Jay-Z named as the richest rapper

Forbes Magazine has published the list of the richest rappers in the world. The countdown, officially titled Hip-Hop Cash Kings 2009, takes into account earnings both from music and business owned by each artist.

Jay-Z reached the first place with the annual income of $35 million. The second place was taken by Sean Diddy Combs with $30 million, while Kanye West became third with $25 million.

Previous week, Forbes named Jay-Z's wife Beyonce Knowles as the best paid celebrity under the age of 30. Her annual earnings from music are about $87 million.

The Top-10 of the richest hip-hop stars is:
1. Jay-Z - $35 million
2. Sean Diddy Combs - $30 million
3. Kanye West - $25 million
4-5. 50 Cent - $20 million
4-5. Akon - $20million
6. Lil Wayne - $18 million
7. Timbaland - $17 million
8. Pharrell Williams - $16 million
9. T-Pain - $15 million
10. Eminem - $14 million