12 Richest Rappers in the World 2026: Net Worth Ranked

As of October 2026, Jay-Z is the richest rapper in the world, with a net worth of about $2.5 billion according to Forbes. He is the only rapper who is a billionaire today. Dr. Dre (about $500 million) and Kanye West (about $400 million, per Forbes) follow.

The list has changed sharply since 2021. Kanye West lost his billionaire status when Adidas ended the Yeezy deal in 2022, and Sean Combs saw his fortune fall after his arrest and conviction.

The richest rappers earn most of their money from business, not music. Drinks brands, headphones, fashion, record labels and cannabis account for much of the wealth on this list. For women in hip-hop, see our list of the richest female rappers.

Also readWorld’s 10 Richest People in 2026

The 12 richest rappers in 2026 at a glance

1. Jay-Z: $2.5 billion

Jay-Z is the richest rapper in the world and was the first hip-hop artist Forbes named a billionaire, in 2019. Forbes now values him at about $2.5 billion.

Most of his wealth comes from business rather than music. He sold half of his Armand de Brignac champagne brand to LVMH in 2021 and later sold his remaining stake in D’Ussé cognac to Bacardi. He also owns the entertainment company Roc Nation, a large art collection, property and his music catalogue.

2. Dr. Dre: $500 million

Dr. Dre’s biggest payday came in 2014, when Apple bought Beats Electronics, the headphone company he co-founded with Jimmy Iovine, for $3 billion. His share was reported to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars before tax.

He also earns from producing, his catalogue and his work with artists such as Eminem and Kendrick Lamar. Estimates of his net worth vary widely, from about $500 million to as high as $1 billion in some 2026 reports.

3. Kanye West (Ye): $400 million

Kanye West, who now goes by Ye, was once a billionaire, mainly through his Yeezy partnership with Adidas. Adidas ended the deal in October 2022 after his antisemitic remarks, and Forbes cut his net worth to about $400 million.

His remaining wealth comes from his music catalogue, property, cash and, as Forbes noted in 2022, a 5% stake in Kim Kardashian’s Skims brand.

4. Berner: $400 million

Berner is a San Francisco rapper who co-founded Cookies, a cannabis brand with stores and products across several US states and other countries.

Cookies has made him one of the most successful business owners in hip-hop. A 2026 estimate put his net worth at more than $400 million, though as a private company, Cookies’ value is hard to confirm.

5. Sean Combs (Diddy): $400 million

Sean Combs was once valued at close to $1 billion, thanks to Bad Boy Records, Revolt TV, the Ciroc vodka partnership and other ventures. His wealth has fallen sharply since then.

In July 2025, a federal jury in New York convicted him on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution and acquitted him of racketeering and sex trafficking. He was sentenced in October 2025 to 50 months in prison. 2026 estimates place his net worth at about $400 million.

6. Russell Simmons: $340 million

Russell Simmons co-founded Def Jam Recordings in 1984, the label behind LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys and Public Enemy. He sold his stake to Universal in 1999.

He also built the clothing line Phat Farm, sold in 2004. His net worth is estimated at about $340 million.

7. Drake: $250 million to $300 million

Drake is one of the best selling artists of the streaming era. His income comes from music, touring, his OVO label and brand partnerships.

Estimates for 2025 and 2026 range from about $250 million to $300 million.

8. Eminem: $250 million

Eminem is one of the best selling rappers of all time. He earns from album sales, streaming, touring and Shady Records, which he co-founded.

His net worth is estimated at more than $250 million.

9. Pharrell Williams: $200 million to $250 million

Pharrell Williams has worked as a producer, songwriter and performer. He became men’s creative director at Louis Vuitton in 2023 and also runs the Billionaire Boys Club and Humanrace brands.

Estimates place his net worth between $200 million and $250 million.

10. Master P: $200 million

Master P built No Limit Records into one of the leading independent labels of the 1990s. He kept ownership of his masters, which helped him grow his fortune.

He has since moved into food products, sports management and other businesses. His net worth is estimated at about $200 million.

11. Usher: $180 million

Usher is an R&B singer rather than a rapper but appears on most hip-hop rich lists. He headlined the Super Bowl halftime show in 2024 and has held long Las Vegas residencies.

His net worth is estimated at about $180 million.

12. Lil Wayne: $170 million

Lil Wayne built his fortune through his music catalogue and Young Money, the label that signed Drake and Nicki Minaj.

His net worth is estimated at more than $170 million in 2026.

How we ranked these

We used Forbes figures where available, and widely reported estimates from 2025 and 2026 for the rest. Where outlets disagree, we give a range. All figures are estimates, as rappers do not publish their personal finances.

Sources: Black Enterprise, Jay-Z net worth, Okayplayer, richest rappers 2025, Hot 100.9, richest rappers in 2026.