Jay-Z Tops Forbes Highest Earnings List

Jay-Z claims the No. 1 spot on this year’s Hip-Hop Cash Kings list–our ranking of the world’s top-earning rappers. Here’s a bit more about his big year.

Real Name: Shawn Corey Carter

Age: 48

Residence: Los Angeles; New York City

Estimated 2018 Earnings: $76.5 million

Source: Music, Touring, Spirits, Sports

Summary:

Jay-Z reclaimed hip-hop’s cash crown from Diddy, who held the No. 1 spot for the past three consecutive years. A big chunk of the Brooklyn-born mogul’s earnings came from his tour in support of his 2017 album 4:44, his 14th No. 1, the most by any act besides the Beatles. After welcoming twins with wife, Beyoncé, last yea—the pair is now officially a billionaire couple—he kicked it up a notch with the launch of Everything Is Love, the couple’s first joint album, and a stadium tour, On The Run II.

The cash should keep coming. Last year, Jay-Z also signed a new $200 million pact with touring giant Live Nation that will keep him on the road throughout the coming decade. Thanks to his stakes in Roc Nation, Tidal, Armand de Brignac champagne and a growing list of startups, he should continue his march toward billionaire status. He’s almost there: By our last count, Jay-Z’s net worth sits at $900 million.

 

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