Tuesday August 19, 2008

50 Cent has topped the annual list of the biggest earning hip-hop stars for 2008.

The rapper – real name Curtis Jackson – has made $150 million (GBP75 million) in the last year.

He almost doubles the earnings of Shawn ‘Jay-Z’ Carter who sits in second place with $82 million (GBP41 million).

According to Forbes magazine, Jackson made his millions through his successful clothing line, video games, G-Unit Records and his album sales.

The top ten is as follows:

1. 50 Cent – $150 million;

2. Shawn ‘Jay-Z’ Carter – $82 million;

3. Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs – $35 million;

4. Kanye West – $30 million;

5. Timbaland – $22 million;

6. Pharrell Williams – $20 million;

7. Kasseem ‘Swizz Beatz’ Dean – $17 million;

8. Snoop Dogg – $16 million;

9. Dr. Dre – $15 million;

10. Ludacris – $14 million.