Hip-hop rappers around the world are always racing to be the first billionaires of their profession. These rappers lead luxurious lives, but how much is their net worth? How much money is earned from rapping and other ventures? How do they maintain their expensive lifestyle, and lastly who are the richest rappers alive? Do these questions pop into your mind? Below is a list of 20 richest rappers in 2018.

Top 20 Richest Rappers in 2018

20. Rick Ross, $25 Million

In 2006, Rick Ross released his album 'Hustlin' which made him popular in the hip-hop industry. Later on, his gold and platinum albums made him rich together with his side hustles. The most famous is Wingstop franchises.

19. Ludacris, $25 Million

Ludacris has made millions from record sales of hip-hop music. He is also a famous actor, with appearances in the 'Fast and Furious' franchise and 'No Strings Attached' that increased his wealth.

18. 50 Cent, $30 Million

His net worth remains somehow anonymous because back in 2015 he filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. When filing for bankruptcy, he said his net worth was $16. Apart from music, he has made a name in the acting industry with the famous "Power TV Show.” 50 Cent is a producer and an entrepreneur with interests in health drinks, production companies, artist management, clothing, books and more. His involvement as a partner in Vitamin Water Formula 50 has raised his financial status.

17. TI, $30 Million

Have you ever heard of a music star who produces albums and at least one song from each becomes a monster hit? TI is the music star. He has produced more than 12 albums and from each album at least has one hit. TI has a clothing line called "Akoo” and because he is a hit-maker he has earned monetary rewards and awards.

16. Wiz Khalifa, $45 Million

The popular smoke-filled anthems provide Wiz Khalifa with a healthy paycheck. Merchandise, sales of records, and non-stop touring also contribute to his net worth.

15. Nelly, $55 Million

Nelly started his career at an early age. His singing and rapping have made him the richest rapper alive by selling over 21 million albums. Nelly is also a songwriter and actor. He also benefits financially through his businesses and partnership with Vokal and Apple Bottoms.

14. Nicki Minaj, $75 Million

Apart from being a rapper, Nicki owns businesses such as a fragrance line and has a string of endorsement deals from OPI and Pepsi. Nicki is a partner in Tidal too. She also gets a paycheck from non-stop touring, and top-rated albums.

13. Timbaland, $85 Million

Timothy 'Timbaland' Mosley has made a successful career in the music industry. He owns a recording studio in Virginia Beach-Thomas: Crown studio. He owns Mosley Music Group and has produced multiple hit songs for stars like Jay-Z, Brandy, Ludacris, Rihanna, Nelly Furtado, Madonna and more. Timbaland has written more than 200 hit songs performed by artists both in the US and UK. He has made it big in this industry; something that supports his expensive lifestyle.

12. Drake, $90 Million

Drake is quickly building his name in the hip-hop industry and may soon catch up with Jay-Z and Dr. Dre on a financial level. Drake has a string of endorsement from Apple Music, Nike, and Sprite. Drake also receives income from his record sales and touring.

11. LL Cool J, $100 Million

LL Cool J is a successful actor and rapper. He has been in movies such as 'Deep Blue Sea' and 'Grudge Match' and is presently starring in 'NCIS: Los Angeles'. LL is a tech investor; he owns Boomdizzle - a social networking site, and My Connect Studio. LL has written four books and owns a clothing line and a record label.

10. Birdman, $110 Million

Birdman and his brother, Ronald 'Slim' Williams co-own Cash Money records and the two split everything into two. Birdman is a rapper and a performer, unlike his brother who is more involved in music production. The music label has worked with superstars like Nicki Minaj, Drake, and Lil Wayne. They also have a clothing line named YMCMB and have a stake at GT Vodka.

9. Snoop Dogg, $115 Million

Snoop Dogg is one of the most famous and richest hip-hop musicians in the world. Snoop has record sales of over 53 million albums since 1992. He also makes money through his TV and movie career. Apart from being an actor and a rapper, he is a creative and smart businessman. He has a line of legal marijuana products, owns an app termed Snoopify and has endorsement deals from Hot Pockets and Airbnb.

8. Pharrell Williams, $130 Million

Pharrell is not just like any other rapper; he has an array of investment and assets in the fashion, music, and entertainment industry. He owns a clothing line, a YouTube channel, a textile company, and a record label. He is a music composer, and some of his work has been featured in 'The Amazing Spiderman' and 'Despicable Me' films. He has also partnered with brands like Uniglo, Moncler, Adidas, G-Star Raw, and Louis Vuitton.

7. Lil Wayne, $150 Million

Lil Wayne happens to be among the youngest 20 richest rappers in 2018. He started his music career at a very young age and was soon moving with the high rollers. To date, he has sold 100 million plus records and also ventured into the business industry. He has a clothing and shoe line, a cigar manufacturing company, and owns a stake in Tidal. His main revenue is from performance fees.

6. Kanye West, $165 Million

Kanye West is Jack of all trades; he is a rapper, designer, producer, and a businessman. He has sold over 32 million albums. His Yeezy clothing line and Boots collaborated with Vuitton Don, Nike and Adidas to make him millions of dollars. He also earns from his sold-out tours across the world.

5. Eminem, $190 Million

Eminem is among the world's best-selling rapper and one of the 20 richest rappers in 2018. His revenue relies heavily on sold-out tours, record sales and performance fees. He owns a successful record label, The Shady Records.

4. Master P, $250 Million

Master P is well respected in the hip-hop culture for being the pioneer of independent-label hustles. He started his rapping career at an early age, but he now focuses on the business industry. He has involved himself in magazine publishing, TV production, real estate, a clothing line, a video game company, and a travel agency.

3. Dr. Dre, $740 Million

Dre sold Beats by Dre to Apple earning him a whopping $3 billion. His last album 'Straight Outta Compton' helped increase his net worth. He owns Aftermath Entertainment, a record label that has worked with star celebrities like Eminem, Mary J Blige, and many more. He now enjoys his retirement thanks to the revenue from decades-worth of royalties.

2. Jay-Z, $810 Million

Jay-Z is always among the richest rappers of all time. He started making millions in the entertainment industry in 1986. He married Beyonce, and the two have created an amazing empire. He has a string of businesses such as Roc Nation Sports, Roc Nation, and D' Usse Cognac and also an endorsement deal with Samsung.

1. Diddy, $820 Million

Sean Combs, also known Puff Daddy or just Diddy, has an impressive portfolio. He has earned several awards due to his music and business. One of his albums went platinum seven times. His business ventures include Blue Flame, Aquahydrate, Deleon Tequila and most of his revenue comes from Diageo's Ciroc Vodka and Revolt TV. Diddy is also an actor and owns a movie production company, clothing line (Sean John), and restaurants.

Most rappers use money from music to start businesses which in turn maintains their lifestyles of several expensive modern cars and huge mansions. The race to the billion dollar mark is believed to be between Dre, Diddy, and Jay-Z.