Sean "Diddy" Combs

Worth: $475 million
Fast Facts: Artist formerly known as Puff Daddy built fortune chiefly through clothing line Sean John, record label Bad Boy and Ciroc vodka. Acting gigs, television shows and guest appearances add to coffers. Told Forbes in 1999: "I'm gonna be bigger than David Geffen." Not there yet.

Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter

Worth: $450 million
Fast Facts: Beyonce's husband sold Rocawear clothing label for $204 million in 2007; signed 10-year $150 million Live Nation deal in 2008. Holds stakes in New Jersey Nets, 40/40 Club chain, ad firm Translation, other businesses. Lyrical boasts appear accurate: "I'm like really half a billie . . . you got baby money."

Andre "Dr. Dre" Young

Worth: $125 million
Fast Facts: Superproducer/rapper helped launch careers of Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent. Expanded wealth with Aftermath record label, Beats headphones and HP laptop line. Likens himself to world's first billionaire: "Young black Rockefeller ... gettin' money like a bank teller."

Bryan "Birdman" Williams

Worth: $100 million
Fast Facts: Cofounded Cash Money Records with brother Ronald and inked $30 million distribution deal with Universal in 1998; affiliated Young Money lineup now includes rappers Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj. Lyrical boasts ("Richer than the richest!") are simply not true.

Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson

Worth: $100 million
Fast Facts: Received nine figures for Vitaminwater stake in 2007; spent freely on cars, renovations to mansion formerly owned by Mike Tyson. Cushion remains from catalog, acting gigs and 50 Cent-themed videogames, books, clothes and headphones. Future billionaire? Told Forbes in 2008: "It's probably going to take me 10 years." Forbes.com