Jay-Z Officially Becomes the World’s First Billionaire Hip-Hop Artist

Jay Z in concert in 2017
Jay Z in concert in 2017. Photo by Brandon Marshall/REX/Shutterstock (9190961e)

Jay-Z has been one of the most influential rappers in the world for over two decades, and numbers reflect his enormous success. Forbes just named him the first hip-hop artist to become a billionaire.

The business magazine did a cover story on Jay-Z, explaining how he managed to build his empire and accumulate ten-figure fortune thanks to his many creative and business endeavors.

“Jay-Z has accumulated a fortune that conservatively totals $1 billion, making him one of only a handful of entertainers to become a billionaire – and the first hip-hop artist to do so. Jay-Z’s steadily growing kingdom is expansive, encompassing liquor, art, real estate and stakes in companies like Uber,” explains Forbes.

If you’re wondering where the rest of his fortune lies, check out the full breakdown below:

Armand de Brignac champagne – $310 million
Cash and investments – $220 million
D’Ussé cognac – $100 million
Tidal – $100 million
Roc Nation – $75 million
Music catalogue – $75 million
Art collection – $70 million
Real estate – $50 million