Not too long ago, it was considered a little ghetto art form that would die out just as fast as it sprung up. But now it’s 2013, we are many moons away from the original stylings of the Sugar Hill Gang, and hip-hop is very much alive and well. Today, those that once called hip-hop a dying art are some of the major sponsors and partners of rap emissaries.
With more intelligence than most people assumed, many rap artists have been able to accumulate vast wealth, and regional levels of success that amazes even them.
With clothing lines, electronics, alcohol, water, sports teams and other endorsements and enterprises to their credit, these guys are not slacking. Onlookers shouldn’t be surprised to see the first hip-hop billionaires sprout up pretty soon. The only question is, who’s gonna make it to the gate first?
Here’s a top five list of some of the most successful hip-hop artists to date.
