The 40 Richest Rappers Of All-Time

While many believe rap music started with the 1970s Hip-Hop culture in the NYC borough of the Bronx, its roots can be traced back in history to African oral storytelling and poetic traditions that existed before the start of the 20th century.

However, the reported modern roots of rap began In 1973 – somewhere in the South Bronx, when DJ Kool Herc hosted the first hip-hop party host – characterized by two turntables that created extended instrumental breaks that kept dancing on the floor.  

For those old enough to remember the 1979 Sugar Hill Gangs’ song Rapper’s Delight, you have heard what is often considered the first commercially successful rap ditty. The ’80s and the years that followed into the early 1990s are considered the Golden Age of Rap – with the rise in popularity of influential rappers/artists like Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, Public Enemy, and more.

If you are one of the few who makes it in the hip-hop realm, your future is bright because the world of hip-hop can be extremely lucrative.  While a select few have the potential to make a lot of money and appear, through the lens of a photographer, as though their bank accounts have endless funds, the reality is that making it big in the rap world takes hard work if you want to rise to the top.  

Some of the richest rappers in the world have been so successful that their wealth has allowed them to buy mansions, some serious bling, vacation homes, elite sports cars, and travel globally by plane, as most of us travel by car.

Some in hip-hop create great wealth through their innate business acumen or interests beyond rap or the music business. In fact, many rappers showcase their entrepreneurial skills by creating product lines to market to their fan base – wines/spirits, fashion, sneakers, jewelry, production, and more.

Do you know who the richest rapper in the world is? Below is our list of the 40 richest rappers in the world.  

*This list reflects updates as of 2023/2024. 

Our Methodology

It’s impossible to overstate the magnitude or influence of rap on modern popular culture, despite the fact that rap is still a relatively new type of musical genre compared to other genres. The interesting thing about rap is that successful rappers just need talent, motivation, and sometimes a bit of luck – as the richest rappers in the world come from all walks of life and economic backgrounds. The 40 richest rappers in the world who made our list are all hugely successful – with boatloads of money they have likely invested wisely. To gather the data, we perused various websites and organizations that track such data:

  • Wealthy Gorilla
  • Celebrity Net Worth
  • Equity Atlas
  • The Richest
  • Forbes
  • Medium
  • CA Knowledge
  • The Money.co

The 40 Richest Rappers in the World

Check out the net worth and how each richest rapper in the world amassed their fortunes and financed their lifestyles below.

40. Andre 3000 – Net Worth – $35 Million

André Lauren Benjamin – a.k.a. Andre 3000, is the richest rapper in the world and a multi-talented artist. Andre 300 and his Outkast partner Big Boi were known for their quirky and upbeat musical style, defined by hits like Hey Yeah. In fact, most people do not know that OutKast was originally called 2 Shades Deep, but the name was changed before their first single went platinum. Andre 3000 is also a producer and has tried his hand in acting, making several successful appearances on The Shield.

39. (TIE) Darryl McDaniels a.k.a., D.M.C – Net Worth – $40 Million

Daryl McDaniels – the less famous part of Run DMC, achieved success among the richest rappers in the world despite the tough childhood he had to overcome. McDaniels was challenged with heart-wrenching battles with drugs and alcohol to fight depression. Yet, in spite of these challenges, he co-founded a brilliant rap trio and has dedicated his life to working with children – creating a camp for foster children, which led to the receipt of the Congressionally-awarded 2006 Angels in Adoption Award. When they see darkness, some people collapse into it, but D.M.C. chose a different path and used his challenges to propel himself to heights.

39. (TIE) Future Net Worth – 40 million

Nayvadius DeMun Cash is known as Future and is an American rapper and singer born/raised in Atlanta. With nine solo studio albums, Future is best known for pioneering influence with unique musical rap styles, including mumble-styled vocals and prolific outputs. Future continually finds ways to reinvent himself as a rapper. His early songs like Same Damn Time to Jumpman have hit the charts hard, so no one can argue that he is a one-hit wonder.  

37. (TIE) Common Net Worth – $50 Million

Lonnie Corant Jaman Shuka Rashid Lynn – a.k.a. Common, is a multi-talented artist with a creative hand in many ventures. He has become one of the richest rappers in the world using his musical talents, writing a book, acting, and contributing to video games. He has even dated Serena Williams. Common’s 1992 debut hit, Can I Borrow a Dollar, has become cultish, with venues still playing and remixing it. The only thing that is surprising about Common is that this brilliant artist doesn’t somehow rank higher on the list of the richest rappers in the world.

37. (TIE) Chad Hugo Net Worth – $50 Million

Charles Edward Hugo is an American musician, vocalist, record producer,  and songwriter. In 1992, Hugo formed the hip-hop and R&B production duo known as The Neptunes, and he has also been Pharrell Williams’ N.E.R.D. partner. In fact, Pharrell often credits his Chad Hugo with his inspiration. Chad Hugo may not be a lead rapper, but he sometimes contributes vocally. Chad Hugo, along with Pharell Williams were honored as 2020 class inductees of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

37. (TIE) Missy Elliot – Net Worth – $50 Million

Missy Elliot is a singer/songwriter, dancer, actress, and record producer and is honored among the most popular female rappers of all time, with fans that stretch beyond generations. Born in Virginia, her prolific career includes a debut album that climbed to #3 on Billboard’s 200 list,  five Grammys, and a cabinet full of awards/accolades, including winning the incredibly prestigious Billboard Women in Music Innovator Award.

34. Big Boi – Net Worth – $55 Million

Antwan André Patton – Big Boi is best known for his contribution to OutKast. Big Boi and Andre 3000 released six studio albums, beginning with their debut in 1994. This dynamic duo has sold millions of albums, many of which went gold, platinum, and double-platinum. Big Boi has released several albums as a solo artist, contributed to producing, writing, and even tried acting. His first role was in the 2004 flick – 20 Funerals (2004), and since then, he has done professional acting in  SVU, Girlfriends, Idlewild, and more.

33. (TIE) PSY– Net Worth – $60 Million

Park Jae-sang – a.k.a. PSY refers to a South Korean songwriter, rapper, singer, and record producer, most known in South Korea for his humorous stage performances and videos. Across the globe, PSY’s hit single and Gangnam Style (in 2012, it was the first video ever to exceed 1 billion views on YouTube) included a refrain referencing The Yale Book of Quotations – among the most famous 2012 quotations. By 2023, this same video will have been seen 4.9 billion times and rank as the 11th most-watched YouTube video of all time.

33. (TIE) Rick Ross Net Worth – $60 Million

Born in Mississippi but raised in Carol City, Florida, William Leonard Roberts II, a.k.a. Rick Ross, is an influential modern American rapper and record executive. While he attended the HBCU Albany State University on a football scholarship, he is best known for a larger-than-life hip-hop persona -with vivid imagery vocals characterized by street life and the everlasting hope of a rags-to-riches story, seeking wealth and luxury. Rick Ross owned the record label known as Maybach Music Group, with whom he partnered with Def Jam Records Maybach Music Group is now part of Warner Brothers.

33. (TIE) Akon Net Worth – $60 Million

Aliaume Damala Badara Akon Thiam, who is known professionally as Akon, was born in Saint Louis in 1973. Akon is considered among the most influential and richest rappers in the world since he first rose to fame in 2004. His debut single, Locked Up, was followed by Lonely – two songs released before his debut studio album entitled Trouble -which received critical/commercial acclaim. Not only is he a rapper, but he is also a singer/songwriter, an actor, a producer, and a businessman/entrepreneur. Akon has produced more than 35 songs that have hit the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He has been a featured vocalist on more than 300 songs with Eminem, Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, and more. More currently, he contributes to the work of Lady Gaga.

30. (TIE) Nas Net Worth – $70 Million

Nasir Bin Olu Daren Jones was born in NYC to a musical family. His jazz musician father, Olu Dara, plays both the guitar and coronet. In addition to being considered among the richest rappers in the world, Nas is considered among the greatest rappers of all time. By nine, it is said he began writing his own rap songs and left high school to pursue his musical passion – a decision most people would consider regrettable. Nas’s 1994 debut album, Illmatic, ranks among the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. With his talents, Nas has sold over 30 million albums and has eight consecutive platinum/multi-platinum albums.

30. (TIE) Wiz Khalifa Net Worth – $70 Million

Wiz Khalifa, who was born Cameron Jibril Thomaz in North Dakota, signed his first contract with Rostrum Records when he was 16 years old – at a time when other artists of his age were worrying about their driver’s licenses. Wiz Khalifa has also lived in Japan and Germany when he was young, prior to his military family moving back to the Pittsburgh area. His first album, Show and Prove, was released in 2006, and shortly after, he signed with Warner Bros. Records. His Eurodance-influenced single “Say Yeah” received a fair amount of urban radio airplay; however, his work has since been not as well received. Wiz Khalifa has also acted in various TV roles and has released his own brand of cannabis.

30. (TIE) Will.i.am Net Worth – $70 Million

William James Adams Jr., or Will.i.am, rose to fame as one of The Black Eyed Peas – an incredibly talented group from the 1990s. Music wasn’t his first professional pursuit to be a clothing designer, so he once attended the Los Angeles Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. After he moved to England, he joined the lineup of The Voice and held the distinction of being the only person to participate in all seven seasons. While he released two solo albums, he is often considered among the most prolific record producers and songwriters in the genre, working with superstars like Rihanna, Michael Jackson, and more.

30. (TIE) Queen Latifah Net Worth – $70 Million

Dana Elaine Owens, aka Queen Latifah, was born outside NYC in Newark, NJ, and has found success across a variety of entertainment genres. Latifah released her All Hail the Queen in 1989 – her debut album, when she was only 19. The album featured the hit single “Ladies First”. Her third album, released in 1993, entitled Black Reign, ranks as the first solo female rapper’s album to go gold and be certified by the Recording Industry Association of America. In addition to her music and talk show, Latifah has been in many movies and has also been nominated for/won numerous awards, including Emmys and Grammys.

30. (TIE) Nelly Net Worth – $70 Million

Nelly’s real name, whose real name is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr, was born in Austin and raised in Saint Louis. Nelly’s career began in 1993 as a member of the St Lunatics – a hip-hop group playing the Midwest scene. By the end of the 1990s, Nelly signed with Universal Records to release Country Grammar – his debut solo album. He has acted (in moves like The Longest Yard – with a soundtrack that includes his music)  and even starred in his own reality TV show in 2014. Nelly set out to describe his composing methodology by writing the book How to Rap, which offers readers an insight into how he freestyles his lyrics before tightening them the second time around. Over his prolific career, Nelly has sold more than 21 million albums.

25. (TIE) DJ Khaled Net Worth – $75 Million

DJ Khaled – Khaled Mohammed Khaled was born in New Orleans. While his family spent some time in Florida, most of his childhood was spent in New Orleans. It wasn’t until he started working at Odyssey Records in 1993 that he entered a contest in which he won $5,000. With this money, he went back to Florida – this time to Miami at a pirate radio station (MIXX96) and over time, with his skill and perseverance, worked his way up to Miami’s hip-hop station (99 JAMZ) and in time became a record executive and producer. His Victory album in 2010 included the triple platinum-certified single All I Do Is Win.

25. (TIE) Kendrick Lamar Net Worth – $75 Million

Kendrick Lamar Duckworth was born in California in 1987 and named for The Temptations –Eddie Kendricks. He is known as a hugely successful American rapper and singer-songwriter with a strong influence in terms of social consciousness. Lamar began releasing music first as K. Dot when he was still in high school. By 2005, he had signed with Top Dawg Entertainment. Lamar is considered among the greatest and richest rappers in the world of all time. In fact, Kendrick Lamar is the only musician who is not in the jazz or classical music genres to have received the Pulitzer Prize for Music.

23. Joseph Simmons AKA Reverend Run – Net Worth – $80 Million

Joseph Ward Simmonswhose stage or professional name is Reverend Run, is a rapper, TV personality, and ordained minister who was born in NYC. Simmons was the lead vocalist in The Force – a hip-hop group, before he founded Run-D.M.C. as its lead vocalist. Walk This Way – the crossover song Run-DMC did with Aerosmith was pioneering and paved the way for future generations of rappers. Millennials will recognize him from the reality show he created in partnership with MTV that featured his family and faith-centered life. In 2017, Simmons adopted a vegetarian lifestyle.

22. (TIE) T.I. – Net Worth – $85 Million

Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., better known as T.I., is an American rapper, producer, and record executive born and raised in Atlanta. His success in rap music, especially southern rap, is undebatable, as he has seven studio albums that have reached #5 or better on the Billboard charts. T.I. has six children with four different women, which keeps him busy, but not busy enough to win no less than 11 Billboard Music Awards and 3 Grammys. In 2003, he co-founded his own label imprint known as Grand Hustle Records.

22. (TIE) Timbaland Net Worth – $85 Million

Timothy Zachery Mosely, who is known professionally as Timbaland, was born in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1972 and is a cousin of Pharrell Williams. His solo career has garnered widespread acclaim for his distinctive and innovative production style. Timbaland also works with other rappers, often under his label, Mosely Music Group. He has been part of the production for superstars that include Rihanna, Ludacris, Nelly Furtado, Brandy, and Jay Z. His rap influence extended beyond international borders, especially in the UK Garage culture.

20. The Beastie Boys – Net Worth – $90 Million

The Beastie Boys are among the few white rappers, who got their start in New York City in 1986. They were created when members of experimental hardcore punk bands came together. Their debut extended play song, Polly Wog Stew, was released in 1982. They have released seven albums that went platinum or higher. In their early years, they toured with Madonna. In 1991, Billboard Magazine recognized the Beastie Boys as the year’s highest-selling rap group. In 2012, the trio that created the Beastie Boys were finally honored and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

19. Ad-Rock Net Worth – $90 Million

Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz was born outside NYC in South Orange, NJ. Ad-Rock is known for his musical abilities as a guitarist, songwriter, and member of the iconic hip-hop group Beastie Boys. Ad-Rock is an American musician, guitarist, and actor, who has had roles in Lost Angels, Roadside Prophets, and While We’re Young. In 2018, he released a Beastie Boys memoir about their glory days, and he has now become a bit philanthropic to the causes that matter most to him.

18. Pitbull Net Worth – $100 Million

Pitbull was born in Miami as Armando Christian Perez in 1981 and is of Cuban descent. He is a celebrated singer/songwriter, actor, businessman, and record producer. In his earlier years, Pitball was inspired by Jose Marti – a Cuban poet whose work was so memorable he chose to memorize it.  Pitbull has several acting credits, including Blood Money and a cameo role on Empire. His talents were used in the animated movie Epic, where he played Bufo. He has released a fragrance line, co-written and produced La Esquina, and even has a financial interest in Miami Subs Pizza and Grill and Voli Vodka.

17. LL Cool J – Net Worth – $120 Million

LL Cool J was born James Todd Smith in Long Island, New York. His signature baseball cap began at a young age and continues today. As a target of bullying and abuse as a child, Smith began writing songs to help process and release the emotional tension. It didn’t take long before his talent was noticed as a performer and MC.  LL Cool J has another passion, and that includes acting. He has had starring roles in several movies and even has a lead role in a TV series. In 1999, LL Cool J won a Blockbuster Entertainment Award for the film Deep Blue Sea.

16. Bryan “Birdman” Williams – Net Worth – $120 – 160 Million

Birdman, who was born Bryan Christopher Williams, is co-owner of Cash Money Records with his older brother Slim. Birdman is also a performer, record executive, and rapper who has also been known by the stage name – Baby when he contributed to the New Orleans rap group Big Tymer$. Cash Money Records works closely with Lil Wayne, and Birdman has collaborated with Lil Wayne and his brother on a few of his albums. In the past, Birdman has dated Toni Braxton.

15. (TIE) Lil Wayne – Net Worth – $150 Million

Lil Wayne, born Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., has had an interesting life. Despite having spent time in prison, he has still managed to build an incredibly successful rapper and entrepreneurial career that has him on the list of richest rappers in the world list. Lil Wayne has had more records on the Billboard Hot 100 than Elvis and has sold well over. He has 100 million globally. Lil Wayne is an astute businessman with his own clothing line, shoe line, and cigar manufacturing company. He has also partnered with s Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Beats by Dre, which lifted Dr. Dre to the category of billionaires.

15. (TIE) Snoop Dogg – Net Worth – $150 Million

Snoop Dogg was born in California as Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. in 1971. Snoop Dog is a popular rapper and a wildly creative businessman. He has sold more than 53 million albums globally and has collaborated with some of the most celebrated entertainers in the world. Snoop is a huge cannabis advocate and invested in Eaze, a cannabis delivery service. He also owns his own line of cannabis-themed products called Leafs by Snoop. Snoop Dog also has an app – Snoopify, which is said to bring in a hefty sum each week.

15. (TIE) Nicki Minaj – Net Worth – $150 Million

Nicki Minaj was born Onika Tanya Maraj in Trinidad/Tobago in 1981 but moved to a NYC suburb when she was young. This Caribbean beauty is likely among the most influential female rappers of all time, so it is no surprise that she is one of the richest rappers in the world. Her 2010 debut studio album – Pink Friday – was commercially successful – especially for the hit single Super Bass. In addition to her time on American Idol and her many creative projects, she has a stake in Tidal and provides scholarships to deserving individuals.

12. (TIE) Notorious – B.I.G. – Net Worth – $160 Million

George Latore Wallace, who is professionally known as Notorious B.I.G. and Biggie Smalls, was born in Brooklyn, NY. He sold 17 million albums before his death in 1997, which continues to be an unsolved murder. Since his death, his posthumous earnings have gone to his estate, which was left to be managed by his mom – Voletta. Many artists have sampled his songs, which provide even more money. Had he not been murdered so young, who knows where he would have ended up on our list of the richest rappers in the world?  His net worth continues to climb due to the continued branding of merchandise and a biopic on Netflix.

12. (TIE) Ice Cube – Net Worth – $160 Million

Ice Cube gained global recognition as one of the founding members of N.W.A (Niggaz Wit Attitudes), a revolutionary rap group with members that included Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, MC Ren, and DJ Yell. His career as a solo artist was also successful, and in 1991, he began acting, something that he still enjoys doing. Ice Cube wrote and produced the Straight Out of Compton, which documented the group’s rise to fame from humble beginnings. Ice Cube has been hugely successful as a businessman and entrepreneur, as he has been the Coors Light beer spokesman and St. Ides malt liquor.

10. (TIE) Usher – Net Worth – $250 Million

Usher is a rapper, singer, actor, philanthropist, and businessman who was born in Texas as Usher Raymond IV. Usher has shown the world how to successfully combine R&B, hip hop, funk, and pop into a blend of heavenly sounds. He has been awarded over 21 prestigious industry awards, has been a coach on The Voice, and has tried his hand at acting on TV and in the movies. Usher owns several restaurants and is an active investor in Yoobi – a company that makes school supplies. When Hurricane Katrina destroyed New Orleans, he helped hundreds of families with housing and electricity, which didn’t include the money he donated to help clean up the city.

10. (TIE) Pharrell Williams – Net Worth – $250 Million

Pharrell Williams was born in Virginia Beach in 1973. Williams is a versatile and talented songwriter, record producer, fashion designer, and entrepreneurial businessman and has made his mark on the music industry since he collaborated with Chad Hugo to create The Neptunes. His song Happy was the most successful the year it was released – selling 14 million units and becoming triple platinum. Williams has also composed music for The Amazing Spiderman 2 and Despicable Me. Williams also has his own record label and clothing line and maintains a YouTube channel. , and a clothing line. Pharrell has partnered with iconic brands like Louis Vuitton, G-Star Raw, and Adidas.

10. (TIE) Drake – Net Worth – $250 Million

The Canadian Jewish Powerhouse rapper Drake – who was born Aubrey Drake Graham, wasn’t always in the music industry. As a kid, he faced so much bullying and bullying about his race/religion that he chose to drop out.

As a teen, he had a role in the Canadian TV series drama Degrassi: The New Generation, which likely helped open doors to other entertainment avenues. However, sheer talent carried him onto our final list of richest rappers in the world. Drake garnered the right kind of attention from the music industry when he released So Far Gone –one of his mixtapes.

10.  (TIE) Ronald “Slim” Williams – Net Worth – $250 Million

Ronald – Slim – Williams was born in New Orleans in 1967, and with his brother, Birdman began Cash Money Records. Slim now is the executive producer and has signed many successful artists to their label, including the remarkably talented Lil Wayne. CNBC produced a documentary about the oodles of money he earned as a rap industry record producer. Slim Williams has also appeared with Lil Wayne on a Behind the Music episode.

6. Eminem – Net Worth – $300 Million

Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is a hugely successful entertainer and rap artist. His debut album sold millions and was a massive commercial success. It included iconic tracks such as “The Real Slim Shady. His use of intricate rhyme schemes and the capacity to touch emotional depth have influenced many aspiring artists. In fact, it won the Grammy award for Best Rap Album, despite Eminem’s controversial lyrics and song messages. He started his own record company called Shady Records. He has also acted in movies and had a starring role in two Super Bowl advertisements.

5. Master P – Net Worth – $350 Million

Master P  is a man of many names, including Percy Robert Miller, his given name, and the name he uses for business purposes, P. Miller. As a rapper, Master P, who was born in the projects in New Orleans, was a trendsetter from the very start and is among the most respected artists in the rap industry. In 1998, his rap songs that covered the social issues/topics of poverty, police brutality, and drug dealing helped launch him to #10 of the 40 highest-paid entertainers that year. Although Master P isn’t as active musically, he continues to build his wealth through real estate, film ventures, television production, magazine publishing, and a franchise store of Foot Locker.

4. Kanye West Net Worth – $400 Million

Kanye West is a successful, if not controversial, rap artist, record producer, fashion designer, and entrepreneurial businessman born in 1977 in Atlanta, Georgia. His career includes more than 32 million albums and 100 million digital music downloads. West has won 21 Grammy Awards for his work, and his Kim Kardashian created a media sensation. The high-profile marriage and their public life together garnered significant media attention. He has his own line of clothing and has collaborated with Louis Vuitton and Nike.

3. Dr Dre Net Worth – $500 Million

Andre Romelle Young, Dr. Dre is a rapper, record producer, audio engineer, and entrepreneur. He began his career with NWA, which created great fortune/fame and the West Coast rap culture. Later, he created Death Row Records and Aftermath Entertainment –his record label that helped produce incredible talents like Eminem, 50 Cent, Mary J Blige, and more. In addition to selling Beats to Apple for a remarkable profit, Dr. Dre has won many prestigious awards.  

2. P Diddy Net Worth – $900 Million

P. Diddy, who was born Sean Combs in New York City, is a huge superstar, actor, movie producer, and savvy businessman. P. Diddy released his debut studio album, “,” in 1997, which featured hit singles like “I’ll Be Missing You” (a tribute to The Notorious B.I.G.). His debut album, No Way Out, went platinum seven times, featured the hit single I’ll Be Missing You, and won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. He founded one of the most influential hip-hop labels, known as  Bad Boys Records. Diddy’s talent has helped him win several prestigious music industry awards. P Diddy is also responsible for helping create some of the most famous artists in the business. He has a clothing line and business interest in Ciroc Vodka, Aquahydrate, and Revolt TV. Diddy has also dabbled in reality television as a restauranteur, with several under his ownership.  

1. Jay-Z Net Worth – $2.5 Billion

Jay-Z, who is married to Beyonce, has created quite an amazing empire; his accomplishments now place him as the richest rapper in the world. Born Shawn Corey Carter in Brooklyn, Jay Z is a record producer, rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, and ranks among the greatest rappers in history. Rolling Stone Magazine has ranked Jay-Z at number 88 on the list of the 100 greatest artists of all time, with more than 100 million records sold. Jay-Z has branched out into the world of business as Def Jam Record’s president by founding Roc Nation Sports, working as an NBA sports agent, and co-owning 40/40 Club.

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