HIP HOP'S TOP EARNERS

If you listen to Hip Hop music, and even if you don't, it is a great draw for many across the United States and abroad. Hip Hop has truly turned into a money making industry, just ask any studio executive. And whether it is a strong fan base, platinum records, awards, or savvy business deals the formula has not yet been written to create multi millionaires or even successful artists. That said, many in the industry would be satisfied with just one hit record, but the list of Forbes magazines top 5 earners in Hip Hop show a group of men who have had top albums, sold out concerts, longevity in the game, as well as an acumen for business.

What follows is the list compiled by Forbes magazine of the Top 5 earners in Hip Hop starting with # 5.

5. Andre "Dr. Dre" Young - $17M

Legendary rapper-producer is also one of hip-hop's savviest--unlike many who sell away the rights to their songs, Dr. Dre hangs on to most of his. Still collects royalties on multiplatinum albums like 1992 classic The Chronic, which sold nearly 10 million copies worldwide. Also rakes in cash from his headphone line Beats by Dre, a partnership with Interscope Records. Served as executive producer for Eminem's "Recovery," which sold over 1 million U.S. copies in its first two weeks; solo album Detox is slated for release this fall.

4. Dwayne "Lil Wayne" Carter - $20M

Not even jail could stop Lil Wayne from cracking the top five on our list. Sentenced in March to a year in the pen for weapons possession, the rapper managed to earn his hefty total from new album Rebirth, proceeds from guest appearances and a healthy dose of touring, where he grossed over $500,000 per show. Already making plans for a new album, Tha Carter IV, upon his release.

3. Aliuane "Akon" Thiam - $21M

Senegalese-American hip-hop singer/songwriter/producer has been profiting from a range of business ventures this year. There's his Konvict Clothing, his Pepsi soccer ad campaign and Kon Live, his Interscope-backed imprint that's home to Lady Gaga and others. Still has time for traditional musical ventures, including an international tour and a new album, Stadium Music.

2. Sean "Diddy" Combs - $30M

Ageless hip-hop impresario has changed name from Puff Daddy to P. Diddy to Diddy. Now, he occasionally goes by "Ciroc Obama," after his lucrative vodka joint venture with Diageo. Still shills Sean John clothing, Bad Boy Records, and more; released Last Train to Paris, his first album since 2006. Acting career on the rise after appearance in 2010 flick Get Him to the Greek, where he plays a record executive.

1. Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter - $63 Million

Says he's not a businessman; he's a business, man--and it's not idle boasting. Rapper-turned-mogul retains his crown as hip-hop's cash king thanks to a new album and investments in 40/40 nightclub chain, Broadway show "Fela!" and New Jersey Nets basketball team. Biggest boost comes from Blueprint 3 Tour, which grossed over $1 million per concert this year. Still makes less than wife Beyoncé (Source: Forbes.com)

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