2010 Top Earners In Rap Music

So you wanted to know who earned the most chippers in 2010 in the rap game? The proof is not in the pudding but in the bank accounts of some of these entertainment moguls who are not only some of the top earners in rap, but in the music business period. Diddy comes in at number one with earnings of $475 million thanks to his interests in Sean John clothing, Bad Boy Worldwide record label and, most significantly, his Diageo joint-venture vodka brand Ciroc. Diddy's fellow native New York rapper, music mogul and business man Jay-Z comes in at number two at just under $450 million, due to his ventures in Roc Nation, and his minor ownership in the New Jersey Nets. Dr. Dre, the West Coast super producer comes in at third with earnings of $125 million based on his music publishing interests from past projects from a who's who of the music industry including the catalogs from both Death Row and Ruthless Records, his Dr. Dre headphones, and specifically from having a hand in launching the careers of Snoop Dogg, Eminem and 50 Cent. Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, who reaped a nine-figure payday from the sale of Vitamin Water to Coca-Cola, and from his album sales from G-Unit, comes in tied Cash Money Records cofounder Bryan "Birdman" Williams at $100 million completing the top 5 in the rap game. All these figures were courtesy of Forbes Magazine.

Wiz Khalifa to be joined by Big Sean, Chevy Woods On Rolling Papers Tour

With Wiz Khalifa's Rolling Papers tour coming this summer, the rapper has announced that he will be joined by Big Sean -- a Kanye West protege whose debut album, Finally Famous, is due on June 21 -- and Chevy Woods, a member of Khalifa's Taylor Gang crew. Tickets for the tour go on sale to the general public on April 20. The 30-city Rolling Papers trek will kick off on June 11 at the Bonnaroo Festival in Manchester, TN and run through August 3 in Canandaigua, NY.

L.A. Reid's Return To Music Industry Imminent

After leaving his post at Island Def Jam last month and signing on as a judge for Simon Cowell's X Factor, L.A. Reid says that his hiatus from the record business is only temporary and he will be announcing another label gig soon. Reid was interviewed by Angie Martinez on Hot 97/New York on Tuesday night, where he confirmed the news.

Aretha Franklin Announces Live Concert Series

Aretha Franklin has announced her first live concerts, following her undisclosed surgery late last year. The Queen of Soul will perform in Chicago on May 19, at Niagara Falls on May 28 and as part of the Toronto Jazz Festival on June 24, according to Consequence Of Sound.

Rumor Has It That Beyonce's New Video And SIngle May Be Out Soon

Rumor has it that Beyoncé is working on a new video from her forthcoming studio album. The website Ace Showbiz says the video will be directed by Francis Lawrence (Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Destiny's Child) and 200 African dancers and eight choreographers were reportedly hired for the clip. Rumors on several fan sites say that it could be for a club track called "Girl." Rumors also say that the new effort may drop in June. Sony Music Australia boss Denis Handlin recently told The Telegraph that: "She came in and played us six tracks from the album. She wants to do a big tour off the back of this record, which will include Australia. These songs, the best description I can give is groundbreaking. She's gone to another level."

Nicki Minaj To Be Opening Act For Britney Spears On Femme fatale Tour

It's official: Nicki Minaj will open for Britney Spears on the Pop star's summer Femme Fatale tour. The all-female lineup includes Jessie and the Toy Boys and Nervo. "This is the Femme Fatale tour and I'm thrilled to have the hot Nicki Minaj join me and Jessie and the Toy Boys and Nervo will get everyone on the dance floor," said Spears.

"Can't wait to take the Femme Fatales on the road." The tour begins in Sacramento on June 16 and runs til August 13 in Toronto. Minaj replaces Enrique Iglasias, who was briefly announced as the tour opener before dropping out.

Ashley Judd Singles Out Snoop Dogg and P. Diddy For Hip Hop "Rape Culture"

Actress/abuse victim Ashley Judd had harsh words for Hip-Hop music and its “rape culture” that has been created by lyrics that demean and degrade women.

RadarOnline.com posted snippets of Ashley Judd’s upcoming memoir All That Is Bitter and Sweet.


Ashley Judd name checked Snoop Dogg and P. Diddy in the memoir for helping fuel the misogyny in Hip-Hop music, before the country singer trashed most of the entire genre of the music.