 Jay-Z has several business interests alongside his music |
Rapper Jay-Z was the biggest earner in the hip-hop world last year, making an estimated $34m (�17.2m) according to business website Forbes.com. His 11th studio album on his record label Def Jam sold two million copies. He also has several endorsement deals with companies such as Budweiser.
50 Cent came second on the list, earning an estimated $32m (�16.2m).
Other artists in the top 10 include Sean "Diddy" Combs, Timbaland, Dr Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg and Kanye West.
Business sense
In March, Jay-Z sold his Rocawear fashion label for $204m, which is expected to hold him in good stead for next year's list.
"They get it that it's not just about selling albums, but selling a lifestyle," said Forbes.com's associate editor Lea Goldman.
"So they've ploughed their earnings into media empires that include their own record labels, clothing lines, restaurants and bars," she added.
Other rappers included in the list of 20 are Pharrell Williams, Scott Storch, Ludacris, TI, Outkast, Lil Jon, Ice Cube and Jermaine Dupri.
One-Minute World News 
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