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IRGM News: Forbes Balu? Diddy leads the top hip hop gainers of 2013

Sean “Diddy” Combs hasn’t always agreed with FORBES’ evaluations of his wealth. “[Screw] the Forbes list,” he rapped on a Rick Ross song three years ago. “Let’s tell the truth: I ate more.”

These days, however, the hip-hop mogul is changing his tune.
“You started learning how to count right, I see,” Diddy told FORBES earlier this year, referring to more recent estimates. “Thank God!”

He likely won’t find fault with our latest rankings, either: Diddy tops this year’s list of hip-hop’s top earners, pulling in $50 million over the past 12 months. He’s one of rap’s most diversified moguls, thanks to his Bad Boy record label, Sean John clothing line and Blue Flame agency. But it’s his agreement with Diageo’s Ciroc vodka that brings in the bulk of his bucks. Next up: cable channel Revolt, which will debut this fall via Time Warner and Comcast.
Jay Z lost his hyphen this year but gained $43 million—good enough to earn the second spot on the list. He’s been padding his coffers with his lucrative live shows, Armand de Brignac champagne, D’Ussé cognac, Roc Nation label and management firm and a host of other ventures. His new album went platinum before its July launch when Samsung shelled out $5 million to buy 1 million copies (for more on Jay-Z’s rise, check out Empire State of Mind).
Dr. Dre rounds out the top three with $40 million. After winning last year’s cash crown, he’s down two spots because he’s no longer boosted by a nine-figure payout for selling part of Beats by Dr. Dre in 2011. But he’s still cashing in on the ubiquitous headphones, expanding the company to include a long-awaited streaming music service. He’s also made time to mentor other artists on the list, including Kendrick Lamar, who makes his Cash Kings debut with $9 million.
1.Diddy - $50million
2. Jay Z - $43million
3. Dr Dre - $40million
4. Nicki Minaj - $29million
5. Birdman - $21million
6. Kanye West - $20million
7. Lil Wayne - $16 million
8. Wiz Khalifa - $14million
9. Ludacris - $12 million
10. Pitbull - $11million
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11. Drake - $10.5million
12. Snoop Lion - $10million
12. Eminen - $10 million
14. Kendrink Lamar - $9million
14. Pharrel Williams - $9million
14. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis $9 million, tie
17. Swizz Beatz - $8.5million
18. Tech N9ne - $7.5 million
19. 50cent - $7million
20. Lil Jon - $6million
20. Rick Ross - $6million
20. Mac Miller - $6 million 
20. Young Jeezy - $6 million 
20. Questlove - $6 million

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