Billionaire.com Names Dr Dre World's Richest Hip-hop Artist, Following Beats Buyout

NEW YORK, May 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Billionaire.com, the lifestyle resource for high and ultra-high net worth individuals, based the ranking on data exclusively compiled by Wealth-X, the intelligence provider on the world's ultra wealthy (those with over US$30 million). After the sale to Apple, Andre Young, AKA Dr Dre, knocks Puff Daddy into second place.

Aside from making millions from album sales, record labels and side businesses such as fashion brands and film production, many of the top ten are also major philanthropists in their own right. The main givers are Jay Z, Puff Daddy and Eminem.

"Huge fan followings, vast wealth and eminent marketability mean that these high profile individuals make ideal philanthropists," said Tara Loader Wilkinson, editor-at-large of Billionaire. "Many are using their position to launch foundations and charities that they feel passionate about, and becoming philanthropic role models as well as hip-hop idols."

Here Billionaire.com unveils the richest hip-hop artists in the world:

1. Name: Andre Romelle Young
A.K.A: Dr. Dre
Net Worth: US$790 million
Age: 49
Sideline Business: Co-founder of extremely valuable headphones company, Beats Electronics
Philanthropy: With business partner Jimmy Iovine, Young donated $70 million to establish The Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy for Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation at the University of Southern California.

2. Name: Sean John Combs 
A.K.A: Puff Daddy, Diddy, Puffy
Net Worth: US$630 million
Age: 44
Sideline Business: Owns cable TV Network Revolt, owns lifestyle fashion brand Sean John, stakeholder in Ciroc Vodka
Philanthropy: He donated $250,000 to the Howard University's School of Business, he ran the New York City Marathon, raising $2 million for New York's public schools, children suffering from HIV and AIDS, and his own charity to promote social programs. Puff Daddy is on the board of the Hip Hop Summit Action Network, a nonprofit organization for education advocacy and youth empowerment.

3. Name: Shawn Corey Carter
A.K.A: Jay-Z
Net Worth: US$500 million
Age: 44 Sideline Business: Owns sports bar chain 40/40 Club, is an investor in Israeli wireless tech company Duracell Powermat and a stakeholder in fragrance firm Perfumania. 
Philanthropy: Jay-Z is a prominent philanthropist and owns the Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund which has awarded scholarships worth $1.1 million to 750 students. He also pledged $1 million to the American Red Cross' relief effort post Hurricane Katrina; $5,000 each to six schools in New York and New Jersey, $5,000 to The 100 Mile Man Foundation and supports many other community and educational charities.

4. Name: Curtis James Jackson III
A.K.A: 50 Cent
Net Worth: US$240 million
Age: 38
Sideline Business: Owns G-Unit Clothing, has released several PlayStation games and has appeared in films including the semi-autobiographical movie Get Rich or Die Tryin'.
Philanthropy: Is the founder of the G-Unity Foundation and supports Shriners Hospital for Children, the New York Restoration Project and Life BEAT.

5. Name: Bryan Williams
A.K.A: Birdman
Net Worth: US$230 million
Age: 45
Sideline Business: Has signed a publishing venture, Cash Money Content, with Simon & Schuster to produce books, he claimed to have purchased an oil rig (though this was reportedly disproven) and has a clothing line called YMCMB (Young Money Cash Money Billionaires)
Philanthropy: Reportedly pledged to donate US$50,000 to Swizz Beatz' school charity last year after some pressure.

For the full Top 10 wealthiest list and accompanying images visit:
http://www.billionaire.com/wisdom/822/dr-dre-tops-list-of-worlds-richest-hip-hop-artists

About Billionaire.com

Championing authentic luxury, discernment, culture and social conscience, Billionaire.com is the indispensable lifestyle resource for high and ultra-high net worth individuals who think and act globally -- 'the global mobile elite'. Headquartered in Singapore, the crossroads of the East and West, Billionaire.com and it's Mandarin sibling site, Yiwanfuweng.com, provide a trusted voice for luxury brands, fine artisans and exclusive service providers. As philanthropy lies at the heart of Billionaire.com, the online and bi- annual print publication features charitable initiatives from around the world which aim to improve the quality of life for the under privileged.

About Wealth-X

Wealth-X is the definitive source of intelligence on the ultra wealthy with the world's largest collection of curated research on UHNW individuals. Their members identify, develop and enhance relationships with ultra affluent individuals as a direct result of working with Wealth-X. The firm has hundreds of staff in offices across five continents and has a passion for excellence, insight, diligence, strategy, and above all, their clients' success. Wealth-X's database offers exclusive details on ultra wealthy individuals, including their wealth, income, passions, philanthropic interests, affiliations, politics, advisors, families and biographies.

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SOURCE Billionaire.com