When it comes to high grossing, there is no shortage of names in the rap industry. There are many high-flyers in the million dollar class of annual earnings. These stars leave nothing behind in their work and deserve all the moolah that comes their way.

Let’s have a look at the top highest paid hip hop artists the rap industry has to offer, according to FORBES annual Hip Hop Cash Kings.check it out top 20 highest paid rapper.

20. Ryan Lewis and Macklemore – $5.5 Million

The duo famous for the “Thrift Shop” song that took all the charts by storm, have failed to make a big mark afterwards. They managed to cling on to the last spot with earnings of $5.5 million. This is no match to last year’s career-best $32 million in earnings, however, they duo is taking off time to record a new album. If it is a success, expect a higher spot for these two artists next year.

19. T.I. – $6 Million

Earning $6 million this past year, the rapper from Atlanta managed to make the 19th spot on the list. The rapper recently shifted his personal label “Grand Hustle” to Sony’s Columbia from Warner’s Atlantic. His first music album “Paperwork” under the Columbia brand sold around 80,000 copies in the first week of release. The rapper also earns from his acting ventures, featuring recently in movies like “Get Hard” and “Ant-Man”.

18. Ludacris – $8 Million

Ludacris made a healthy figure of $8 million this past year, thanks to his major acting role in Fast and Furious 7, which was a huge success. His new album Ludaversal, came out in March this year. It reached up to No. 3 spot on the charts, selling 62,000 copies in the first week.

17. Tech N9ne – $8.5 Million

Grossing $8.5 million in the past year, this rapper took part in 132 shows in a year’s period to out-earn more famous names in the world of rap. Owning his personal touring and recording operations, the rapper made out the most out of these performances. He will definitely climb up higher, if he keeps up this hardworking routine.

16. Rick Ross – $9 Million

The controversial hip hop artist, Rick Ross, is not only among most entertainment news but also our list for the top grossers with earnings of $9 million. He made most of his earning through his music productions and the Wingstop franchises. The rapper mentioned in an interview that this is something he always wanted to do, referring to his Wingstop venture.

15. Snoop Dogg – $10 Million

Snoop managed to earn millions in double figures, with $10 million this past year. The recent album “Bush” was not a big hit, and only managed to sell 25,000 copies in the opening week. Most earnings came from the touring schedule and through different brand endorsements. Hopes are high for this rapper on next year’s list.

14. J. Cole – $11 Million

Cole grossed $11 million, majorly on account of his hit album “2014 Forest Hills Drive”. The album managed to sell 354,000 copies on the opening week, and debuted at the number 1 spot on charts. A future mogul of the hip hop industry, J. Cole also earned from his deal with Interscope Records for distribution.

13. Kendrick Lamar – $12 Million

The rapper from Compton, California, earned a total of $12 million. His album “To Pimpa Butterfly” was not as successful as hoped, but it managed to sell 324,000 copies. Lamar could have earned more but was hesitant to accept a few endorsement offers, as according to the rapper, “All money is not good money!”

12. Lil Wayne – $15 Million

Lil Wayne is on the  list with total earnings of $15 million. Another star among the controversies, earned most of his money from touring. He entertained more than 3 dozen tour dates and earned millions while performing from coast to coast. His tour bus being shot at earlier the year surfaced the media, however, the rapper kept touring and earned major bucks.

11. Pitbull – $17 Million

The exotic hip hop artist from Miami, Florida, lived up to his “Mr. Worldwide” moniker and played in over 60 shows which earned him most of his earning with a tally of $17 million. His touring destinations included countries like United Kingdom, Japan, Mexico and China. His Spanish album “Dale” peaked at the number 1 spot, earning him a handsome amount of cash.

10. Birdman – $18 Million

The rapper and part owner of Cash Money label received major earnings from his cut out of the 8 figure profits of the label. He managed to secure a tally of $18 million. The earning rate is stable and moving towards a higher direction. However, a recent dispute with Lil Wayne may cost the label big profits, as Lil Wayne took his business to Jay Z’s TidalStreaming.

9. Nicki Minaj – $21 Million

The only Cash Queen and colorful diva rapper, Nicki Minaj, grossed $21 million in the past year and is ranked at the 9th spot on our list. Nicki Minaj is officially world’s highest earning woman hip hop artist. Her touring schedules saw her last year’s earning improve by 50%. She also earns her bucks through endorsements for major brands like Pepsi and OPI. Nicki is without a doubt a hardworking artist and it reflects in her earnings. It will not be a surprise, if she is ranked higher in the coming year’s top 20 list.

8. Wiz Khalifa – $21 Million

With $21.5 million in earnings, Wiz Khalifa sits comfortably on the 8th spot. The rapper originates from Pittsburgh but relocated to L.A, to stay in the hub of hip hop industry. He is best-known for his unique and catchy rhymes. This year marked his personal best in monetary terms, thanks to his hit duet “See You Again” from Furious 7. He churned up a lot of earnings through continuous touring. Plus, he also enjoys the vast profits from his weed-themed merchandise. The merchandise reflects the rapper and his lifestyle.

7. Kanye West – $22 Million

The brash star known for his explicit persona, earned $22 million. He was unable to make the top 5 on the list this year. However, his career was nothing short of highlights this year. Among the highlights of Kanye’s year, he gave a very memorable Grammy performance. He also announced his clear intentions regarding running for president for the 2020 elections. How “Kanye” is that? Plus he also launched a new Adidas shoe, which also helped him push the annual profits. We are not sure about where he will land with his hopes for becoming president. However, we can say for sure that Kanye is someone who will keep aiming for the skies and he may land on a higher spot on future lists. It was also a very good year for his wife Kim Kardashian who earned $52.5 million. Not bad for the Kimye.

6. Eminem – $31 Million

The self-proclaimed “Rap God” claimed grossing of $31 million this year. He may not be at the top on our list, but he sure is on the very top for fan following. Eminem made Detroit proud once again, as his last summer’s six shows for the Monster Tour alongside Rihanna grossed over $5 million for each show. The two shows that took place at the Metlife Stadium earned the total of $12.4 million. When it is Eminem, you can never predict what he will do next. What is definite is that he will do something great.

5. Pharrell Williams – $32 Million

The “Happy” singer is going home happy this year with grossing of $32 million. These were just enough to earn him the 5th spot on the list. Pharrell is no doubt one of the most versatile artists on the list. He earned mostly from his tours, producing and making music and endorsements. His judge capacity at the famous reality singing show “The Voice” also proved good for his bank account. His clothing brands also get the credit for bringing in profits.

4. Dr. Dre – $33 Million

Dr. Dre comes in 4th with earning total of $33 million. After selling Beats by Dre last year for $620 million, the earnings dropped gradually down to $33 million this year. Still not bad, but not enough to give him the top spot. Apple’s checks, his production catalogue and other ventures helped him earn good money.

3. Drake – $39.5 Million

The Canadian hip hop sensation grossed a total of $39.5 million this year. Most part of his earnings came from touring, where he performed in 50 events. The nightly average for earnings were near to $1 million. Adding to the gross total is his endorsements for major brands including Nike and Sprite.

2. Jay Z – $56 Million

The multi-platform superstar, Jay Z made another impressive impact in the list for top grossers with annual earnings of $56 million. The 22 shows along with wife Beyoncé increasingly benefited the duo with huge earnings. Other ventures including Roc Nation, Armand de Brignac and Tidalstreaming is also to be credited for these massive earnings.

1. Diddy – $60 Million

*Drumrolls* finally the top position on the list for highest grossers goes to Diddy. Diddy wears the crown of the top cash king of the rap world with a staggering gross earnings of $60 million. Diddy is rarely seen performing recently, however, the cash flows heavily from his goodwill in the music industry, clothing brand, Alkaline water brand, Vodka brand and other ventures.

So Diddy wears the crown this year. The question is will he be able to keep his throne or will someone else take his spot. Stay tuned until next year!