We are pleased to present to you the most recent ranking of the top 30 richest rappers in the world in 2022, as well as their respective net worth. Yes, the information in this article was derived from Forbes, Wikipedia, and The Richest.
Over the past two decades, the music industry has been treated to the lyrics of some of the most successful rappers in the world, who have amassed considerable wealth and celebrity by doing what they do best.
Many of these rappers have proven themselves to be world-beaters, and they have built a successful career in the music industry.
Some of them have had successful careers spanning more than a decade, thanks to their consistency, dedication, and hard work, which has resulted in significant financial, award, record, and celebrity success.
Because of their hard work and dedication, they have become the richest rappers in the world. The question is, did any of these rappers make it onto the list of the top 20 richest musicians in the world? That’s something you should look into.
Our list of the top 30 wealthiest rappers will be broken down in this article for your reading pleasure.
While you may recognize many of these rappers as being among the wealthiest in the world, be prepared to be surprised by some of the names on this list.
You will be astounded by how much these rappers are worth as you are by their talent. The following is a list of the world’s wealthiest rappers:
Top 20 Richest Rappers In The World 2022
Rank | Richest Rappers In The World 2022 | Estimated Net Worth |
#30 | Wiz Khalifa | $60 million |
#29 | PSY | $60 million |
#28 | Jermaine Lamarr Cole | $60 million |
#27 | DJ Khalid | $65 million |
#26 | Nas | $70 million |
#25 | Joseph Simmons | $70 million |
#24 | William | $75 million |
#23 | Kendrick Lamar | $75 million |
#22 | Nicki Minaj | $80 million |
#21 | Migos | $80 million |
#20 | Akon | $80 million |
#19 | Timbaland | $85 million |
#18 | Pitbull | $90 million |
#17 | Mike D | $90 million |
#16 | Ad-Rock | $90 million |
#15 | Swizz Beatz | $100 million |
#14 | Birdman | $100 million |
#13 | LL Cool J | $120 million |
#12 | Snoop Dog | $150 million |
#11 | Pharrell Williams | $150 million |
#10 | Lil Wayne | $150 million |
#09 | Ice Cube | $160 million |
#08 | Usher Raymond | $180 million |
#07 | Drake | $180 million |
#06 | Master P | $200 million |
#05 | Eminem | $200 million |
#04 | Dr. Dre | $820 million |
#03 | P. Daddy | $885 million |
#02 | Jay Z | $1 billion |
#01 | Kanye West | $3.2 billion |
30. Wiz Khalifa Net Worth: $60 Million
Wiz Khalifa is one of the most recent and well-known names to appear on this list of the richest rappers in the world.
The star rapper, who debuted with his debut album in 2006, cemented his stardom in 2012 with the release of the single Black and Yellow, which was released through Atalanta Records.
He is also well-known for a song titled ‘See You Again’, which he recorded for the soundtrack of the action film ‘Fast and Furious 7’ and released as a single.
The single remained at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for a record-breaking 12 weeks in a row. When he married Amber Rose in 2013, he was also surrounded by the glitz and glam of celebrity marriages. What more could a movie star possibly want?
29. PSY Net Worth: $60 Million
You’ll most likely be perplexed as to who this is, but he’s the star you’re already familiar with; you simply didn’t pay attention to his name.
However, PSY had been releasing music for nearly twenty years prior to his first appearance in the public eye, which took place in 2012.
He is best known for the song that catapulted him to stardom in the Gagnam style. Since releasing that masterpiece, he has continued to put out singles in the underground music community.
From the single, he made more money than he had ever made in his entire professional life combined. He is the classic one-hit wonder, and he is the 29th richest rapper in the world, according to Forbes.
28. J Cole Net Worth: $60 Million)
Jermaine Lamarr Cole is well known for his intense style of Rapping which focuses on topics affecting society today.
His kind of Rapping conveys deep meanings for those who really focus on his lyrics, though his rhythm, Rhymes can be considered unbeatable.
He became well recognized through his debut mixtape in 2007 which he titled The Come Up.
Since then, he’s had a successful solo career, releasing albums, with five of them containing lead singles which topped the Billboard Hot 200.
27. DJ Khalid Net Worth: 65 Million)
The self-acclaimed father Assad is one of the most influential DJ’s in America. He started his career as a radio host and already made a name for himself before he ventured into music.
His debut album titled ‘Listenn’ was so successful that it received a Gold certification from the RIAA.
success obviously allowed him to forge ahead and release ten more studio albums to date. Aside from music, he has also published a book titled ‘The Keys’ which is on the New York best-selling list.
He also made cameo appearances in hit movies like Spies in Disguise and Bad Boys for Life. He is the 29th richest rapper on this list.
26. Nas Net Worth $70 Million
Nasir Bin Olu Dara Jones began his rapping career in 1994 and has since released a total of 12 albums, seven of which have been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
On the basis of this fact alone, he requires no further introduction as an excellent rapper who swept the world by storm in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Because of his father, Olu Dara Jones, who was an instrumentalist as well as a vocalist, there is no doubt that music runs in his family and that he has exceptional talent.
His career hasn’t been without bumps in the road, including feuds with notable stars such as Jay Z, who was in a relationship with his girlfriend at the time.
Nonetheless, the career he forged for himself propelled him to the top of the richest rappers in the world.
25. Joseph Simmons Net Worth: $70 Million
I personally have no slightest idea who he is, and I’m guessing you are with me; unless you are overage.
That fact however does not mean he wasn’t a star, we don’t know him because most of his music was in the 80s. Also, he is not a full-time rapper, he is a DJ as well as a TV personality.
The mere fact he is on this list of richest rappers in the world shows he was successful as well as a star in what he does.
24. Will.I.Am Net Worth: $75 Million
William James Adam’s is a multitalented rapper, DJ, actor, entrepreneur, producer, songwriter; the list goes on and on on.
He is the founder of the fan-favorite group, The Black Eyed Peas. While as a group, they released numerous albums that were pretty much successful, and after a little thinking, Will.i.am decided to go separate ways with the musical group to pursue a solo career.
He had a solo career as a rapper, DJ, and producer. His talent as a producer was electrifying as he produced beats for prominent artists like Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Usher Nicki Minaj among a host of others.
23. Kendrick Lamar Net Worth: $75 Million
Kendrick Lamar is one of the rappers who is consistently regarded as one of the most talented artists of all time.
Despite this, he only managed to secure the 23rd spot on this list of the world’s wealthiest rappers. I believe that his net worth does not do justice to the amount of talent that this man from Compton possesses.
Kendrick first came to public attention in 2011 with the release of his debut studio album, Section, and the rest, as they say, is history.
22. Nicki Minaj Net Worth: $80 Million
The most iconic female rapper of all time is Nicki Minaj. No one else in that gender category comes near. She has had a long, successful career so far, bringing glamor and controversies in her wake.
The queen is not one to shy away from the limelight and controversies also.
Nevertheless, she has been dazzling with her performances in the music industry; especially Rapping. She I an just so good.
21. Migos Net Worth: $80 Million
Migos is another music group on this list consisting of Offset, Takeoff, and Quavo. This exceptional music group who are all rappers are unique in their own style of Rapping and music generally.
Migos had their first Breakthrough in 2013 when they released hit single title Versace.
Since then, they have been pulling the right strings and it’s been bringing in money for them. Aside from being a group, each of them has a quite impressive solo career, having a combined net worth totaling $80 Million.
20. Akon Net Worth: $80 Million
While Akron is popular for his RnB genre of music, he is also popular as a rapper. He rose to prominence from his debut single which was released in 2004 titled ‘Locked Up’.
His vocal prowess is one of the reasons why he is most loved by his fans, and he made sure he put it to good use.
His net worth of $80 million is justified, as he’s well placed on this list of richest rappers in the world.
19. Timbaland Net Worth: $85 Million
Though he started his Rapping career by releasing joint albums with Magoo, who was also a rapper, his solo career as a rapper began in 1998 when he released his debut album titled Tim’s Bio.
As well as a rapper, Timbaland is an established producer. He produced hit songs for the likes of Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Nas, Rihanna, Ludacris, and many others.
18. Pitbull Net Worth: $90 Million
This is a one-star artist who started out his career in music, singing reggaeton, Latin hip hop, and crank music.
After recording minimal success under these genres, Pitbull rebranded himself as a full blown hip-hop artist.
He then released his next album titled Planet pit which peaked at No 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100. He has never looked back ever since then.
17. Mike D Net Worth: $90 Million
Micheal Louis Diamond started his music career when he founded the band popularly called the Young Aborigines.
After considerable success, he then founded another band called the Beastie Boys later in his career.
He mostly raps, sings and also play the drums and much of his music career started from the late 70s and ended in the 90s.
16. Ad-Rock Net Worth: $90 Million
Ad-Rock was in the same boy band which Mike D founded. Ad-Rock however didn’t start the band with Mike, but joined later when John Berry who was part of the band decided to call it quits.
It seems as though, John’s loss was his gain as much of his earnings was made through the Beastie Boys. Ad-Rock is the 16th richest rapper in the world.
15. Swizz Beatz (Net Worth: $100 Million
From his name, you might be pushed to think Swizz Beatz is a producer; As a matter of fact, you are correct.
The fact that he was majorly a producer did not stop him from going into the studio to drop some bars a few times.
Aside from being a rapper and producer, he is well known for his love of art, prompting him to be an art collector. Who knows if he’s got an eye for one of the world’s most expensive paintings.
14. Birdman Net Worth: $100 Million
What Birdman has done with his life and career is what we can refer to as a miracle.
For someone who was convicted and jailed for crimes committed to be on this list of richest rappers in the world is a testimony.
Birdman picked himself up, polished his Rapping talents, and released his debut album in the 90s. Today, he is a successful executive, entrepreneur, and rapper. What a transformation that is!
13. Ll Cool J (Net Worth: $120 million)
Aside being a rapper, James Todd Smith is an actor, Author, producer and entrepreneur who has 13 studio albums to his name.
He has 2 greatest hit compilation, won 2 Grammy Awards, and is referred to as one of the greatest artists of all time.
His net worth just like that of Andres Iniesta, is $120 million dollars, making him the 13th on this list of richest rappers in the world.
12. Snoop Dogg Net Worth: $150 Million
Snoop Dogg quickly became famous right from the onset when he released his debut album titled Doggystyle.
The song was produced by Dr Dre who discovered and signed him to the Death Row records.
He has had a somewhat confusing music career due to his numerous change in personality, first of which came in 2012 when he declared himself as a Rastafarian, only to later declare himself a born again Christian.
These sequence of events however did not affect his net worth to become one of the richest rappers in the world.
Related: Top 10 Richest Kenyan rappers
11. Pharrell Williams Net Worth: $150 Million
Who doesn’t know the ‘Happy’ man?. Pharrell has carved an envious career that is wanted by many, but a few have achieved.
The rapper does not focus all his energy though, as he is also a fashion designer for the Billionaire Boys Club, which is a retail clothing line.
He is also an artist well known for his vocal prowess on the stage, keeping everyone on the feet while performing. It is only deserving that he is among the richest rappers.
10. Lil Wayne Net Worth: $150 Million
Lil Wayne is the 10th richest rapper in the world. He is a spectacular rapper whose career kicked off at the early age of 13.
Today, he has broken numerous records with his scintillating Rapping performances, even though he gets vulgar time and time again.
Today, he has sold over 130 million records all over the world, breaking the record for the most entries on the US Billboard.
9. Ice Cube Net Worth: $160 Million
Ice Cube is very popular in many industries in the United States including the music and movie industry.
He started out his career as a rapper, forming a rap group with Dr Dre and Eazy E. It was in the late stages of his music career that he decided to venture into film making.
Many of his movies also Testify the many talents that Ice cube possesses. He is definitely one of the richest rappers in the world.
8. Usher Net Worth: $180 Million
Personally, as a fan of Usher, I am most intrigued by his talent in dancing. Coupling this talent with quality rap just makes Usher stand out and too good to be true.
Usher came to limelight in 1997 when he released the album titled My Way, which succeeded his self titled debut album titled Usher.
He is well known for his activism and philanthropy in America.
7. Drake Net Worth: $180 Million
Drake has been a success story from the beginning of his career. It was evident for all to see when his debut album debuted at No 1 on the US Billboard.
Drake has broken numerous streaming and selling records in the United States and as a matter of fact, deserves to be among the richest rappers in the world.
He is one never to shy away from showing off his wealth, as seen in the music video of God’s Plan.
Related: Top 20 Richest golf players in the world
6. Master P Net Worth: $200 Million
Master P prominently rose to fame in the 90s when he released his 5th solo album titled Ice Cream Man.
At the end of his career, Master P had a total of 15 albums to his name, many of which won him nominations, awards and obviously boosted his net worth to the level we find it today.
5. Eminem Net Worth: $200 Million
Marshall Bruce Mathers is, without doubt, the greatest rapper of all time, at least, according to me.
The fact that he is not atop this list of richest rappers in the world further attests to the factors that affect the conversion of ability and talent to money.
Despite having a troubled childhood with not-so-ideal parents, bullies at school, and home, he put his worries behind him and made a name for himself with his God-given talent; Rapping.
4. Dr. Dre Net Worth: $820 Million
That is such a wide gulf between the net worth of rapper on 5th and 4th positions. Such is the magnificent influence that Dr. Dre has had in the music industry.
He cannot be a man, but an empire in himself. Dr. Dre started out his career in Rapping and transitioned gradually into the business aspect of music, which is a very remarkable feat. Who else would be on this list if he isn’t?
3. P Diddy (Net Worth: $885 million)
The net worth of these rappers might get you thinking if Rapping is so lucrative that we have more than 3 artists with net worths reaching 9 figures.
Don’t get it twisted because as lucrative as Rapping is, most of these artists like P Diddy made the majority of their fortune through other businesses like clothing lines, Umbrella, Vodka, Fragrances and so on.
2. Jay-Z Net Worth: $1 Billion
Just like his close counterparts, Jay-Z didn’t make the bulk of his fortune from Rapping but from other businesses like night clubs, gadgets, appliances, and so on.
Jay-Z’s career started when he founded the Roc A Fella records. It was through this label that his success story began, as he released his debut studio album titled Reasonable Doubt in 1996.
The rest they say is history. And today, he is the second richest rapper in the world.
1. Kanye West Net Worth: $3.2 Billion
On top of the food chain of the richest rappers is none other than Kanye West. His rise to this position within such a short period of time can be termed a miracle in itself.
This is someone because of whom new made its rounds that he begged the CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg to invest a billion in his ideas because he was in debt in 2016.
Fast forward to 2021, he is the richest rapper in the world.
Though many would say he was lucky, it is important to note that luck only comes to those who work hard and are prepared to grab opportunities.
Related: Top 10 richest musicians in Kenya
The Richest Rappers In The World (summary)
Here we conclude this list of the richest rappers in the world today. Many of the names in this article come as a surprise to many, as predicted at the onset.
Here’s a quick recap of the world’s top richest rappers:
- Kanye West
- Jay-Z
- P Diddy
- Dr. Dre
- Eminem
- Master P
- Usher
- Drake
- Ice Cube
- Pharrell Williams
- Snoop Dogg
- Lil Wayne
- LL Cool J
- Birdman
- Swizz Beatz
- Ad Rock
- Michael Diamond
- Pitbull
- Timbaland
- Akon
- Migos
- Nicki Minaj
- Kendrick Lamar
- Will.I.Am
- Joseph Simmons
- Nas
- Dj Khalid
- J Cole
- PSY
- Wiz Khalifa
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