Cash Kings 2013: The World's 20 Highest-Paid Hip-Hop Artists

hello people, i can count how many time, lovers of hip-hop have had this argument ,"who's the richest hip-hop artist", well here's a lil somethin for yall, enjoy, hope it reduces argument period....all thanks to Forbes

10. Pitbull ($11 million)

Not even a brief exile to Alaska—the result of a fan vote to send Pitbull to any Wal-Mart in the U.S.—could stop Mr. International from earning double-digit millions. He cashed in on new album Global Warming, constant touring and endorsements with the likes of Kodak and Dr. Pepper.

9. Ludacris ($12 million)

Though his new album Ludaversal was delayed once again, the self proclaimed “Mouth of the South” continues to cash in on live shows, Soul by Ludacris headphones, Conjure cognac and roles in films like Fast & Furious 6.

8. Wiz Khalifa ($14 million)
The Pittsburgh native has been raking in cash ever since bursting onto the mainstream scene with his hometown ode “Black and Yellow,” the top single from his album Rolling Papers. His follow-up, O.N.I.F.C.—and more than 75 shows over the past year—keep him on the list.

7. Lil Wayne ($16 million)

The diminutive rapper played only a handful of shows this year and made headlines for health scares, but still cashed in on his new album I Am Not A Human Being II, clothing line Trukfit and his Young Money label.

6. Kanye West ($20 million)

He may be one of rap’s biggest names, but he falls just short of the top five this year. New album Yeezus was released shortly after the end of our scoring period,
though, and a lucrative tour this fall should vault him back toward the top of next year’s list.

5. Birdman ($21 million)

The Cash Money chief continues to live up to the name of his record label, whose lineup boasts three other artists on this list: Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne and Drake. Birdman’s empire also includes clothing, vodka and publishing.

4. Nicki Minaj ($29 million)

Two years after becoming the first female artist to make the Hip-Hop Cash Kings list, Minaj is nearing the top thanks to income from touring, steady music sales, a lucrative American Idol gig and endorsements with Pepsi and others. For more, check out "Why Nicki Minaj Is The Only Lady On The Cash Kings List."

3. Dr. Dre ($40 million)

Last year’s Cash King slips two spots, no longer boosted by a nine-figure payout for selling part of Beats by Dr. Dre in 2011. But he’s still cashing in on the ubiquitous headphones, expanding the company he founded with Interscope chief Jimmy Iovine to include a long-awaited streaming music service.

2. Jay Z ($42 million)

Lost his hyphen but gained double-digit millions from lucrative live shows, Armand de Brignac champagne, D’Ussé cognac, Roc Nation label/management firm and other ventures. New album Magna Carta … Holy Grail went platinum before its July launch thanks to a $5 million investment from Samsung that fell just outside our scoring period (for more, check out Jay-Z biography Empire State of Mind).

1. Diddy ($50 million)

Hip-hop’s net worth king claims his first annual earnings crown thanks mostly to the success of Ciroc vodka. Other ingredients in his cash cocktail: record label Bad Boy, clothing line Sean John and, soon, cable channel Revolt.