The world of rape hits different in a music genre. Rappers have different lifestyles, music approaches, and vocals. Although there are hundreds of rappers in the world who produce songs for their audience, some are popular, but some do not get the fame.
These rappers have gone from writing rhymes in small studios to building multi-million and even billion-dollar empires. Jay-Z is at the top of the list with $2.5 billion.
So, what are other rappers who earned millions? In this guide, I have discussed the richest rappers who have earned a good fortune along with fame.
Top Richest Rappers in the World (Male)
1. Jay-Z
- Net Worth: $2.5 Billion
- Age: 55
- Full Name: Shawn Corey Carter
- Nationality: American
- Popular Raps: Dead Presidents II, D’Evils, Where I’m From
Jay-Z (Shawn Corey Carter) is the world’s richest rapper and wealthiest musician globally. He is not just a music legend but also a smart businessman who has invested in businesses.
With a net worth of around $2.5 billion, most of his money comes from his companies, like Roc Nation, Armand de Brignac champagne, and D’Ussé cognac.
Of course, he’s also behind some of the biggest rap hits ever. Jay is living proof that hip-hop and smart business can make you a billionaire.
2. Dr. Dre
- Net Worth: $500 million
- Age: 60
- Full Name: André Romell Young
- Nationality: American
- Popular Raps: Still D.R.E.,” “The Next Episode,” and “Forgot About Dre
Dr. Dre is the second richest rapper with an estimated net worth of $500 million. He is one of hip-hop’s most respected producers. He started his career with N.W.A. and later founded Aftermath Entertainment, where he helped launch stars like Eminem and 50 Cent.
His biggest financial success came from selling Beats by Dre to Apple for billions. Today, he remains a key figure in rap history.
3. Kanye West (YE)
- Net Worth: $400 million
- Age: 48
- Full name: Kanye Omari West
- Nationality: American
- Popular Raps: “Stronger,” “POWER,” “Gold Digger,” “Jesus Walks,” and “Runaway”
Kanye West once had a billionaire status and surpassed Jay-Z as the richest rapper alive. Although his net worth dropped after losing major partnerships, Ye still has an estimated fortune of around $400 million.
The Yeezy brand, which he has sole ownership of, is a major component of his estimated net worth. However, his extensive music catalog and production work have contributed to his wealth.
4. Diddy
- Net Worth: $400 million
- Age: 55
- Full Name: Sean John Combs
- Nationality: American
- Popular Raps: “I’ll Be Missing You,” “Mo Money Mo Problems,” “It’s All About the Benjamins,”
Diddy (Sean John Combs) is an American rapper, record producer, and record executive. He is a wealthy musician with a net worth of $400 million. He started out as a talent director at Uptown Records before launching his own label, Bad Boy Records, in the 1990s. That move changed hip-hop forever.
He launched his clothing brand Sean John, got into the liquor business with Cîroc vodka, and later added DeLeón Tequila and AQUAhydrate water to his portfolio. These business moves earned him hundreds of millions of dollars over the years.
5. Drake
- Net Worth: $400 million
- Age: 38
- Full Name: Aubrey Drake Graham
- Nationality: Canadian
- Popular Raps: “God’s Plan,” “In My Feelings,” “Best I Ever Had,” “One Dance,”
Drake is another famous American rapper who has earned a good fortune through his rap career.
He is dubbed the “undisputed king of the streaming era” due to his record-breaking numbers on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. He had made money through album sales, his status as the most famous rapper.
Drake not just earned through his music career but also from a high-stakes record label (OVO Sound), fashion line brand endorsement.
6. Eminem
- Net Worth: $250 million
- Age: 53
- Full Name: Marshall Bruce Mathers III
- Nationality: American
- Popular Raps: “Lose Yourself,” “Without Me,” “The Real Slim Shady,” “Stan,”
Eminem is the most controversial and best-selling artist of the early 21st century. He has sold almost 220 million records, that are more than any other rapper.
Eminem’s Shady Records also has a huge impact on his success and wealth. His movie, 8 Mile, was also a hit, which adds money to his pocket. Endorsement, licensing, and tours also brought millions to him. He is quite private and does not show off like other rappers.
7. Pharrell Williams
- Net Worth: $250
- Age: 52
- Full Name: Pharrell Lanscilo Williams
- Nationality: American
- Popular Raps: “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” “Money Maker,” and “Alright”
Pharrell Williams is famous for his lyrical abilities and “hardest rap verses.” He is one of the creative rapper who always try to find new ways and vocals. Williams is also a fashion designer, which shows how creative he is.
He produces the family-friendly songs that touch the heart of every person. However, currently he is less active as a musician as he is doing his role as Men’s Creative Director of Louis Vuitton. Further, his fashion brand Billionaire Boys is also contributing to his net worth.
8. Master P
- Net Worth: $200
- Age: 55
- Full Name: Percy Robert Miller
- Nationality: American
- Popular Raps: “Make Em Say Uhh,” “Bout It, Bout It II,” “How Ya Do Dat,”
Master P is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. Along with his music career, he started his business in his early days of his career, which resulted in $200 million net worth.
He produces many hit albums that become no 1. He founded the record label No Limit Records in 1991, which produced music for him and other musicians. P has had an interest in real estate, and he is the owner of many restaurants, which adds to his worth.
9. Usher
- Net Worth: $180 million
- Age: 47
- Full Name: Usher Raymond IV
- Nationality: American
- Popular Raps: “Confessions Part II Remix”, “Throwback”, “Yeah!”
Usher is recognized as an influential figure in contemporary R&B, known for his smooth vocals and sensual ballads.
His many records topped the Billboard and he sold almost 75 million records in his career. These records, tours, and live performances have contributed to his wealth. He has also invested in some tech firms, real estate businesses, and brands to double his income.
10. Snoop Dogg
- Net Worth: $160 million
- Age: 54
- Full Name: Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr
- Nationality: American
- Popular Raps: “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” “Gin and Juice,” “Young, Wild & Free,”
Snoop Dogg is a well-known name in the rap industry. He began in 1992 and became one of the best-known figures in gangsta rap. He lives a fun life with luxurious activities.
Snoop has made a $160 million fortune, which stems from his music career, Death Row Records, and business investments.
His current album, “Iz it a Crime?”, is out now on Death Row Records, and he has also won an Emmy alongside Martha Stewart.
11. Birdman
- Net Worth: $150 million
- Age: 56
- Full Name: Bryan Christopher Williams
- Nationality: American
- Popular Raps: “Money To Blow” “Pop Bottles” “Still Fly”
Birdman is also the richest rapper with a net worth of $150 million. He is the CEO and co-founder of the influential record label Cash Money Records, which earns him much money.
His albums and singles have grossed on the Billboard charts, which not only earned money but a worldwide fame. Birdman invested in gas and oil to double his income. He lives a luxurious life, often wearing diamonds.
12. Kendrick Lamar
- Net Worth: $140 million
- Age: 38
- Full Name: Kendrick Lamar Duckworth
- Nationality: American
- Popular Raps: “Not Like Us”, “HUMBLE.”, and “euphoria
Kendrick Lamar has grabbed the attention of audiences with his top-tier lyricism, virtuosic microphone command. He has generated a good revenue through his music sales, albums, tours, and live performances.
Along with his music career, he earned through business investments and brand endorsement. One of his lucrative deals is with American Express and Nike. Also, his creative agency PgLang, is expanding gross revenue for him.
Conclusion
These are the richest rappers in the world who have earned millions of dollars through their music careers, business investments, and brand endorsements. Some of the big names include Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, Kanye West, Diddy, and Drake.
They have sold millions of records, perform live at concerts and events that not only give them a sum of money but also worldwide fame. The one who has made a smart move in business has achieved a good fortune. Jay-Z is the example.
People Also Ask
The richest male rapper in the world is Jay-Z, with an estimated net worth of around $2.5 billion. He made his fortune through music, business deals, and investments in brands.
Dr. Dre earned most of his money from selling Beats by Dre to Apple for billions of dollars. He also made a fortune from his music career, record label (Aftermath Entertainment), and producing for top artists like Eminem and 50 Cent.
No, Kanye West (Ye) is not a billionaire anymore. After losing major business deals, especially with Adidas, his net worth dropped to around $400 million. Still, he remains one of the most influential artists in music and fashion.
That credit goes to Master P. In the 1990s, he created No Limit Records and expanded into movies, fashion, and food businesses, setting the example for rappers becoming entrepreneurs.
Diddy, Dr. Dre, and Drake are strong contenders. Each of them has diverse investments and ongoing projects that could easily push their net worth past a billion in the future.
Today’s rappers earn from many sources, brand deals, fashion lines, alcohol companies, tech investments, and even owning parts of sports teams. Music is just the starting point for many of them.
Drake and Kendrick Lamar are the youngest, both still in their 30s and already worth hundreds of millions.
