JAY-Z tops list of World's Highest Paid Hip-Hop artists of 2018

In what should surprise no one, Jay-Z and Diddy find themselves holding town the top two spots on this year's list of Forbes' annual list of the world's highest-paid hip-hop acts which was unveiled on Wednesday.

Kendrick Lamar, who executive-produced Marvel Studios' Black Panther soundtrack earlier this year, grabs the No. 3 spot. Now, let's take a look at the money-making exploits of these three superstars.

JAY-Z came in on top with $76.5 million, as he embarked on his 4:44 run in 2017 and later kicked off his joint On The Run II tour with his wife, Beyonce. The couple also released their Everything Is Love album in June. Diddy followed Jay with $64 million, thanks to some massive beverage endorsements, including Ciroc vodka, DeLeon tequila and Aquahydrate alkaline water.

Kendrick Lamar claimed the No. 3 spot at $58 million. The numbers, calculated from June 2017 to June 2018, include "annual income from touring, record sales, streaming, publishing, merchandise sales, endorsements and other business ventures. Management, agent and attorney fees are not deducted." The data was based on information from Nielsen SoundScan, Pollstar, Songkick, Bandsintown, the RIAA, as well as interviews with the artists' team and the artists themselves.

Drake, Dr. Dre and DJ Khaled also make the list. See fulllist below...

1. Jay Z $76.5 million
2. Diddy $64 million
3. Kendrick Lamar $58 million
4. Drake $47m million
5. J. Cole $35.5 million
6. Dr. Dre $35 million
7. Nas $35 million
8. Pitbull $32 million
9. Future $30 million
10. Kanye $27.5 million
11. DJ Khaled $27 million
12. Migos $24.5 million
13. Eminem $23 million
14. Chance the rapper $21.5 million
15. Travis Scott $21 million
16. Birdman $20 million
17. Lil Uzi Vert $19.5 million
18. Lil Wayne $19 million
19. Logic $17 million
20. Russ $15 million (Tie)
20. Meek mill $15 million (Tie)
20. Swiss beats $15 million(Tie)