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23rd Sep 2015

Rap’s biggest money makers of 2015 – Kanye doesn’t even make the top 5

It's all gone West...

Nooruddean Choudry

Forbes have published a list of the world’s highest paid rappers of 2015 – and some of the rankings are surprising to say the least.

Whereas you’d assume current artists Drake or Kanye West to top the charts, the figures are based on overall income, so those with prudent investments and extra-curricular interests fare better.

As such, it’s rap veteran P Diddy who tops the list with a whopping $60m in annual income. Next is fellow entrepreneur/hip hop artist, Jay Z with $56m.

Drake is way behind the two big-hitters with $39m in third position, followed by Dr Dre ($39m), Pharrell Williams ($32m) and Eminem ($31m).

Kanye charts at a surprisingly low 7th position with $22m. Nicki Minaj is the only female rapper on the list in 8th place with $21m.

The full top 10 list is as follows:

1. Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs – $60 million
2. Jay Z – $56 million
3. Drake – $39 million
4. Dr. Dre – $33 million
5. Pharrell Williams – $32 million
6. Eminem – $31 million
7. Kanye West – $22 million
8. Wiz Khalifa – $21.5 million
9. Nicki Minaj – $21 million
10. Birdman – $18 million