Richest of Hip Hop: Jay Z, 50 Cent, Diddy aka Puff Daddy

So who are the richest of Hip Hop last year? Well Forbes magazine answers just that and in great detail with there Kings of Hip Hop.

In at the no.1 spot was Shawn Carter aka rapper Jay-Z, his comeback last year with his 11th studio album (Kingdom Come) sold 2 million copies making the top of the pop and rap music charts.
Jay-Z had many other paychecks coming in from other areas of business like his 40/40 Club sports bar franchise.
Last year Jay-Z banked an estimated $34 million.

The No. 2 spot was taken by Curtis Jackson aka 50 Cent, his wealth was made up by G-Unit which is a portfolio of businesses that include products such as video games, ringtones and apparel.
Hip Hop celebrities do not just stick to music these days; they take their brand and sell in many forms.
In total 50 Cent last year made an estimated $32 million.

On the No. 3 spot was Sean Combs aka Diddy aka Puff Daddy, his wealth comes from Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group which earns from many areas as well.
These include The Bad Boy Records label, a pair of restaurants, the Sean John clothing line, his bestselling Unforgivable cologne and the MTV Making the Band franchise.
Last year his income was an estimated $28 million, although representatives for Diddy say the figure is much higher.

You must remember that these estimates are based solely on 2006 income, these celebrities are worth much more than this in total (this is just there income for last year).

The Hip Hop stars have many other deals in the works that will show a much bigger income.

Jay-Z sold his Rocawear apparel label to Iconix In March for $204 million

Coca Cola are buying maker of VitaminWater Glaceau for $4.2 billion, as 50 Cent endorsed the brand this will net him around $100 million.
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