10 of the richest hip-hop artists in 2023 – net worths, ranked: Pharrell Williams, Diddy, Jay-Z, Drake, Kanye West and Eminem are making millions beyond the recording studio, but who tops the list?
- Pharrell Williams and Kanye West ventured into fashion with Louis Vuitton and Adidas, while Snoop Dogg and Lil Wayne have their own cannabis companies, and Berner’s Cookies is valued at US$1 billion
- Apple’s monumental move to buy Dr Dre’s Beats for US$3 billion in 2014 added zeroes to the producer’s account, while Jay-Z is the only billionaire on this list, with a US$70 million art collection
From art collections and private jets to massive stakes in companies, hip-hop artists have set the tone for savvy business-minded musicians. They have showed how diversifying beyond the recording studio can add longevity to their careers as well as dollars to their bank accounts.
Here’s a run-down of some of the world’s wealthiest hip-hop artists according to Celebrity Net Worth and Forbes – so who takes the throne?
10. Snoop Dogg: US$160 million
Snoop D-O-double G, as his legions know him, began rapping in 1992 and was signed by Dr Dre’s Death Row Records, previously known as Future Shock. Since his first single “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” in 1993, the award-winning rapper has been releasing hits ever since. His impressive rap catalogue includes 15 singles, four soundtrack albums, 25 mixtapes and 16 promotional singles.
The Californian is an intelligent businessman too, making much of his fortune away from music. He has made several appearances as himself in films, started a marijuana delivery service – and has a cooking show with Martha Stewart Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Challenge, per Yahoo! Finance.
9. Lil Wayne: US$170 million
Lil Wayne began his career at 12, signing with rapper Birdman and becoming the youngest person to sign with Cash Money Records. Today, the 41-year-old rapper has released multiple songs, singles, albums and musical collaborations with Drake, Nicki Minaj and Kanye West.
He has also earned income from other avenues such as his fashion label Trukfit, books, record label Young Money Entertainment, cannabis brand GKUA and sports agency Young Money Sports.