Jay-Z ranked world’s richest musician by Forbes at $2.5 billion

Jay-Z has been crowned the world’s wealthiest musician by Forbes, with the American rapper and entrepreneur now valued at $2.5 billion (around Sh323 billion).

The 55-year-old, whose career began in hip-hop before expanding into diverse businesses, has more than doubled his fortune since first entering the billionaire ranks in 2019.

The Roc Nation founder’s wealth is spread across music, art, and major investments. His assets include a valuable music catalog, a fine art collection, and stakes in companies such as Uber, making him the top-ranked musician globally.

Jay-Z first made history in 2019 as the first hip-hop billionaire, a milestone largely achieved through ventures beyond recording. With over 140 million records sold, he also stands among the best-selling music artists of all time.

Forbes lists pop star Taylor Swift in second place with an estimated $1.6 billion fortune, while Rihanna ranks third at $1 billion, her wealth powered by the worldwide success of Fenty Beauty.

Together with singer-songwriter Beyoncé, Jay-Z forms one of entertainment’s most influential couples. Their combined wealth is estimated at $3.5 billion, and they share the record for the most Grammy nominations in history at 88 each.

Over his 35-year career, Jay-Z has become one of the most awarded artists. He has won 25 Grammy Awards, three Emmy Awards, and in 2023 was named the greatest rapper of all time by Vibe and Billboard.

His impact has gone beyond music and business. He has been honored for civil rights work, including receiving the NAACP President’s Award, highlighting his influence both on stage and in society.

With his $2.5 billion fortune, Jay-Z stands not only as the richest musician but also as a global icon whose legacy stretches across entertainment, business, and advocacy.