WENN
For their 2015 annual report on hip-hop artists, Forbes found that Bad Boy Diddy tops the list of richest moguls in the hip-hop industry with $735 million. The largest portions of his net worth come from his investments in Ciroc and Revolt.
Last year, Dr.Dre occupied the top spot as the wealthiest artist in hip hop.
Diddy also holds a controlling stake in the clothing lines Sean John and Enyce, the water brand Aquahydrate and the newly launched tequila brand DeLeon. Dropping to the number two spot, Dre is currently worth $700 million. His wealth of late is due in large part to his Beats By Dre deal with Apple, which was finalized last year. The value of the deal was reported to be $3.2 billion but in cash it was an even $3 billion. After taxes, Dre’s 25 percent stake in the Beats By Dre left him with a $500 million windfall.
Jay Z ranks in third place with $550 million, but his position may elevate with his newly-bought Scandinavian streaming service, Tidal. By releasing exclusive content on the service,experts say Tidal could prove to be an asset to those in the entertainment industry. Rounding out the top five spots are 50 Cent and Birdman; 50 comes in at $155 million whereas Birdman’s value is at $150 million. The Cash Money executive’s finances have decreased due to the rumors surrounding his record company and the end to the business relationship with its biggest recording act, Lil Wayne.
The $100 million sale of VitaminWater in 2007 continues to be lucrative for 50 Cent, and he continues to invest in new brands such as SMS headphones, Effen Vodka and Frigo Underwear.
Forbes calculated their list by reviewing each contender’s current holdings, past earnings, interviewing analysts, attorneys, managers and other moguls to ensure the correct details in their report.
Check out Diddy, along with Cassie at the 2015 Met Gala discussing his continued success, below.
