Jay-z

Jay

Jay-z

Rappers are getting PAID!  According to Forbes.com, Jay-Z is the king of the hill, pulling in $34 million in 2006.  It's no wonder because Jay-Z pulls in money from his records, as President of Def Jam, as co-owner of the NBA's New Jersey Nets and via numerous other ventures.  Jay-Z is followed by 50 cent who made a total of $32 million.  Diddy made $28 million, Tibaland $21 million and Dr. Dre $20 million.

E! Entertainment had a count down of the entire list of 20 in the one-hour special “Hip Hop Cash Kings,” which premiered yesterday.  Check our local listings to catch it again.  The show featured exclusive interviews with Big Boi, Lil Jon, T.I., Swizz Beatz and Scott Storch; all of whom appeared on the list.  It must be really nice to make such a list!

Rappers in the $17 million range include: Eminem (No. 6) Snoop Dogg (No. 7) Kanye West (No. 8) Pharrell Williams (No. 9) Scott Storch (No. 10)

Rappers in the $16 million range include: Ludacris (No. 11) T.I. (No. 12)

Rappers in the $14 million range include: OutKast (No. 13) Lil Jon (No. 14) each made

The final six Hip Hop Cash Kings are: Ice Cube (No. 15) with $13 million Jermaine Dupri (No. 16) with $12 million Swizz Beats (No. 17) with $12 million Chamillionaire (No. 18) with $11 million The Game (No. 19) with $11 million Yung Joc (No. 20) with $10 millionJay Z- Big Pimpin