Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings 2k11

Spotted: Forbes

This week Jay-Z and Kanye West unveiled their long-awaited collaboration, Watch the Throne. The album’s timing and title couldn’t have been more appropriate—the Empire State of Mind rapper is hip-hop’s top earner with $37 million in the past 12 months, claiming his fourth Cash Kings crown in five years; his partner-in-rhyme ranked third.

1. Jay-Z $37 million

2. Sean “Diddy” Combs $37 million

3. Kanye West $16 million

4. DeWayne “Lil Wayne” Carter   $15 million

5.  Bryan “Birdman” Williams  $15 million

6.  Marshall “Eminem” Mathers  $14 million

7. Calvin “Snoop Dogg” Broadus  $14 million

8.  Andre “Dr. Dre” Young  $14 million

9. Aliuane “Akon” Thiam $13 million