Did you know who are the Richest Rappers for 2009?

Forbes' 2009 Hip-Hop Cash Kings

1. Jay-Z - 35 Million

 Reclaimed his crown as the top Hip-Hop Cash King despite taking a steep pay cut from the $82 million he brought in a year ago. The reason? That figure was inflated by a top-heavy 10-year, $150 million deal he signed with Live Nation last April. Still had a good year: wrapped up a huge an international tour, made a groundbreaking appearance at the U.K.'s Glastonbury Festival and honeymooned with new wife Beyoncé. Owns a stake in pro basketball's New Jersey Nets and New York's 40/40 nightclub.

2. Diddy - 30 Million

Dapper don of hip-hop continues his decade-long run of good fortune. Diversified Diddy brings in cash from clothing line Sean John, record label Bad Boy, premium vodka Ciroc and reality TV shows Making the Band and Run's House. With over 1 million followers and an abundance of exuberant posts, Diddy is among the most prolific of hip-hop's Twitterati.

3. Kanye West - 25 Million

 Stayed atop the hip-hop charts with the release of his fourth album, 808s and Heartbreak. Though not as well-received as his prior effort, the multiplatinum Graduation, experimental oeuvre sold nearly 2 million copies. Last year's "Glow in the Dark" tour included a stop in his native Chicago to headline the music festival Lollapalooza. Moonlights as a shoe designer, recently crafting a successful limited-run Nike line called the Air Yeezy; designed another shoe line for Louis Vuitton, due out this summer.

 

 

4. 50 Cent - 20 Million

Last year's highest-earning hip-hop star has seen annual pay fall from $150 million to $20 million. Reason: a $100 million windfall from the sale of VitaminWater parent Glacéau to Coca-Cola last year. Steep drop in earnings makes him look like a crashing bank stock, but Queens-born rapper might survive future stress tests better than most: His portfolio includes popular G-Unit clothing line and record label, plus films, videogames and a slew of platinum albums. Launched cologne for Macy's in June. Fourth album, Before I Self Destruct, is set for release later this year.

  

5. Akon - 20 Million

Split childhood between Senegal and the U.S., gained worldwide fame with 2004 hit "Locked Up." Since then, has become one of hip-hop's most versatile artists--one of few to make more money this year than last. Can thank diversification: writes, sings, raps and produces; makes lucrative guest appearances on other artists' songs and tours frequently. Other business ventures include Konvict Clothing and Konvict Music, a label that boasts pop princess Lady Gaga.

6. Lil Wayne - 18 Million

 Started hip-hop career as a teenager with group Hot Boys, blossomed into a mainstream celebrity with hits like "Tha Block is Hot" and "Lollipop." This year, pulled in an estimated $10 million from his 65-show mega-tour alone; latest album, Tha Carter III, went platinum in its opening week. Follow-up Tha Carter IV said to be in the works. Also starred alongside Forrest Whitaker in the film Hurricane Season, due out later this year. Longtime buddy Birdman reportedly gave Lil Wayne $1 million in cash for his 26th birthday in October.

 

7. Timbaland - 17 Million

 Hip-hop super-producer continues to churn out tracks at a frenetic pace; catalog of classic hits include Jay-Z's "Big Pimpin'" and Ludacris' "Roll Out." More recently, produced pop songs for the likes of Madonna and Chris Cornell. Second solo album Shock Value went platinum shortly after its release in 2007; follow-up is scheduled for later this year. Hollywood beckons: Timba is reportedly set to produce the soundtrack to Simon Cowell's rumored Saturday Night Fever remake.

8. Pharrell - 16 Million

 Versatile star made his name penning hits for rappers and pop artists alike as part of popular production duo The Neptunes. Recently produced songs for Busta Rhymes and Jadakiss. Now fronts the funk-rock band N*E*R*D and is said to be an avid Star Trek fan. A geek with exquisite taste, Williams designs sunglasses for Louis Vuitton and owns apparel lines Ice Cream and Billionaire Boys Club. Reportedly owns a solid gold BlackBerry.

 

9. T-Pain - 15 Million

 Circus-themed album Thr33 Ringz debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's chart and has sold nearly 700,000 copies to date. Dreadlocked star also cashed in on a slew of guest appearances, including Flo Rida's "Low" and Kanye West's Grammy-winner "Good Life" last year. Nominated for three more Grammys in 2009. Appearance on Saturday Night Live digital short "On a Boat" became an Internet sensation, earning over 30 million YouTube views. Hip-hop's Jay Leno owns 32 cars, including the first Rolls Royce Phantom convertible sold in the U.S.

10. Eminem - 14 Million

 

Controversial rhymester rapped his way back onto the scene this year with the release of Relapse, his first album in five years. The record, which details Eminem's battle with drug addiction, hit stores on May 15 and sold over a million copies in its first month. Sold 75 million records in his career; 1999 debut album The Slim Shady LP has been certified five-times platinum. Detroit native was recently voted best rapper alive in a poll by Vibe magazine.

 

 

 

 

 

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