Forbes has released their annual Hip-Hop Cash Kings list and in 2018, we have a new king that has the top spot. In 2017, Diddy reigned supreme but this year, he comes in second. Jay Z is this year’s highest-paid hip-hop act.
Kendrick Lamar jumped up three spots to the third ranking. Drake was at two last year but slipped to fourth in 2018. This is surprising considering how much success he’s seen this year with singles such as God’s Plan, I’m Upset and the release of his fifth studio album, Scorpion.
Dr. Dre was fourth in 2017 but slipped to the sixth spot in 2018. That is surprising to me but I assume more business ventures have to be done outside of generating revenue from his Beats headphones.
Some surprising names on the list are Lil Uzi Vert at No. 17 at $19.5 million, Russ at No. 20 with $15 million, and Birdman falling to No. 16 at $21 million.
J.Cole saw a very large leap from 2017 to 2018. In 2017, he was ranked at No. 13 but now he is the fifth ranked Cash King. The North Carolina rapper saw much success this year with the release of his fifth studio album, KOD. He continues to sell out large venues in every city as he’s currently on his KOD tour.
Flip the page for the full list of Cash Kings.