That includes TV network Revolt, alkaline water brand Aquahydrate, clothing line Sean John and Ciroc vodka.
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The Harlem-born rapper is reportedly releasing a new album in the coming months, called “No Way Out 2” a follow up to the iconic 1997 album, “No Way Out” which featured the late Notorious B.I.G. and hit songs “It’s All About the Benjamins”, and “Been Around the World”. His earnings come from his Roc Nation entertainment company, ventures in a champagne brand and the On The Run 22-date tour he completed with wife, Beyoncé. Drake was fourth previous year , but after selling over a million copies of his “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late” album released in February, the “Trophies” rapper moved into the upper echelon.
Claiming the third spot was Drake with $39.5 million.
Pharrell checks in at #5 with $32 million.
Jay Z came in at second with $56 million.
Previous year the hip hop mogul topped the list with earnings of $620m, the highest annual takings of any musician ever.
Chelsea Lauren/WireImage Dr. Dre was named the hightest paid rapper by Forbes in 2014. He also earned from two clothing lines, Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream.
In putting together the rankings, Forbes calculates earnings from June 2014 to June 2015, including pre-tax income from touring, record sales, streaming, publishing, merchandise sales, endorsements and other business ventures. Management, agent and attorney fees are not deducted. Birdman made more than Wayne, but even the Rich Gang mastermind couldn’t top his own artist, Nicki Minaj. It’s been a good year for hip-hop and some of our favorite artists have acquired some nice fruit for their labor.
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For more about the business of music, check out my Jay Z biography, Empire State of Mind, and my other book, Michael Jackson, Inc.
