The one time I interviewed Jay-Z, Iasked the rap megastar whether he'd care to lend me his $70,000Audemars Piguet watch to use as a poker stake. Hova declined toparticipate in this investment opportunity, which was probably a wisedecision, if a rather mean one, given how much that guy earns.
Yesterday, Forbes magazine reconfirmed that the rapper is unlikely tobe eating government cheese any time soon when the title published itsannual "Hip Hop Cash Kings" list — Jay-Z is at pole position with estimated earnings of $35 million, Diddy came second with $30 million, Kanye West got bronze with $25 million, both 50 Cent and Akon raked in $20 million, and somehow Lil Wayne is going to have to make ends meet with a paltry $18 million.
Forbes also notes that many of the artists can often thankendorsement deals or other extra-musical activities for much of theirnewfound wealth (What's up, Vitamin Water). But how much do you think they deserve to beremunerated purely for their output?
Is Jay-Z still worth twice as muchas Lil Wayne based on the music he has produced over the past 12months? (We won't see his Blueprint 3 'til this September, but an ownership stake in the New Jersey Nets certainly doesn't hurt his cashflow.) Would you pay 50 Cent anything at all given how long it's takenhim to release his new album? Do tell, in the comments section below.
More from EW's Music Mix:
Michael Jackson's "final" photo shoot
Which city has inspired the best songs?
'So You Think You Can Dance': White Stripes
Comments (1-11) of 11 Add your comment
No they are not see http://www.drudgereport.com
Kanye, yes, because he is truly talented and visionary — and I don’t like rappers. Not sure about Jay-Z, he’s too old to be rapping like a youngster. I wonder why he’s still doing tours? He should be an executive mogul sitting in an office. Diddy – nah, not talented at all. And double no for Lil Wayne. Where does he put his money? Not on his back, maybe up his nose, but he dresses funky.
But they all have to ride the wave while they can because it’s not going to last.
no one is worth more than lil wayne he is the best sure hes doing something different and some people don’t like it but you have to remember this guy has been in the game for a long time maybe hes just a little bored and trying something different he’ll be back
hip-hop (and most music in general) seems to be in a stalemate and needs to get more creative in order to make that money back. more here:
http://www.downstairsthreads.com/downstairs-threads-dirty-laundry.html
For a different take on the same story, check out… http://www.examiner.com/x-15398-San-Jose-HipHop-Music-Examiner
Apart from Jay-Z, who’s the only mainstream rapper with actual talent these days, I do not feel that any of those inarticulate buffoons deserve it. Lil Wayne and 50 Cent suck, Kanye is NOT a visionary, all he does is rip off what already exists and calls it his own. The only reason he seems to be so good is because everyone else just sucks that much. I wonder if he would be so highly regarded in the days when hip-hop actually meant something. And his arrogance is a HUGE turn-off. He thinks he deserves everything more than anyone else on this earth, and he refuses to acknowledge when he’s wrong. That kind of ego should not be so well fed.
Whether you like Jay Z or not, this man knows his game. He is old school, been around but more importantly of all, he is WISE when it comes to his money and investments. He is no fool. Yes, he is worth it.
government chesse? Really though?
Musically they are all minor artists; culturally they are all major – that is the problem. None compare to Stevie Wonder, Dylan, Bowie or Bob Marlet etc but they have a hugh influence. And the media all play along with the game because of the financial clout these artist have.
i blieve dat 50 is rich hiphop artist in the world no metter what jelous some mother fckrs have nothing can change dats de fact.
i luv hiphop