In an industry commonly dominated by men, how do the riches of hip-hop's men and women compare? Based on net worths listed by Celebrity Net Worth, here is a ranking of the wealthiest male and female artists in the genre.
35. Tekashi69 ($500K) vs. Ice Spice ($2 Million)
Originally named Daniel Hernandez, the rapper from New York has become recognizable due to his aggressive and controversial rap game. Aside from his vibrant aesthetic, he rose to fame after releasing his single Gummo. After putting his name out there, he has worked with icons like Nicki Minaj and Murda Beatz.
Another NY native - Ice Spice has recently come to our attention. After signing to Capitol Records and TenThousand Projects, the Bronx artist's career kicked off with the viral single Munch (Feelin' U), as well as Bikini Bottom and In Ma Hood. After her breakthrough, The New York Times crowned her as "rap's new princess."
34. DaBaby ($5 Million) vs. Coi Leray ($2 Million)
In 2015, DaBaby dropped Nonfiction on his debut mixtape, which caused significant hype. After continuously streaming music on online platforms, he eventually signed with Arnold Taylor, the president of the South Coast Music Group. Since then, he has released multiple mixtapes, including the US Billboard Hot 100 top ten single, Suge.
Coi Leroy is at the height of her career. After leaving school to focus on her passion for music, she dropped her track Everythingcoz in 2018, which started major success. She then released various singles such as G.A.N, Pac Girl, and No More Parties. As a side hustle, she has endorsed brands such as Adidas, Chanel, and Puma.
33. Young Thug ($8 Million) vs. GloRilla ($1 Million)
Young Thug has become one of today's most talked about rappers. After dabbling in freestyle, he signed with Cash Money Records for $1.5 million. Despite his current legal battles over YSL records, Thugger famously collaborated with some of the biggest rappers in the game - Gucci Mane, Travis Scott, Drizzy, and more.
As for GloRilla, the Memphis rapper made history as the first female artist at Yo Gotti's label, C.M.G. Her summer hit, F.N.F. Let's Go, went viral with 8 million streaming views in mere days. "It's sometimes still unreal because this is what I always dreamed about," she gushed. According to several sources, she's already raked in a cool $1 mil.
32. Notorious B.I.G ($10 Million) vs. Lil Kim ($500K)
The Notorious B.I.G., born Christopher Wallace, went by the stage name Biggie Smalls. The legendary artist worked with P-Diddy at Uptown Records, who then signed him in 1993 to Bad Boy Entertainment. His most recognizable anthem is Hypnotize, but unfortunately, his career was cut short after being ambushed in a drive-by.
Lil Kim was then discovered by Notorious B.I.G. He saw quality star power in her and trusted his industry intuition. She debuted her career by being a part of Biggie Smalls' group Junior M.A.F.I.A and then released her own solo album in 1996, Hard Core. More importantly, she is an iconic member of the Lady Marmalade anthem.
31. T.I. ($20 Million) vs. Foxy Brown ($3 Million)
Three-time Grammy winner T.I. is considered one of the pioneers of trap music. With seven out of eleven of his albums reaching the top five of the Billboard 200 chart, it's hardly surprising he has a net worth of about $20 million.
Starting off at number 30 of the wealthiest female hip-hop artist is Foxy Brown, with a net worth of around $3 million. Brown has released three solo albums and one album with The Firm, a rap group she was briefly a part of. Foxy also produced a fire mixtape, Brooklyn Don Diva, and a 2008 visual album, King Soon Come.
30. Chad Hugo ($55 Million) vs. Shawnna ($2 Million)
Chad Hugo is a big name in hip-hop. Together with Pharrell Williams, Hugo founded the Neptunes production duo and is in the hip-hop band N.E.R.D. His music-producing experience goes beyond this genre, as he's worked with the likes of Paul McCartney. Hugo sits on an estimated net worth of $55 million.
Rashawnna Guy, AKA Shawnna, was the first female artist signed to Def Jam South through Ludacris' Disturbing the Peace Records. She is also a former member of the rap duo Infamous Syndicate. Her 2003 hit with Ludacris, Stand Up, reached number 1 on US Billboard Hot 100. All that success has led to a roughly $2 million net worth.
29. Travis Scott ($60 Million) vs. Latto ($2 Million)
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Jacques Bermon Webster II, aka Travis Scott, hustled his way to the top. His first independent mixtape, Owl Pharoah, was released in 2013, but his 2015 single Antidote had a major impact on his success. Since then, he has had four number-one singles on the Hot 100 and won two Billboard Music Awards.
After winning the first season of the reality show, The Rap Game in 2016, Latto fought for a music career. In 2019, she released her breakthrough single, B*tch From Da Souf, and quickly signed with RCA Records. The rapper from Atlanta released a follow-up album in 2020, Queen of Da Souf, which eventually hit number 15 on the 777 charts.
28. Rev Run ($60 Million) vs. Mia X ($2 Million)
Joseph Simmons, better known as Rev Run, became a household name in the 80s when he founded the legendary Run-D.M.C. They went on to become the first hip-hop group to have a Gold album and a Platinum record. Today, Simmons' net worth sits at about $60 million.
Mia Young, who goes by the stage name Mia X, is another legend in the business. Young was the first female emcee to get a contract with Master P on his label, No Limits Records. Some call Mia the "Mother of Southern Gangsta Rap." This star's net worth is around $2 million.
27. J. Cole ($60 Million) vs. The Lady of Rage ($2 Million)
J. Cole is one of the first artists signed to Jay-Z's label Roc Nation. The musician's fifth studio album, KOD, was his fifth number-one album on the Billboard 200. Not only that, but it featured six simultaneous top 20 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. It's no wonder he has an estimated net worth of $60 million.
The Lady of Rage's 1997 debut studio album, Necessary Roughness, reached #32 on the Billboard 200 chart. The iconic rapper was also featured on Dr. Dre's The Chronic and Snoop Dogg's Doggystyle. Her talents as both a musician and an actress have contributed to a net worth of around $2 million.
26. Akon ($60 Million) vs. Azealia Banks ($3 Million)
What would our playlists be like without Akon's Smack That and Locked Up? We don't know, and we're not sure we want to. The celebrated rapper is also a genius entrepreneur and has started two successful record labels. Since breaking into the industry, Akin has built an estimated $60 million net worth.
We also have little interest in a world without the talented Miss Banks. Taking the number 20 spot on the list for richest women in hip-hop is none other than Azealia Banks, with a net worth of about $3 million. Looks like the 29-year-old might have to reconsider her 2014 album title, Broke with Expensive Taste.
25. Ice-T ($65 Million) vs. Gangsta Boo ($1 Million)
Tracy Lauren Marrow, or Ice-T, is widely known in recent years for acting in Law & Order: SVU. But hip-hop lovers know Ice-T once dominated the industry. Marrow released eight studio albums of his own, some of which have gone Platinum and Gold. The multi-talented artist's net worth is about $65 million.
Gangsta Boo, whose real name is Lola Chantrelle Mitchell, is one of the OGs. Boo was the first female member of the Memphis-based group Three 6 Mafia, but she left the crew after releasing her second solo album. Lola's music consistently topped Billboard charts, and her net worth is now around $1 million.
24. Wiz Khalifa ($70 Million) vs. Yo-Yo ($2 Million)
Wiz Khalifa has released a multitude of incredible albums, from Rolling Papers to Blacc Hollywood. The artist's hit singles Black and Yellow and See You Again both reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and that's just one of his many successes. Wiz has an estimated net worth of $70 million.
Yo-Yo also takes this spot on the list, with a net worth of roughly $2 million. Born Yolanda Whitaker, she is a Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist, actress, and entrepreneur whose music often revolves around female empowerment. The name of her crew? Intelligent Black Woman's Coalition. Talk about boss moves.
23. Will.I.Am ($70 Million) vs. Young M.A. ($2 Million)
The founding and lead member of The Black Eyed Peas, Will.i.Am makes the ranking with a roughly $70 million net worth. Aside from his success alongside Fergie and other band members, the musician has also released four solo albums and produced music for Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber, and others.
Young M.A., who currently holds a net worth of about $2 million, began rapping at just nine years old. Talk about natural talent. Young is arguably known best for her single OOOUUU, which went platinum four times and broke the top 20 of Billboard's Hot 100.
22. Nas ($70 Million) vs. Kash Doll ($4 Million)
Nas has released twelve studio albums in the last two decades and is considered by some to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. Today, he's also an investor in high-tech companies like Dropbox and Lyft, lending to a roughly $70 million net worth.
Collaborating with the likes of Meek Mill, Big Sean, Iggy Azalea, and K. Michelle, Kash Doll sure knows how to bring in the cash. The Ice Me Out artist sits on a net worth of about $4 million. She's come a long way from being a young teen working to help her single mother support their family.
21. DJ Khaled ($75 Million) vs. Monie Love ($3 Million)
DJ Khaled's road to millions has been an exciting one. Khaled first became popular as a radio host in the 1990s. Today, it feels like there's hardly a hit that doesn't involve Khaled's famous line, "Another one!" All those famous features and smash tracks have led to an estimated $75 million net worth.
Accompanying DJ Khaled on behalf of hip-hop's iconic women is Monie Love. The British rapper has a net worth of about $3 million. Love is best known for her singles during the late 1980s through the 1990s, including It's a Shame and Born 2 B.R.E.E.D. Monie is now a radio personality for KISS 104.1 in Atlanta, Georgia.
20. Kendrick Lamar ($75 Million) vs. Megan Thee Stallion ($8 Million)
With a net worth of around $75 million, Kendrick Lamar gets a well-earned spot as one of the wealthiest men in hip-hop. According to Celebrity Net Worth, the critically acclaimed rapper earned $60 million in 2018 alone. To top it off, Kendrick has won thirteen Grammys.
Megan Thee Stallion is one of the freshest faces in hip-hop and has an estimated net worth of $8 million at the time of this article. With three Grammys under her belt, including Best New Artist and smash hits with Cardi B and Maroon 5, Stallion's just getting started.
19. Timbaland ($85 Million) vs. Saweetie ($4 Million)
Aside from an impressive discography of his own, Timbaland helped produce Aaliyah's second studio album, One in a Million, and Missy Elliott's debut album, Supa Dupa Fly. And that's just what he did in the 1990s. The talented rapper has made countless contributions to hip-hop and sits on a roughly $85 million net worth.
At just 27 years old, Saweetie's net worth is around $4 million, landing her a spot among the game-changers on this ranking. Saweetie was signed to Warner Records and Artistry Worldwide after releasing her debut single Icy Girl. Since then, she has collaborated with Doja Cat and caught the attention of hip-hop lovers.
18. Adam Horovitz ($100 Million) vs. Remy Ma ($4 Million)
Adam Horovitz, AKA Ad-Rock, is a powerful influence in the world of alternative hip-hop. The rapper rose to fame as a Beastie Boys member, producing hit albums like Licensed to Ill, which became the first rap LP to top the Billboard album chart. Ad-Rock's net worth is roughly $100 million.
With a net worth of about $4 million, Remy Ma takes this spot alongside Horovitz. Remy is a former member of Big Pun's rap crew, Terror Squad, and one of only five female rappers to ever have a number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Needless to say, she's a pretty big deal.
17. Michael Diamond ($100 Million) vs. Doja Cat ($8 Million)
Diamond seems like a fitting last name for someone worth millions. Better known as Mike D, this famous musician has a net worth of approximately $100 million. A founding member of the Beastie Boys, the New Yorker is a talented rapper, singer, and drummer.
Doja Cat began making and releasing music on SoundCloud as a teenager. Today, she is a three-time Grammy nominee with a net worth of about $8 million. That's what we call a financial glow-up. Doja signed with a joint record deal with Kemosabe and RCA Records when she was 17 and released chart-topping hits since.
16. Pitbull ($100 Million) vs. Iggy Azalea ($15 Million)
Pitbull, Mr. 305, Mr. Worldwide - only a person with great success can manage to have so many nicknames. Call him what you want, but one thing's for sure: this Cuban-American artist has an impressive net worth. Mainly thanks to his chart-topping music, Pitbull sits on about $100 million.
Iggy Azalea takes this spot along with Mr. Worldwide. With an estimated net worth of $15 million, the Australian rapper's bank account isn't looking too shabby. Azalea moved to the U.S. when she was 16 years old to pursue a music career and was signed by T.I.'s record label after garnering popularity on YouTube.
15. LL Cool J ($120 Million) vs. MC Lyte ($8 Million)
LL Cool J has a steaming hot net worth of roughly $120 million. So how did he end up with such an impressive monetary value? The Queens, New York native had his big breakthrough with 1985's I Need a Beat and was one of the earliest hip-hop artists to achieve mainstream success.
Another legendary artist, MC Lyte sits on a net worth of approximately $8 million. The Grammy-nominated rapper and DJ has released eight solo studio albums and was the first female solo rap artist to get gold certification for her song Ruffneck. Hip-hop wouldn't be the same without her.
14. Birdman ($150 Million) vs. Trina ($6 Million)
Staying strong in the 9-digits is Bryan Williams, also known as Birdman. This rapper is the co-founder of Cash Money Records, discovered Lil Wayne, and has helped the likes of Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan reach success. All that hard work got him a net worth of roughly $150 million.
Next on the list for the richest female figures is Trina, with a net worth of about $6 million. Born Katrina Laverne Taylor, she first got attention for her appearance in Trick Daddy's album www.thug.com. Trina has since released six studio albums, and XXL Magazine called her "the most consistent female rapper of all time."
13. Swizz Beatz ($150 Million) vs. Lauryn Hill ($9 Million)
Hip-hop artist Swizz Beatz's whopping net worth stands at around $150 million. Beatz is married to Alicia Keys and the couple has an impressive portfolio of properties together. But the rapper achieved critical success long before marrying Keys, producing his own albums as well as hit singles for the likes of Kanye and Jay-Z.
Lauryn Hill is arguably one of the most influential singers of her generation. The Doo Wop singer is incredibly talented and broke countless barriers for female rappers as she dominated the music scene. Today, the revolutionary artist boasts a net worth of about $9 million.
12. Snoop Dogg ($150 Million) vs. Eve ($10 Million)
Is there anything Snoop Dogg can't do? From selling over 23 million albums and being one of rap's most famous celebs to hosting a television show with Martha Stewart, this artist has done it all. And he has the net worth to prove it: Snoop sits on an estimated $150 million.
Coming in hot with a net worth of roughly $10 million is rapper, songwriter, and actress Eve. Arguably best known for her singles Let Me Blow Ya Mind, Who's That Girl, Gangsta Lovin, and Tambourine, this singer has had little trouble dominating the music charts and our TV screens.
11. Ice Cube ($160 Million) vs. DJ Spinderella ($10 Million)
With a net worth of about $160 million, Ice Cube is one of hip-hop's most legendary figures. O'Shea Jackson's lyrics on 1988's Straight Outta Compton album contributed to rap's widespread popularity, and his solo albums had great critical and commercial success. Ice Cube has also had a successful acting career.
Not only does DJ Spinderella have one of the coolest stage names out there, but she also has a hefty net worth of about $10 million. Born Deidra Roper, Spinderella shot to fame along with Sandra Denton and Cheryl James in Salt-N-Pepa. Who knows what hip-hop would look like without that iconic trio.
10. Lil Wayne ($170 Million) vs. Lizzo ($40 Million)
Some consider Lil Wayne to be one of the greatest rappers of all time and an irreplaceable influence on the hip-hop world. So it might not be too surprising that he holds a net worth of approximately $170 million. But that figure didn't happen overnight -Wayne's been hustling in the music industry since the age of 12!
A newer face on the scene, but taking this spot alongside Lil Wayne is Truth Hurts singer Lizzo. Since rocketing to fame, the three-time Grammy winner has changed our lives with her incredible beats and lyrics of self-love. At the time of this article, Lizzo has a net worth of about $40 million.
9. Usher ($180 Million) vs. Cheryl James ($14 Million)
While most kids his age were still in high school, Usher was getting signed by LaFace Records and releasing his first album at the tender age of 15. Today, he is 42 years old, and let's just say his net worth has grown exponentially. The Confessions singer's net worth is around $180 million.
Cheryl Renee James, the Salt in Salt-N-Pepa, has a net worth of about $14 million. Throughout her career, James expressed her belief that women should avoid complete emotional and financial dependence on men. Well, we doubt she depends on anyone with these millions in the bank!
8. Master P ($200 Million) vs. Mary J. Blige ($20 Million)
Percy Robert Miller, better known as Master P, rose to fame in the mid-1990s with the hip-hop group TRU and his solo rap album Ice Cream Man. Miller has released 15 studio albums throughout his career produced plenty of hits. That might be why his net worth is around $200 million.
Mary J. Blige was once dubbed the the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul" as her combo of vocals over a hip-hop beat influenced contemporary R&B. Blige is not only a beautiful singer, she is also a rapper, songwriter, and actress. Since breaking into the music scene in the early 90s, Mary has earned an estimated net worth of $20 million.
7. Drake ($250 Million) vs. M.I.A. ($14 Million)
This Canadian native started his path to fame on the teen drama Degrassi before breaking into the music scene with the debut mixtape, Room for Improvement. Since then, Champagne Papi has achieved major critical success and has a roughly $250 million net worth.
Taking this spot along with Drake is British singer and rapper M.I.A., who has an estimated net worth of $14 million. The Grammy-nominated artist released her first album, Arular, in 2005. But M.I.A.'s influence goes beyond music, as she is a social activist and philanthropist.
6. Pharrell Williams ($250 Million) vs. Sandra Denton ($15 Million)
Next on the list for the richest male hip-hop artists is Pharrell Williams. The Happy singer's net worth is around $250 million. In the early 1990s, Williams formed the hip-hop and R&B production duo The Neptunes. Since then, he has been a part of N.E.R.D. and released plenty of singles, winning 13 Grammys along the way.
Sandra Denton is the Pepa in the award-winning female rap trio Salt-N-Pepa. The powerful women are some of hip-hop's most famous figures. Aside from making music, Denton has had a successful career in reality TV, appearing on The Salt-N-Pepa Show and Growing Up Hip Hop. Her net worth currently stands at about $15 million.
5. Eminem ($250 Million) vs. Cardi B ($80 Million)
Eminem's journey to fame hasn't been all easy sailing. From trouble breaking into the hip-hop world to controversies over his sometimes violent lyrics, the obstacles haven't stopped Slim Shady from making bank. The Zeus rapper's net worth is an estimated $250 million.
At the time of this article, Cardi B's net worth is about $80 million. But with Bodak Yellow going certified diamond, we wouldn't be surprised to see that number go up pretty soon. "We both getting rich with the song till we die," the WAP singer tweeted about her and Kodak Black's success with the track.
4. Dr. Dre ($500 Million) vs. Missy Elliot ($50 Million)
Like many hip-hop idols, Dr. Dre is a triple threat. Or more like a quadruple threat. The Grammy-winning musician established himself as a rapper before becoming an actor, music producer, and entrepreneur. He's made bank along the way and has a net worth of about $500 million.
Missy Elliot's resume is arguably just as impressive. The gifted rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer has four Grammy wins under her belt and countless hit songs. Missy also has the cash to prove her success: this female rapper has a net worth of around $50 million.
3. Kanye West ($500 Million) vs. Beyonce ($500 Million)
It's no secret Mr. West is one of hip-hop's wealthiest. Well, was. Yeezy reached global fame with his 2004 album The College Dropout and held a whopping net worth of about $6.6 billion, largely thanks to his Yeezy brand. From music to clothing, the rapper worked hard to reach 9-digits. But his earnings recently took a hit, plummeting to $500 mil.
While Beyonce is undoubtedly an R&B superstar, her music often delves into hip-hop. The singer has solidified her place in the hip-hop world with hits like Apeshit and epic collaborations with Megan Thee Stallion and Nicki Minaj. Queen B has an estimated net worth of $500 million.
2. P. Diddy ($900 Million) vs. Queen Latifah ($70 Million)
P. Diddy has dominated the hip-hop scene for the last two decades. Puff established his own music label, Bad Boy Entertainment, in 1993 and took on The Notorious B.I.G. Since then, he has recorded and produced countless hits. And all of that has led to his estimated $900 million net worth.
It seems that Queen Latifah can do it all - she is an incredible actress and a hip-hop icon. Starting with All Hail the Queen, the talented rap artist released eight albums between 1989 and 2009. Today, Latifah's net worth is approximately $70 million.
1. Jay-Z ($1.3 Billion) vs. Nicki Minaj ($150 Million)
Kanye's not the only male hip-hop icon in the billionaire's club. With a resume that includes rapper, producer, songwriter, businessman, and, of course, Beyonce's husband, it's hardly surprising Jay-Z is wealthy. The music legend has a net worth of about $1.3 billion. No big deal.
Next on the list for the richest female hip-hop artists is the one-and-only Nicki Minaj. The critically-acclaimed rapper's net worth is around $150 million. After releasing three mixtapes between 2007 and 2009, Minaj signed with Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment. The rest is history.