining creative control over the label’s output.
Birdman increased his net worth through ventures outside the music industry, including his energy company Bronald Oil, which he launched in 2010.
As of August 2024, Birdman’s net worth is estimated to be $150 Million.
12. Ice Cube
Net Worth: $160 Million
Rapper, producer, and actor Ice Cube is one of the original founders of the West Coast gangsta rap movement, earning fame and fortune in the group NWA.
In addition to his exceptional career as a rapper and producer, Ice Cube has produced and starred in a series of films such as Three Kings with George Clooney and Boyz n the Hood.
Ice Cube also has his own clothing line, Solo by Cube, and has worked as Coors Light beer’s spokesman since 2011.
As of August 2024, Ice Cube’s net worth is estimated to be $160 Million.
11. Lil Wayne
Net Worth: $170 Million
Lil Wayne is an American rapper and producer who has worked in the music industry under a range of names including Young Tune, Dr. Carter, and Tunechi.
With over 100 million record sales throughout his career, Lil Wayne has surpassed Elvis Presley with the most entries of all time on the Billboard Top 100 charts.
Founder of the record label Young Money Entertainment, Lil Wayne was responsible for signing Nicki Minaj and Drake, selling the label for $100 million in 2020.
His music has been used on the soundtrack to several movies, including The Suicide Squad starring Will Smith and Margot Robbie.
As of August 2024, Lil Wayne’s net worth is estimated to be $170 Million.
10. Usher
Net Worth: $180 Million
With over 75 million record sales around the world, rapper and producer Usher is one of the best-selling hip-hop artists of all time, with a net worth of $180 million.
The co-founder of Justin Bieber‘s record company, RBMG Records, Usher achieved gold and platinum sales for multiple releases including the album Nice & Slow and Confessions.
His charity New Look was established to help young people gain education and real-world experience to succeed in life, and in 2015 he donated over $500,000 to scholarships for black students.
As of August 2024, Usher’s net worth is estimated to be $180 Million.
9. Master P
Net Worth: $200 Million
Master P is an American rapper and business investor who found fame in the 1990s with the albums Mr. Ice Cream Man and Ghetto D, the latter of which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard charts.
Much of his net worth of $200 million has come from a series of entrepreneurial investments, including record labels, clothing lines, a travel agency, and a film production company.
The first hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, he’s picked up awards at the American Music Awards and has been ranked on BET’s list of Most Influential Rappers of All Time.
As of August 2024, Master P’s net worth is estimated to be $200 Million.
8. Eminem
Net Worth: $250 Million
One of the highest-paid rappers in the world, Eminem gained recognition in the Detroit hip-hop scene before meeting Dr. Dre in 1998.
This discovery ignited his hugely successful career, with the 2000s release of The Marshall Mathers LP becoming the fastest-selling hip-hop album at the time, selling more than 21 million copies.
With total album sales reaching close to 200 million copies, Eminem’s significant net worth has been further enhanced through his media appearances, including the starring role in the film 8 Mile and a cameo in the Seth Rogen comedy, The Interview.
As of August 2024, Eminem’s net worth is estimated to be $250 Million.
7. Pharrell Williams
Net Worth: $250 Million
Multi-talented record producer, singer, and fashion designer Pharrell Williams has earned his $250 million net worth both as a producer for other artists and a singer in his own right.
After performing with The Neptunes, Williams launched his solo career with the album In My Mind, while also producing tracks for Beyonce, Madonna, and Britney Spears.
Williams also designs jewelry for Louis Vitton, one of the most expensive handbag brands in the world, as well as a range of sunglasses for Moncler.
As of August 2024, Pharrell Williams’ net worth is estimated to be $250 Million.
6. Drake
Net Worth: $250 Million
Rapper and producer Drake is one of the richest rappers in the world working today, with an estimated total income of $430 million over the course of his career.
Much of this huge income comes through his deal with Universal Music Group, with the hip hop megastar earning $1 million for a single concert.
With more digital singles sold than any other artist in history, Drake outperforms Rihanna by 40 million sales, for a total sales of 163 million digital singles so far.
He made many media appearances over his career, including with one of the richest comedians in the world on the Jimmy Kimmel late-night chat show.
As of August 2024, Drake’s net worth is estimated to be $250 Million.
5. Russell Simmons
Net Worth: $340 Million
Entrepreneur and record executive Russell Simmons is the co-founder of Def Jam Records who helped groups such as Run-D.M.C. achieve international fame.
An astute businessman, Simmons’s other business ventures include the production company called Simmons Lathans Media Group, a clothing line, and pre-paid debit card company Unirush LLC.
The sale of half of the Def Jam Records to Polygram alone earned him $130 million, helping Simmons reach a net worth of $340 Million in total.
As of August 2024, Russell Simmons’s net worth is estimated to be $340 Million.
4. Kanye West
Net Worth: $400 Million
Once valued at $2 billion, Kanye West’s antics caused him to lose most of that wealth.
Despite Adidas, among others, cutting ties with the rapper, he’s still managed to stay in the top 5.
Kanye West earned his vast wealth through fashion design and business ventures, as well as his long career in the music industry.
Currently releasing music under the moniker Ye, West’s extensive back catalog of music has sold millions of copies worldwide to critical acclaim, and includes collaborations with some of the richest singers in the world.
As of August 2024, Kanye West’s net worth is estimated to be $400 Million.
3. Dr. Dre
Net Worth: $500 Million
One of the most successful performers in modern history with a net worth on par with the richest rock stars in the world, Dr. Dre helped define the hip-hop scene beginning in the 1990s with the group NWA.
As well as selling millions of albums as a performer in his own right, he helped launch the careers of iconic rappers including Eminem and 50 Cent through his label Aftermath Entertainment.
Much of his $500 million net worth is due to his headphone company Beats By Dre, which he sold to Apple for $3 billion in 2014.
Outside of the music industry, Dr. Dre has appeared in various movies, including with Denzel Washington in Training Day.
As of August 2024, Dr. Dre’s net worth is estimated to be $500 Million.
2. P Diddy
Net Worth: $900 Million
Rapper, singer, producer, and entrepreneur P Diddy is best known as the founder of the record label Bad Boy Entertainment, through which millions of records have been sold worldwide.
Born Sean John Combs, P Diddy launched the career of hip-hop legend The Notorious B.I.G., AKA Biggie Smalls, while selling his own music through his moniker Puff Daddy.
As an actor, P Diddy has had roles in movies including Made with Vince Vaughn, Get Him to the Greek with Russell Brand, and The Defiant Ones, and he also has his own Sean John clothing line which he launched in 1998.
As of August 2024, P Diddy’s net worth is estimated to be $900 Million.
1. Jay-Z
Net Worth: $2.5 Billion
The first hip-hop billionaire of all time, Jay-Z is once again the richest rapper in the world, having founded the record label Roc-A-Fella in 1996.
Famous for his marriage to Beyonce, Jay-Z has enjoyed immense success with his own music output and is known for his lavish lifestyle which includes some of the most expensive cars in the world such as the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud.
His long list of accolades includes BET Hip-Hop Awards for lyricist and ‘Hustler of the Year’, as well as a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance in 2005.
As of August 2024, Jay-Z’s net worth is estimated to be $2.5 Billion.
Summary
That wraps up this guide to the richest rappers in the world, exploring the hit tracks and business ventures that helped them amass incredible wealth.
As the net worth of these rappers continues to change over time, we’ll update this article to reflect the most accurate information, so be sure to check back in the future.
Here’s a quick recap of the 50 richest rappers in the world:
- Jay-Z
- P Diddy
- Dr. Dre
- Kanye West
- Russell Simmons
- Drake
- Pharrell Williams
- Eminem
- Master P
- Usher
- Lil Wayne
- Ice Cube
- Birdman
- Ronald Slim Williams
- Snoop Dogg
- Swizz Beatz
- LL Cool J
- Nicki Minaj
- Pitbull
- Adam Horovitz AKA Ad-Rock
- Michael Diamond AKA Mike D
- Timbaland
- DJ Khaled
- Kendrick Lamar
- Nas
- Will.I.Am
- Wiz Khalifa
- Ice T
- Akon
- J. Cole
- Joseph Simmons AKA Rev Run
- Travis Scott
- PSY
- Chad Hugo
- Chamillionaire
- Common
- Post Malone
- Rick Ross
- 50 Cent
- Cardi B
- Daddy Yankee
- Darryl McDaniels
- Future
- Andre 3000
- Big Boi
- G-Dragon
- Lil Jon
- Soulja Boy
- Offset
- Quavo