LagosExplorer reports: Global rap icon and business magnate Shawn Corey Carter, popularly known as Jay-Z, has officially become the world’s richest musician, with his net worth now estimated at an astonishing $2.5 billion. The report, released on Thursday, cements his place not only as a legendary rapper but also as one of the most influential business figures of the modern era.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Jay-Z’s rise from the Marcy Projects to billionaire status has long inspired fans across the globe. His fortune goes far beyond music, built on a diverse portfolio of luxury beverages such as Armand de Brignac champagne, popularly called “Ace of Spades,” and D’Ussé cognac, in addition to his expansive Roc Nation entertainment empire. He has also raked in massive profits from selling stakes in the streaming platform Tidal, his fashion line Rocawear, and multiple investments in real estate, hospitality, and emerging technology startups.
His wife, Beyoncé, herself a global superstar, also boasts a billion-dollar empire, making the couple one of the wealthiest power duos in entertainment history.
While Jay-Z leads the global ranking, American singer Taylor Swift maintains her crown as the richest woman in music with an estimated fortune of $1.6 billion, amassed largely through her record-breaking tours and music catalog. Swift’s financial dominance highlights a growing trend where artists leverage ownership and smart investments to secure long-term wealth.
Jay-Z’s new status is more than a personal victory; it is a defining moment that shows how music icons can transcend their art to become global economic players.