Recently, Forbes Magazine released their highly coveted and very popular list of hip-hop financial heavyweights. Forbes' 2011 Hip Hop Cash King list is a look at some of the highest earning players in the rap game. Of course, many factors are left out, like the types of record deals received, and how much of that money is ACTUALLY awarded to the artist; however, Forbes looks at total artists' worth in a given year.

As expected, hip-hop's imperator Jay-Z was at the top of the monetary mountain for the fifth consecutive year with a whopping $37 million for the 2011 graduating class, but down from last years figures clocked in at staggering $63 million.  For those unaware, Jay-Z had signed a one-of-a-kind, 10-year, $150 million Live Nation label and tour deal a few years back.

When comparing the short list for 2011 and 2010, it is definitely apparent that the current financial landscape and framework is not in the rappers favour. Although working harder than ever, many rappers are way below their earnings from last years numbers. As the internet chips away at the validity, relevance, and staying power of the artist, many artists have been showing an exemplary work ethic and dedication to their musical craft.

One interesting note is that while the bravado and braggadocio of our favourite rhythmic storytellers begins to climb, their earnings are small compared to their pop music counterparts.  Many rappers boast of the highlife as if to say their monetary situation is on a steady incline. Stories of opulence, and profusive decadence have become common staples for these modern poets.
When looking closely however, the 1oth place artist on the Forbes' list of "The World's 25 Highest-Paid Musicians" outranks our beloved God emcee, Jay-hovah. Yes, the 10th highest paid artist on this short-list is Dave Matthews Band, making a MIND NUMBING $51 million dollars. Here's a quick comparison of how our favourite hip-hop contemporaries match up with some of pop, rock, and country music's harmonious heavyweights:

Hip - Hop's Top Earners:
Jay-Z – $37M
Diddy – $35M
Kanye West – $16M
Lil Wayne – $15M (tie)
Birdman – $15M (tie)
Eminem – $14M (tie)
Snoop Dogg $14M (tie)
Dr. Dre $14M (tie)
Akon – $13M
Ludacris – $12M
Wiz Khalifa – $11M (tie)
Drake – $11M (tie)
Pharrell Williams – $10M
Timbaland – $7M
Swizz Beatz – $6.5M
Nicki Minaj – $6.5M
Rick Ross – $6M (tie)
50 Cent – $6M (tie)
Pitbull – $6M (tie)
T-Pain – $5M
B.o.B – $5M

Highest Earning Musicians (Non Rappers):
1. U2 ($195 million)
2. Bon Jovi ($125 million)
3. Elton John ($100 million)
4. Lady Gaga ($90 million)
5. Michael Bublé ($70 million)
6. Paul McCartney ($67 million)
7. The Black Eyed Peas ($61 million)
8. The Eagles ($60 million)
9. Justin Bieber ($53 million)
10. Dave Matthews Band ($51 million)

Although we've made major strides in getting the money we deserve, and not having another "Cold Crush" incident in the rap game, I am appalled in these figures to be quite honest. Now of course, I know what your saying "What!? Appalled!? Hommie, Jay earned 37 mill dawg, how the eff is that appalling!?"
Don't get me wrong, millions at any level are incredible, but money should be awarded where it is just deserved.

Many of the artists in the pop category have been in that game probably longer than you've been alive, so it's fair to say that they have definitely earned their stripes; but at the same rate, it seems like their is still an underlying tone, that many are not aware of.

It looks to me that many of our current rappers, are just glorified commercials promoting products and items that are out of the price range of their adoring fans. I mean seriously, to go to the club and purchase a $2000 dollar bottle of Armand de Brignac because multimillion dollar music mogul Sean Carter makes reference to "real G's" drinking this aged champagne is quite outlandish; but, many young men, with shivering hands, pass over their credit cards to live like Jay if even for a moment.

The culture went from Mercedes Benz's to G5 jets, Maybachs, Rolls Royce's and yachts. It would be interesting to see the sociological dynamics this commercial brainwashing has had on our youth.  I mean, this is the life of BILLIONAIRES, with the exception of maybe, possibly Jay-Z, most rappers cannot touch that designation with a 10 foot pole.

Rappers, I implore you, take heed of your power and realize their are generations of young fans who subconsciously try and live the words you spit. Realize your words are more than just a liquor-snapback-maybach-Rose advertisement, and use your words to EMPOWER your generation. I mean, you could always double cup up, and ruin the minds of impressionable music connoisseurs, but at the end of the day realize that your legacy was inadvertently the cause of the stagnation and complacency of a future generation.