P. Diddy Tops Hip-Hop's Richest Artists List, Followed by Jay-Z and Dr Dre

With nearly half a billion dollars in the bank Sean Combs, aka 'Diddy' has beaten rap colleague Jay-Z to the top of Forbes magazine's list of Hip-Hop's Wealthiest Artists..

The Bad Boy Records founder has an estimated wealth of $475 million, which he has acquired from his clothing line Sean John, his record label, and several product endorsements.

Jay-Z, meanwhile, closely follows with $450 million.

The Forbes list was put together by taking into consideration the artists' current holdings and past earnings.

Only performers were included on the list, which is why hip-hop tycoon Russell Simmons didn't place.

Following Diddy and Jay-Z is Dr. Dre with $125 million, 50 Cent and Birdman are tied at fourth place with $100 million.

In Pictures: Hip-Hop’s Wealthiest Artists

1. P.DIDDY

Sean "Diddy" Combs Worth: $475 million Fast Facts: 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. Told Forbes in 1999: "I'm gonna be bigger than David Geffen." Not there yet

2. JAY-Z

Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter Worth: $450 million Fast Facts: 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, other businesses. Lyrical boasts appear accurate: "I'm like really half a billie . . . you got baby money."

3. DR DRE

Andre "Dr. Dre" Young Worth: $125 million Fast Facts: Superproducer/rapper helped launch careers of Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 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."

4. BIRDMAN

Bryan "Birdman" Williams Worth: $100 million Fast Facts: 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. Lyrical boasts ("Richer than the richest!") are simply not true.

5. 50 CENT

Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson Worth: $100 million Fast Facts: 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. Future billionaire? Told Forbes in 2008: "It's probably going to take me 10 years."

SOURCE: Forbes.com