Top 4 Black Wealthiest Hip Hop Stars Of 2022

According to a report by former Forbes editor Zack O’Malley, the top five richest hip-hop stars (including four Black artists) amassed a combined wealth of $3.8 billion. According to the report, Diddy has surpassed Kanye West on the list of the wealthiest Hip Hop artists in 2022. West’s net worth dropped to $400 million after a series of anti-Semitic tweets caused major brands to cut ties with him, including German sneaker brand Adidas.

His contract with Adidas is said to have accounted for $1.4 billion of his nearly $2 billion net worth. “Antisemitism and other forms of hate speech are not tolerated by Adidas.” Adidas said in a statement, “Ye’s recent comments and actions have been unacceptable, hateful, and dangerous, and they violate the company’s values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect, and fairness.”

Also, with $1.5 billion, Jay-Z takes the top spot as the wealthiest Hip Hop artist. Below are the top four Black richest hip-hop artists:

Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter ($1.5 billion)

Jay-Z is the wealthiest hip-hop artist with a fortune of $1.5 billion. The bulk of his wealth comes from his Armand de Brignac champagne and Roc Nation Entertainment Company. He also has stakes in startups like Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty lingerie line among others.

Sean “Diddy” Combs ($1 billion)

Diddy replaced West on the list with $1 billion, thanks to his Cîroc partnership with Diageo. He also has stakes in DeLeón tequila and Revolt, along with his music catalog, startup investments and other assets. Diddy becomes hip-hop’s third billionaire.

Kanye “Ye” West ($500 million)

West lost nearly $1.5 billion of his net worth after making a series of antisemitic tweets, although he has since apologized. He currently has a 5% stake in ex-wife Kim Kardashian’s $3.2 billion shapewear line. There is also his lucrative music catalog and Yeezy, his battered but still valuable footwear line.

Andre “Dr. Dre” Young ($400 million)

The legendary Dr. Dre comes in fourth with $400 million thanks to his Beats partnership, music catalog and ongoing projects. According to O’Malley, documents from Dre’s recent divorce revealed his net worth had dwindled to just over $450 million before the first half of a $100 million settlement was paid to his ex (the second half is said to be due by the end of 2022).