For many, 2010 served as a reminder that the economy has yet to awaken from its deep slumber. However, when you take a look at some of our biggest hip-hop stars, that sentiment doesn’t apply. In fact, many enjoyed a banner year by diversifying their interests, and raking in boatloads of cash. As we bring this year to a close, let’s take a look at hip-hop’s wealthiest stars of the past year. –djr
1. Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter
$63 Million
Not only does Jay-Z have the “hottest chick in the game” but he also has the fattest wallet. Carter continues to lead to charge of hip-hop moguls.
2. Sean “Diddy” Combs
$30 million
From Ciroc to Dirty Money, this past year has indeed been busy for the ageless wonder. Next year may prove to be even bigger as Combs continues to spread his wings as an actor.
3. Aliuane “Akon” Thiam
$21 million
Akon may not be experiencing the same success with his music in the States as he has with past musical offerings, but he doesn’t have to. Not when he has a successful clothing line, and superstar Lady Gaga signed to his label.
4. Dwayne “Lil Wayne” Carter
$20 million
For those who thought jail would stop Lil Wayne’s moneymaking potential, I’ve got news for you … it didn’t. His Young Money music imprint was just too strong, and it capably weathered his absence and then some.
5. Andre “Dr. Dre” Young
$17 million
Dr. Dre has kept us waiting years for another classic album. In the meantime, he’s just executive produced Eminem’s platinum-selling Recovery album, and made a killing peddling his Beats By Dre headphones. Not bad.
Honorable Mentions
6. Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges
$16 million
7. Calvin “Snoop Dogg” Broadus
$15 million
8. Timothy “Timbaland” Mosley
$14 million
9. Pharrell Williams
$13 million
10. Kanye West
$12 million
