VIJANA WENYE "CHEDA" CHAFU KWENYE ULIMWENGU WA HIP-HOP DUNIANI

1. Sean 'Diddy' Combs

est. Net Worth - $500million

Artist formerly known as Puff Daddy built fortune chiefly through clothing line Sean John, record label Bad Boy and Ciroc vodka. Acting gigs, television shows and guest appearances add to coffers.

He’s taken to calling himself “Ciroc Obama,” and with good reason: his vodka deal with beverage giant Diageo could soon land him in some very exclusive company.
Diddy receives an annual cut of profits and a big chunk of cash if Ciroc is ever sold. With the spirit’s value speeding toward $1 billion—on top of stakes in clothing lines Sean John and Enyce, marketing firm Blue Flame and record label Bad Boy.

2. Shawn 'Jay Z' Carter

est. Net Worth - $450million

Beyonce's husband sold Rocawear clothing label for $204 million in 2007; signed 10-year $150 million Live Nation deal in 2008. Holds stakes in New Jersey Nets, 40/40 Club chain, ad firm Translation, cosmetics company Carol’s Daughter and other ventures. His lyrical boasts (“I’m like really half a billie”) appear accurate, at least if you round up.

3. Andre 'Dr.Dre' Young

est. Net Worth - $250million

Superproducer/rapper helped launch careers of Snoop Dogg, Eminem and 50 Cent. Expanded wealth with Aftermath record label, Beats headphones and HP laptop line. Likens himself to world's first billionaire: "Young black Rockefeller ... gettin' money like a bank teller."

Dr. Dre’s financial star has been on the rise this year. The bulk of his $250 million fortune comes from Beats Electronics, the headphone maker Dr. Dre founded with Interscope chief Jimmy Iovine in 2008.

In early August, handset maker HTC paid $300 million to buy a 51% stake in Beats. Sources say Iovine and Dre each owned a third of the company before the deal; FORBES estimates that Dre will take home $85 million after taxes. The agreement also values his remaining stake at $100 million, which could increase rapidly as the company continues to expand.

4. Bryan 'Birdman' Williams

est. Net Worth - $110million

Unlike the somewhat reclusive Dr. Dre, Birdman makes no secret about his billion-dollar dreams. The New Orleans-born rapper-turned-mogul cofounded Cash Money Records with brother Ronald and inked $30 million distribution deal with Universal in 1998; affiliated Young Money lineup now includes rappers Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj.

The label’s value has soared with the success of rappers Drake, Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne, all of whom made this year’s Forbes Hip-Hop Cash Kings list, bringing his total net worth to an estimated $110 million (he insists he’s worth more).

Braaaaaaaaaaah! Haha!

5. Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson

est. Net Worth - $100million

Received nine figures for Vitaminwater stake in 2007; spent freely on cars, renovations to mansion formerly owned by Mike Tyson. Cushion remains from catalog, acting gigs and 50 Cent-themed videogames, books, clothes and headphones.Next up: an energy shot called Street King, which promises to feed hungry children—and 50’s bank account.

Future billionaire?! Told Forbes in 2008: "It's probably going to take me 10 years."

[Source: Forbes]