The 10 Richest Rappers Of 2019
Hip-hop is unarguably a major genre in music today. Its influence and popularity have grown a great deal since its beginning, gathering a huge number of listeners worldwide. Hip-hop has become one of the most popular genres in music, and the top rappers in the industry are presently making huge sums of money through their music sales, show fees, and endorsements. Many have become extremely wealthy business owners making use of their influence and popularity. Climbing the charts as a rapper at times can be a great step toward reaching a peak in music. So, let’s take a look at the 10 richest rappers in 2019.
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10
ICE CUBE
Ice Cube is rich, but on this list, he isn’t the richest. His given name is O’shea Jackson Sr. He is an American actor and rapper. Ice Cube started his music career in hip-hop as one of the members of the rap group C.I.A. and subsequently was part of the influential hip-hop group N.W.A.
He has put his skills in acting to the test by featuring in some movies such as Ride Along, JumpStreet, Boyz N the Hood, and other films. As of 2019, Cube’s net worth is estimated at $160 million, making him one of the wealthiest rappers in the world. Ice Cube, like most other successful personalities in rap, is from a humble background and learned to broaden his horizons as he progressed in his career.
9
RONALD “SLIM” WILLIAMS
Ronald "Slim" Williams and his younger brother Bryan “Birdman” Williams created Cash Money Records in the 90s. Slim occupies the position of executive producer for various albums owned by Cash Money artists and the label eventually turned out to be the home of many top names in rap music. Slim has collaborated with some of the most popular rap artists such as Nicki Minaj, Drake, and Lil Wayne.
Apart from music, he has also created a brand of liquor known as GT Vodka and is the owner of a clothing line known as YMCMB (Young Money Cash Money Billionaires). Slim is not very outspoken and prefers to work mainly behind the scenes at the record label. This has his friends giving him the nickname “The Godfather.” Ronald “Slim” Williams has an estimated net worth of $170 million.
8
USHER
Usher is an American dancer, singer, songwriter, and actor. His full name is Usher Raymond IV, born in Dallas, Texas. He initially got noticed when he released his first album in 1994. Usher’s second album generated his first U.S. Billboard Hot 100 hit.
He has produced eight albums and has sold approximately 43 million copies. Usher’s income puts him on this list at only number 8. As of 2019, his net worth is estimated to be $180 million dollars.
7
MASTER P
Percy Robert Miller, popularly known as Master P, is an American rapper, businessman, author, actor, and a former basketball player. He has actually gained huge recognition and influence through his music.
He is also the founder of No Limit Records, which was later renamed New No Limit Records. Master P is also the owner and CEO of P. Miller Enterprises. His various businesses have enabled him to become one of the most renowned and successful rappers in the world. This year, his net worth is estimated to be roughly $200 million dollars.
6
EMINEM
Without any doubt, Eminem is known as the most successful caucasian rapper ever. When he first started his rap career in Detroit, he was often harassed by the predominantly black neighborhood and competition, being one of the few white rappers to perform at early shows and contests.
Another challenge he faced when he was younger was being abused at school. As a result, he found it difficult to make friends with people. Eminem’s achievement is exceptional considering the fact that he has become the wealthiest white rapper globally and is known for transforming the genre beyond. Eminem’s net worth this year is estimated to be $210 million, putting him in the 7th position on this list of the world’s richest rappers.
5
KANYE WEST
West is one of the more contentious rappers in hip-hop, but he is still on this list as one of the richest rappers in the world. Kanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, record producer, entrepreneur, and fashion designer. He first gained recognition when he started his music career as a record producer for Roc-A-Fella records in the 2000s.
After this, he rapidly rose to the top in popularity for his music and lyrics and he is presently one of the best-known artists in the hip-hop industry. Kanye West’s net worth is believed to be around $250 million dollars.
4
RUSSELL SIMMONS
Russell Simmons is an American record executive, writer, and film producer and record producer. Simmons is considered one of the 25 most prominent celebrities of the past 25 years. He was responsible for playing a crucial part in bringing hip-hop music to the public. He is the CEO and Chairman of Rush Communications. Simmons also co-launched the record label Def Jam.
Russell Simmons has also created a fashion line of clothing called PhatFarm. Simmons’s other fashion lines include Tantris and Argyleculture. As of 2019, Simmons’s net worth is estimated at $340 million dollars.
3
DR. DRE
Dr. Dre, née Andre Young, is regarded as one of the industry’s top hip-hop record producers. He is an American producer and businessman. He began his early career as a member of the rap group N.W.A. in the 80s and subsequently went solo and moved into the business side.
He has collaborated with some of the leading hip-hop rappers of all time. He is also the originator of the hugely popular stereo earphones Beats by Dr. Dre. He eventually sold the brand to Apple several years ago for $3 billion dollars. Dr. Dre takes the 3rd position on this list of the richest rappers in the world. He has a net worth of $800 million.
2
SEAN COMBS (DIDDY)
Sean Combs takes the 2nd position on this list of richest rappers in the world. He is a jack-of-all-trades. Sean Combs is into rapping, songwriting, producing, film acting, and he is also a successful businessman to top it all off. Sean Combs is known by the stage name Diddy and has a net worth estimated to be $855 million dollars in 2019. Diddy was the number one wealthiest among wealthy rappers in the world until another rapper took his place.
1
JAY-Z
Jay-Z, whose given name is Shawn Corey Carter, is number 1 on the list of richest rappers for this year. He is an American rapper, producer, writer, and businessman. He hails from Brooklyn, New York. Interestingly, most of Jay-Z's net worth is derived from his clever business investments in nightclubs, clothing lines, record labels, etc., all stemming from his musical talents. Jay-Z is presently the wealthiest artist in rap music, with an estimated net worth of $930 million dollars in 2019.
