Have you ever wondered who the world’s richest rappers are? We’re about to show you…
Not all artists have gained fortune just through music; the majority are also business tycoons, with significant interests in the music industry and other industries such as clothes, real estate, and beverages.
This article lists the 20 richest rappers in the world, their net worth as of 2022.
Top 20 Richest Rappers in the World and their Net Worth
1. Kanye West
Net Worth: $1.8 billion
Kanye West has surpassed Jay-Z to claim the top spot this year. Kanye began his career in the music industry as a producer, and he even wrote songs for some of the industry’s most recognized and prominent performers, like Jay-Z.
However, he desired success in rap and chose to pursue a career in music. His career took off in 2000 when he began producing for musicians signed to the American hip hop label Roc-A-Fella Records. He has sold over 150 million albums worldwide and has been nominated for 22 Grammy awards.
Apart from music, Kanye has a business interest in fashion and design, having cooperated with international luxury brand Louis Vuitton as well as marketing his own lines. From 2014 to 2021, he was married to Kim Kardashian.
2. Jay Z
Net Worth: $1.4 billion
Shawn Corey Carter, better known as Jay-Z, has fallen to second place on the list of the world’s wealthiest rappers this year. He became a member of the billionaire club in 2019. Jay-Z is a household name in the music industry, well recognized for his distinctive voice.
He is the first billionaire in hip-hop and the winner of 23 Grammy Awards. He has sold over fifty million albums and seventy-five million singles.
He invests in a variety of businesses, including apparel lines, beverages, and real estate. He also owns clubs, casinos, and a cannabis products company. He is married to Beyoncé, a well-known American singer.
3. Sean Combs / Diddy
Net Worth: $900 million
Sean Combs, also known as Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, or just Diddy, is a man who understands the business of money. Not only is he a successful rapper, but he is also a successful record executive, producer, and entrepreneur.
He has won three Grammy awards over his career. He owns his own clothing line, Sean John, and has commercial interests in hotels, beverages, and gaming platforms, among other things.
4. Dr. Dre
Net Worth: $780 million
Andre Romelle Young, better known as Dr. Dre, is an American rapper, producer, and entrepreneur. He is well known for his 1992 solo debut studio album ‘The Chronic.’ He earned more money as a producer than he did in his rap career.
He fostered and produced a number of well-known acts, including Eminem and Snoop Dogg. In 2014, he sold his ownership in Beats by Dr. Dre to Apple for a stunning $3 billion.
5. Eminem
Net Worth: $230 million
Marshall Mathers, a.k.a. Eminem, requires no introduction in the music industry; he is the real Slim Shady and the most popular white rapper universally accepted by music fans of every color and creed. Eminem began his career in 1996 and gained prominence in 1999 with the support of Dr. Dre.
He earned fifteen Grammy awards and was the world’s best-selling rap artist in the 2000s. Additionally, he has starred in numerous films, founded a record label, and has sponsored businesses such as Lipton and Chrysler.
6. Pharrell Williams
Net Worth: $200 million
Pharrell Williams is an American rapper who began his career in music in 1990 with the founding of The Neptunes production company.
He is the lead vocalist for N.E.R.D., a hip-hop and rock band. Pharrell has worked with notable musicians such as Jay-Z, Britney Spears, and Gwen Stefani as a record producer.
Pharrell has established his own shoe and clothing business. He creates sunglasses, jewelry, and footwear for various high-profile brands, including Adidas and Louis Vuitton.
7. Master P
Net Worth: $200 million
Percy Robert Miller, as Master P, is renowned for his enduring music and style. When his grandfather died, he received a $10,000 settlement and used it to purchase a record store in California. His record store, “No Limit Records,” ultimately became the basis for his own record company.
The earnings from this endeavor motivated him to pursue acting and film production. He was also a professional basketball and wrestler. Miller has recorded fifteen studio albums and has received numerous accolades over his career, including “Best Rap/Hip-Hop Artist” at the American Music Awards.
8. Drake
Net Worth: $180 million
Drake is one of the world’s highest-paid entertainers. He rose to prominence a decade ago when he recorded his first chart-topping single, “Best I Ever Had,” at the age of just 24.
Drake earned tremendous commercial success in 2010 with his debut studio album, “Thank Me Later,” which debuted at No. 1 in Canada and the United States. Indeed, it debuted at the top of the Billboard 100, the R&B/Hip Hop chart, and the US Rap chart.
Drake owns a whiskey company, a clothing line, and a sizable real estate holding. He travels on a private jet, appears in advertisements for Nike and Apple, and serves as a brand ambassador for the Toronto Raptors.
9. Usher
Net Worth: $180 million
Usher Raymond IV is an American singer and entrepreneur. Millions of music fans remember him for his sweet singing voice and dance movements. He has received eight Grammy Awards for his work and has sold more than 80 million recordings worldwide.
He is a co-owner of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers and the Tidal streaming service. He is also a co-founder of media business RBMG Records, a joint venture with talent manager Scooter Braun that produced Justin Bieber’s debut music recording.
10. Lil Wayne
Net Worth: $170 million
Dwayne Carter, better known as Lil Wayne, is a rapper and record executive from the United States of America. He has sold over 120 million records worldwide and has been nominated for five Grammy Awards.
He is regarded as one of the best rappers of all time, with a unique flow and a record of more top 100 hits than Elvis.
11. Ice Cube
Net Worth: $160 million
Ice Cube, real name O’Shea Jackson, is an American rapper, actor, and filmmaker who began writing rap songs at the age of 14.
Ice Cube began his solo career at the age of 21 and also appeared in the 1991 film “Boyz n the Hood.” He has written, starred in, and even directed several films.
12. Snoop Dog
Net Worth: $150 million
Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., a.k.a. Snoop Dogg, is a rapper, composer, and media personality from the United States of America.
He has sold over 35 million albums globally and is renowned for his ultra-smooth sound and melodious flow. He has also appeared in films and on television.
13. LL Cool J
Net Worth: $120 million
James Smith, better known as LL Cool J, rose to prominence with the chart-topping success of his track “I Need a Beat.”
He had multiple chart-topping singles in the 1990s and was one of the most sought-after rap musicians of all time. He has appeared in a number of films and worked on television series.
14. Birdman
Net Worth: $100 million
Bryan Christopher Williams, nicknamed Birdman, is a rapper and record executive from the United States of America. He is a member of Big Tymers, a hip-hop duo.
He collaborated on music recordings with well-known performers such as Lil Wayne, Jacquees, and Juvenile. He’s also tried his hand at oil and gas exploration as well as starting a clothes company.
15. Nicki Minaj
Net Worth: $100 million
Nicki Minaj is the only female rapper to make the top 20 richest rappers list. She was rejected from 15 jobs in a row due to her rudeness.
She was later founded by Lil Wayne, and her rap career took off from there. She worked so hard to establish herself as a pop phenomenon.
16. Mike D
Net Worth: $90 million
Mike D, whose real name is Michael Diamond, is an American rapper and co-founder of the hip hop group Beastie Boys. He served as the band’s MC, singer, and drummer.
After Ad-rock joined the band, the band began to transition from punk to hip hop. Apart from music, Mike is passionate about home design.
17. Ad-Rock
Net Worth: $90 million
Ad rock is best known for his work with the Beastie Boys. He has a distinctive, high-pitched voice, which is uncommon in rap.
Throughout his 30-year career, he earned not only money but also recognition and fame.
18. Pitbull
Net Worth: $90 million
Pitbull, whose real name is Armando Christian Perez, is an American rapper and singer who began his career recording reggaeton, Latin hip hop, and other genres of music. His career took off when he entered the pop industry.
He has sold over 25 million albums and about 100 million singles worldwide. Additionally, he owns a vodka company, a radio station, and an auto racing NASCAR team.
Timbaland
19. Timbaland
Net Worth: $80 million
Timbaland, whose real name is Timothy Zachary Mosley, began his career as DJ Tim. DJ Tim has changed his name to Timbaland and started a career in production with the support of Missy Elliot.
He has written and produced songs for various well-known musicians, including Missy, Madonna, J-Lo, Jay-Z, L’il Kim, and Justin Timberlake.
20. Kendrick Lamar
Net Worth: $75 million
Kendrick Lamar is a Grammy Award-winning rapper and songwriter from the United States. He is a member of Black Hippy, a hip-hop group.
Additionally, he has been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, a Brit Award, and eleven MTV Video Music Awards.
Who is your favorite of the richest rappers in the world? Leave a comment below.