Kanye West Becomes Forbes Highest Paid Hip-Hop Act, Tops Drake & Jay-Z

For the first time in his career American rapper, singer and record producer, Kanye West is Forbes’ highest paid hip-hop act.

The list which was released on Thursday, 19th of September charted pre-tax income from June 2018 to June 2019. Kanye West whose Yeezy brand is expected to hit $1.5 billion in sales this year came out on top with $150 million while Jay-Z followed with $81 Million and Drake took the third spot with $75 Million.

In 2018, Kanye was at the 10th position with $27.5 Million. His impressive rise in earnings can be attributed to the success of Yeezy, his signature footwear collaboration with Adidas.

Other famous act who made the top ten list includes, Diddy (4th with $70 million), forbes’ newcomer, Travis Scott who brought in $58 million, Eminem, DJ Khalid, Kendrick Lamar, Migos and Childish Gambino trailed behind.

While Nicki Minaj and Cardi B took the 12th and 13th position respectively with $29 and $28 million. They are the only female artistes in the top 20 list.

Russ, Logic, Lil Wayne, Lil Uzi Vert, Birdman, Dr. Dre and Chance The Rapper were notably absent.

By Samiah Olabimpe