Jay-Z Crowned World’s Richest Musician With $2.6bn Fortune

American rapper, business mogul, and music executive, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, has officially claimed the title of the world’s richest musician, according to Forbes.
With an estimated net worth of $2.6 billion, the hip-hop icon has further cemented his place not only in music history but also in global business circles.
This recognition comes just a year after Billboard and Vibe jointly crowned him the greatest rapper of all time in 2023.
Jay-Z’s fortune extends far beyond music sales. He is the owner of Roc Nation, a global entertainment powerhouse; Armand de Brignac (popularly known as Ace of Spades) champagne; and co-owner of the lucrative D’Ussé cognac brand. His portfolio also spans art, real estate, and tech investments, reinforcing his reputation as one of the sharpest businessmen in entertainment.
When placed in the Nigerian context, Jay-Z’s $2.6 billion wealth ranks just behind Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote ($24 billion), Abdul Samad Rabiu ($7.4 billion), and Mike Adenuga ($7 billion). Notably, he now surpasses Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola, whose net worth stands at $1.2 billion.
For a man who rose from the streets of Brooklyn to the pinnacle of global wealth, Jay-Z’s latest milestone underscores how artistry, vision, and business acumen can rewrite the rules of success.