Models & Moguls

The Forbes Hip-Hop Cash Kings list ranks male hip-hop artists according to yearly earnings from record sales, digital downloads, touring, films, TV shows, endorsements, books and other entertainment ventures.

Forbes interviews lawyers, media buyers and the artists themselves and consults Billboard, Pollstar, Nielsen SoundScan and the RIAA as sources for their earnings estimates.

Despite taking a 57% revenue cut from last year, Jay-Z raked in an estimated $35 million between June 2008-2009. Enough to take the top spot, knocking last years winner 50 Cent, who drops to fourth place with $20 million, down from $150 million in 2008.

Last year happenend to be a good year for both rappers.

50 scored $100 million from selling his stake in VitaminWater parent Glacéau to Coca-Cola. Jigga got a $150 million advance from concert promoter Live Nation.

“The timing of Jay’s deal couldn’t have been more perfect,” says Akon (4th Place). “Those numbers aren’t going to be flying around anymore.”

Akon’s opinion is backed by Chris White, an entertainment analyst at Wedbush Morgan Securities: “Those deals are pretty much done for now.”

Diddy falls in 2nd on the list with $30 million, down $5 million from last year. His cash cows include clothing line Sean John, record label Bad Boy and reality TV shows Making the Band and Run’s House.

Kanye West is at #3 with $25 million, also $5 million less than last year,due to his “Glow in the Dark” tour and sales of his 4th album, 808s and Heartbreak. Of course the Louis Vuitton Don’s been hustling his Air Yeezy line with Nike.

Akon ($20 million) and Lil Wayne($18 million) are the few on the list who actually made more money this year.

“Despite the economy, hip-hop is just as powerful as it’s ever been in the endorsement and licensing world,” says Ryan Schinman, chief of Platinum Rye, the world’s largest buyer of music and talent for corporations. “Tween stars and rock legends are very reliable, but the impact of hip-hop on pop-culture and fashion continues to lead the charge.”

Jay-Z earned $1 million for Budweiser ads featuring his song “Show Me What You Got.” Common hit a lick reppin  Ford’s Lincoln Navigator and don’t think Diddy’s claiming “Ciroc is the drink of the summer” for free.

-J

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