Jay Z has dethroned Diddy as the artist with the highest net-worth in Hip Hop, according to the Forbes Rich List. The Brooklyn rapper increased his value by more than $90 million in the past year, raising from $810 million to over $900 million.
Diddy’s worth was estimated to be $825 million. He had previously held the top-spot for seven consecutive years – but Jay Z’s investment portfolio, along with his marriage to pop star Beyonce Knowles saw him edge ahead.
Jay Z is the owner of streaming platform Tidal and also holds shares in Armand de Brignac champagne and D’Ussé cognac, which have both risen in the past year. Beyonce is herself estimated to be worth $500 million.
In third came Dr. Dre, whose sale of headphone manufacturer Dre Beats to Apple in 2015 for £3 billion saw him pocket a huge sum. It didn’t all go to him though, which other shareholders taking the majority. His estimated worth was $770 million.
Forbes estimated Dre could well edge into the lead next year once he receives his next share of Apple stock – which is on the up following the release of the latest iPhone models.
These three were way ahead of the rest of the field – in fourth and fifth came Eminem and Drake who were worth a fraction of the sum at $100 million each.
- Jay Z, $900 million
- Diddy $825 million
- Dr Dre $770 million
- Eminem $100 million
- Drake $100 million