Forbes Cash Kings 2015: The Highest Paid Hip-Hop Stars

1. 10. Birdman - $18 Million

The Cash Money boss remains steady on the Hip-Hop Forbes List, collecting a percentage of his company's eight-figure profits, alongside his brother and co-founder Ronald 'Slim' Williams.

2. 9. Nicki Minaj - $21 Million

The world's highest earning female rapper saw her earnings double over the past year due to a rise in touring. She also earns money from a number of endorsements including Pepsi and OPI.

3. 8. Wiz Khalifa - $21.5 Million

Wiz Khalifa has made the most money in his career this year after success with his 'Fast And Furious' single 'See You Again', lots of touring and selling his weed-themed merchandise.

4. 7. Kanye West - $22 Million

Although Kanye West missed out on the Top 5, he may have had the biggest year of anyone on the list. There was his memorable Grammy performance, his Adidas trainer collaboration and his intention to run for president in 2020. Picture: Getty

5. 6. Eminem - $31 Million

The Detroit rapper's six shows last summer alongside Rihanna on their co-headlining 'Monster Tour', earned more than $5 million per show. Their gig at Metlife Stadium in the US grossed a total of $12.4 million.

6. 5. Pharrell Williams - $32 Million

The 'Happy' performer is one of the most diversified acts on the list this year, earning money from touring, music and his role as a judge on 'The Voice'. He also makes money from his fashion brands 'Billionaire Boys Club' and 'Ice Cream'.

7. 4. Dr Dre - $33 Million

Dr Dre earned a whopping $620 million from selling Beats to Apple last year - the highest earnings of any musician ever. However despite a year-on-year drop of over half a billion dollars, Dre makes the list from current Apple cheques and his back-catalogue. Picture: Getty

8. 3. Drake - $39.5 Million

The Canadian rapper has earned the most money of his career this year thanks to a 50-date tour, earning an average gross of around $1 million a show. He also earned cash from his platinum-selling mixtape 'If You're Reading This, Its Too Late' and his Sprite and Nike endorsements. Picture: Getty

9. 2. Jay Z - $56 Million

Jay Z's joint tour with Beyonce boosted the Hip-Hop mogul's earnings alongside ventures including Roc Nation and his Armand de Brignac champagne. The current impact of his new Tidal streaming service waits to be seen, however Jay Z has taken his business ventures to new levels.

10. 1. P Diddy - $60 Million

Despite rarely performing live, Diddy makes a huge amount of money from his TV Network Revolt, clothing line Sean John, water brand Aquahydrate and vodka brand Ciroc. He is also working on a new album. Picture: PA

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Forbes Cash Kings 2015: The Highest Paid Hip-Hop Stars