Forbes has shared its annual list for The World's Highest-Paid Hip-Hop Acts 2018 and rapper JAY-Z has clinched the top spot. The New York native brought in an impressive $76.5 million pretax, due in part to his comeback album 4:44, subsequent tour, the release of Everything is Love with wife Beyoncé and their stadium tour 'On The Run II.'
His impressive sum knocked fellow mogul Diddy from his three-year reign at number one. The Bad Boy Entertainment CEO, despite slipping one place, still earned an impressive sum — $64 million to be exact — on account of his expanding beverage line which includes Ciroc Vodka, DeLeon Tequila, and Aquahydrate alkaline water.
After signing off exclusive endorsements with Nike and American Express for his 'DAMN' tour, Kendrick Lamar nabbed third place with $58 million. Elsewhere, Drake trailed behind with $47 million and Nas ($35 million) makes his first entry into the Highest-Paid Hip-Hop Acts list since the release of 1994's Illmatic, tying with Dr. Dre.
Dj Khaled ($27 million), Travis Scott ($21 million) and Lil Uzi Vert ($19.5 million) also appear in the top 20.
The top 10 artists are as follows:
1. JAY-Z — $76.5 million 2. Diddy — $64 million 3. Kendrick Lamar — $58 million 4. Drake — $47 million 5. J. Cole — $35.5 million 6. Dr. Dre — $35 million 7. Nas — $35 million 8. Pitbull — $32 million 9. Future — $30 million 10. Kanye West — $27.5 million
Head to Forbes for the full list.
Elsewhere, Pharell Williams says he originally front "Frontin'" for Prince.
