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Jay-Z tops Forbes list as world’s richest musician

With a net worth of $2.5 billion, he tops the list of richest musicians in the world

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by TEVIN MWANGU

Entertainment23 August 2025 - 21:00
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In Summary


  • His wealth goes beyond music, spanning diverse investments and businesses.
  • Assets such as a fine art collection, music catalog, and shares in companies including Uber have propelled him to the top of the global rankings.
Photo of American rapper Jay-Z






American rapper, businessman, and Roc Nation founder Shawn Corey Carter, better known as Jay-Z, has been named the world’s richest musician by Forbes.

With a net worth of $2.5 billion (approximately Sh323 billion), Jay-Z has doubled his fortune since becoming a billionaire in 2019.

His wealth goes beyond music, spanning diverse investments and businesses. Assets such as a fine art collection, music catalog, and shares in companies including Uber have propelled him to the top of the global rankings.

The 55-year-old became the first hip-hop billionaire in 2019, largely through his business ventures. With over 140 million records sold, Jay-Z is also among the world’s best-selling music artists.

Forbes notes that he is followed by American pop star Taylor Swift, whose fortune is estimated at $1.6 billion. Rihanna, the first female artist to reach billionaire status, ranks third with a $1 billion net worth, driven by the global success of her Fenty Beauty brand.

Jay-Z, who is married to singer-songwriter Beyoncé, forms one of entertainment’s most powerful couples. Together, the pair boast an estimated combined net worth of $3.5 billion. They also share a record 88 Grammy nominations each — the most in history.

Across his career spanning more than 35 years, Jay-Z has become one of the most decorated artists of all time. He has won 25 Grammy Awards, the eighth-most ever, along with three Emmy Awards. In 2023, Vibe and Billboard ranked him the greatest rapper of all time.

Beyond entertainment, Jay-Z’s impact has been recognized in civil rights advocacy. He received the prestigious President’s Award from the NAACP, underscoring his influence both on and off stage.

With music, business, and influence intertwined, Jay-Z’s $2.5 billion empire cements his legacy as a global icon.

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