Nas Makes Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings List for 1st Time!

Nas

Nas Makes the Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings List for the First Time

Every year, Forbes comprises a competitive list of the richest hip hop stars – artists, producers, and executives included. Forbes put this list together based on their pre-tax earnings from record sales, endorsements, tours, and any other associated business ventures from June of 2017 to June of 2018. These numbers are based on RIAA and SonmgScan data, as well as interviews with the people willing to spill the tea on their cake – managers, lawyers, and business partners.

This year, former rivals Jay Z and Nas are the most noteworthy on the Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings list. It isn’t because they’re neck-and-neck; Jay Z sits on the throne at number one, cashing in $76.5 million dollars this year, and Nas sits comfortably at number six with $35 million.

Jay-Z

This is Jay Z’s first time topping the list in five years, and Nas’ first time making the list in his nearly 25-year-old career! Jay Z’s 2018 fortune can be credited to his “4:44” album and stadium tour, as well as “Everything is Love” – his joint album with his wifey, Beyonce. Let’s not forget the sold out “On the Run II Tour.”

The cat is out of the bag for Nas, who according to ex-wife Kelis, has been concealing his bag in order to avoid paying child support. Aside from his Bevel and album earnings, a friendship with venture capitalist Ben Horowitz inspired the rapper to invest in Lyft, Ring, and Genius. Nas commented:

“[Hip-hop artists] are always advancing technology–from one turntable to two turntables and a fader…There wasn’t a time when [rappers] didn’t think about investing. It just so happens that the world is opening up.”

Nas, Kelis

Nas recently repsonded to Kelis’ claims of abuse and withholding child support money with a lengthy Instagram post. He said:

“How much money do you want? Do you want me to relinquish my rights to see my son is that what you want? Just tell me. After all the tweets and posts you made thru the years disrespecting me and my family I still have love for you as the mother of my child BUT I am done with this.”

The top 10 of the Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings list for this year includes the following:

1. Jay Z $76.5 million
2. Diddy $64 million
3. Kendrick Lamar $58 million
4. Drake $47 million
5. J. Cole $35.5 million
6. Nas/Dr. Dre $35 million
8. Pitbull $32 million
9. Future $30 million
10. Kanye West $27.5 million

Check out the rest of the list here.

Written by Miata Shanay