Jay-Z Tops Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings List

Once again, Jay-Z has claimed the top spot in Forbes “Hip Hip Cash Kings” ranking, reportedly earning $37 million over the last 12 months, edging out Diddy ($35 million) and dwarfing fellow Watch The Throne collaborator Kanye West ($16 million).

For the most part, Jay-Z can thank his diverse business portfolio and his multi-year Live Nation deal for helping him reach this pinnacle, as was the case for Diddy, whose Ciroc affiliation helped pad his bottom line considerably. In fact, Forbes states that music now accounts for only 20% of Diddy’s overall income. Various business dealings and endorsement deals also kept veterans like Eminem ($14 million), Snoop Dogg ($14 million) and Dr. Dre ($14 million) toward the top of the list.

The Cash Money/Young Money collective represented well, with frontman Lil Wayne and label patriarch Birdman both pulling $15 million, while their superstars Nicki Minaj ($6.5 million) and Drake ($11 million).

Wiz Khalifa made the cut, pulling in $11 million following the success of his “Black & Yellow,” thanks to a relentless touring schedule. Forbes says the Pittsburgh newcomer performed more than 100 shows over the past year.

Musical rivals 50 Cent and Rick Ross ironically ended up with a tie, each earning $6.5 million. Several veteran producers made the top 20, including Swizz Beatz ($6.5 million), Timbaland ($7 million) and Pharrell ($10 million).

You can check out the entire Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings list here.