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The Richest Rappers of 2010
Hip-hop music videos are full of flashy cars and expensive jewellery. But is all that wealth real or imagined?
Well, according to a Forbes.com article, the very top rappers are indeed super rich!
Topping the list is the Brooklyn, New York-raised Shawn Carter, who raps under the moniker Jay-Z.
From June 2009 to June 2010, Jay-Z pocketed a whopping 63 million dollars in personal income, more than double that of runner-up Sean 'Diddy' Combs, who earned 30 million dollars.
Those two were followed by Senegalese-American rapper/R&B artist Aliuane 'Akon' Thiam, who made 21 million dollars.
Let's check out the top ten.
Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, 63 million dollars
Just 40 years old, Jay-Z has already amassed a fortune worth over 150 million dollars!
With 11 full-length releases to his name, and a number of collaboration albums, Jay-Z is also one of the most prolific rappers of all-time.
Oh, and in addition to wealth, he knows how to charm the ladies. Look at his wife, the beautiful Beyonce Knowles!
2. Sean Diddy Combs, 63 million dollars
Right below Carter is fellow 40-year-old New Yorker, Sean 'Diddy' Combs.
Combs is famous for his fantastic sense of style and his keen understanding of urban America.
He's got his fingers on the pulse of fashion, music and business -- no wonder he pulled in 30 million dollars last year!
3. Aliuane Akon Thiam, 21 million dollars
While the first two rappers on the list have been household names for over a decade, Akon is the surprising young gun on the list.
For the past five years, from the release of 2004's Locked Up, Akon's unique sing-song raps have been blasting in clubs and parties all over the world!
4. Dwayne Lil Wayne Carter, 20 million dollars
He may be short of stature, at only 5'6, but Lil Wayne talks a big game. With good reason, too, because he's one of the hottest hip-hop artists around.
He's been rapping since childhood, and in 1997, at only 15, joined New Orleans supergroup the Hot Boys, which made him known nationally.
Since taking his career solo a decade ago, Wayne's fame has only increased. Now, if only he could stay out of jail!
5. Andre Dr Dre Young, 17 million dollars
One of the men who brought West Coast hip hop into the mainstream, Dr Dre has had an incredibly successful career that is now running into its fourth decade!
Known for his 'funky' production style, Dre is also famous for helping discover Marshall "Eminem" Mathers.
6. Christopher Ludacris Bridges, 16 million dollars
Known for his gut-busting metaphors and rapid-fire delivery, Ludcaris is a talented rapper.
He's also a talented businessman, and is the co-founder of Disturbing tha Peace, an Atlanta-based record label.
Oh, and we forgot to mention, he's also an actor!
7.Calvin Snoop Dogg Broadus, 15 million dollars
With one of the most recognizable styles in all of hip-hop, Snoop Dogg has been an American icon for almost twenty years.
Always laid back, always cool, Snoop Dogg continues to churn out hits, a full 17 years after his hit debut, Doggystyle.
8.Timothy Timbaland Mosley, 14 million dollars
Known for his fast-paced beats and baritone voice. He collaborated with Sri Lankan musician MIA for a song.
9. Pharrell Williams, 13 million dollars
One of the most popular producers in hip hop, Pharrell is known for his space-age beats.
A few years ago, he teamed up with Snoop Dogg for the hit, Drop it Like It's Hot.
Kanye West, 12 million dollars
He may come off brash, but this guy is talented.
Just look at the success his four albums have achieved -- lots of awards, including a cumulative twelve Grammys and critical acclaim.