The World’s Richest Rappers in 2022

Timbaland, born Timothy Zachery Mosley, is an American rapper, singer, record producer, songwriter and record executive best known for his many collaborations with childhood friend and fellow hip-hop icon Missy Elliott.

Mike D, born Michael Louis Diamond, is best known as one of the founding members of the iconic hip-hop group Beastie Boys, whose members had musical roots in experimental hardcore punk and came together to create a sound that was all their own, and, if his rank on this list is any indication, is still relevant to this day. As he did with his career in the industry, Mike D has trailblazed his way to the 17th spot on our list.

Continuing on our climb to the top is fellow Beastie Boys alum and founding member Adam Horovitz, also known as Ad-Rock or King Ad-Rock.

Trinidadian rapper, singer and songwriter Nicki Minaj is the only woman to make this list and it’s no surprise, given that this no-filter artist has never had an issue holding her own with the boys when it comes to dominating the often male-dominated hip-hop industry.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a picture of this artist where he isn’t flashing that (hundred) million dollar smile. Pitbull, born Armando Christian Pérez, was raised by Cuban immigrants in Miami’s “Little Havana” district. Breaking out in the industry in 2004 with his debut release M.I.A.M.I., Pitbull’s sound instantly attracted seasoned artists in the industry like Jennifer Lopez and Christina Aguilera, and his collaboration tracks became a signature as he dominated the charts then — and now.

Not only an example of career longevity, but also of successful career crossovers, LL Cool J is a multitalented artist who, unlike many of the veteran artists on this list, has never hit a lull in relevance over the years. From his breakout start on the hip hop scene to his countless chart-topping hits and albums over the years, to his present day work in television and film, LL Cool J still has our attention. And, based on that signature smirk-and-smoulder, we’re guessing he knows he’s still the G.O.A.T.

From a smile to a scowl, rapper Birdman, who also goes by Baby, is best known as the co-founder of Cash Money Records, the original “label home” to many hip-hop superstars, including hip hop icon Lil Wayne.

Born Kasseem Daoud Dean and hailing from The Bronx, artist Swizz Beatz is a record producer, rapper and all-around entrepreneur who first kicked off his musical career as a DJ. A true power-couple, Swizz Beatz married fellow artist Alicia Keys in 2010 and the pair have two children together.

Easily one of the most recognizable names on our list, Snoop is widely considered to be one of the original “hip hop greats” and one of the most diverse artists in the industry. Armed with a unique sound but love of collaboration, Snoop (who’s gone by every variation possible of his stage name at this point), is always down to try something new — whether musically or beyond. Case in point: his successful (and super unexpected) pairing with Martha Stewart on television. With zero concern for overexposure, we’re pretty sure Snoop Dogg is a safe staple on this list for many years to come.

American rapper turned film and television star Ice Cube cemented his hip-hop icon status as a founding member of the pioneering rap group N.W.A., whose often-controversial lyrics and subject matter broke ground in the music industry and put a no-filter spotlight on the culture often associated with this hip-hop genre. His role in N.W.A. earned him a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.

Flashing that diamond-accented mega-watt smile is the super-flashy and king-of-catchy chart-toppers Lil Wayne, who struts in at number nine on our list.

American rapper, record executive, actor, and entrepreneur Master P is the founder of No Limit Records and just misses the top five of our list in the eighth spot, with a (very) respectable $200 million net worth.

A legend in the industry, a controversial figure from the start, and still one of the fastest rhyme-spitters of all-time, the one, the only, Eminem — who currently has an impressive estimated net worth of $230 million.

Something of a local legend, Canadian rapper and Toronto Raptors ambassador Drake first got his start as “Jimmy” on the reboot of classic coming-of-age television show Degrassi. From there it’s been a straight shot to the top as Drake has taken the hip hop world by storm with his mix of rap and R&B styles, a lot of charisma in front of the camera and the love of his city behind him. We love a homegrown (hip-hop) hero in the Six.

Nothing makes us happy like seeing this mega-talented artist sitting so high up on this list. Pharrell Williams dances in to his own beat to take the fifth spot on our list with an estimated net worth of a whopping $250 million.

Not a real doctor, but heavily credited with having resuscitated the hip hop genre in his time — not to mention introducing the world to Eminem — Dr. Dre takes the fourth spot on our list.

Talk about reinvention! Sean Combs AKA Diddy AKA Puff Daddy AKA P.Diddy AKA... — you get the picture) — is a master at finding talent in the industry. From cementing himself early on as the right-hand artist to hip hop legend The Notorious B.I.G. to mega-success in his own right, it’s not surprise that Diddy slides in at one of the top spots on this list.

While he’s never dabbled artistically outside of the music industry, Jay Z’s success includes a diverse portfolio of achievements — and investments. The hip-hop superstar not only found a unique sound in the industry, but also used his business savvy to find success in every facet of the industry, from the beats to the business — and is considered to be one of the most influential hip-hop artists of all-time. And, oh yeah, he made smart moves in his personal life as well — ahem — landing Beyoncé.

Let’s be honest: what can we say (in praise) of this super-controversial (but also massively successful) artist that he hasn’t already tweeted about himself?