Some of the people on this list definitely surprised me. They fact they were there was less surprising than their ranks. Some of these stars are making BANK!! Check out the list for yourself after the jump.

Marisa Mendez


Cash Kings 2011: Hip-Hop’s Top 20 Earners

1. Jay-Z – $37 million
2. Diddy – $35 million
3. Kanye West – $16 million
4. Lil Wayne (tie) – $15 million
4. Birdman (tie) – $15 million
6. Eminem (tie) – $14 million
6. Dr. Dre (tie) – $14 million
6. Snoop Dogg (tie) – $14 million
9. Akon – $13 million
10. Ludacris – $12 million
11. Wiz Khalifa (tie) – $11 million
11. Drake (tie) – $11 million
13. Pharrell Williams – $10 million
14. Timbaland – $7 million
15. Swizz Beatz (tie) – $6.5 million
15. Nicki Minaj (tie) – $6.5 million
17. Rick Ross (tie) – $6 million
17. 50 Cent (tie) – $6 million
17. Pitbull (tie) – $6 million
20. T-Pain (tie) – $5 million
20. B.o.B (tie) – $5 million

Ok one and two are no surprise. But Nicki being up there…go ‘head girl!!!! I knew she was getting money but I didn’t think she was Forbes status just yet. And for her to be the only girl up there and beating 50 and Ross…that’s ill!! T-Pain had a pretty quiet year so it’s cool to see he’s still chilling regardless. B.o.B. is a new addition to the list as well and he definitely deserves it. Big ups to all that made it. I’ll be there soon!! LOL!!