Jay-Z crowned “Hip-Hop Cash King”

– Photo by Michael Falco for The New York Times

Jay-Z is the king of hip-hop. Financially at least ;)

Forbes just announced its list of “Hip-Hop Cash Kings,” or in other words the top 2o money makers and Jay-Z tops the list.

SPIN reports that the rapper handedly took the crown this year – for the third time in the last four years, after pulling in a total of $63 million over the past 12 months!

Where does the hip-hop mogul’s money come in from? A variety of places actually including his ownership of the 40/40 nightclub chain, Broadway’s “Fela!,” the New Jersey Nets, along with the earnings from his recent Blueprint 3 Tour, which SPIN reports brought in a whopping $1 million per concert.

In second – and at less than half the earnings is Diddy, who pulled in $30M after releasing The Last Train to Paris, selling Sean Jean clothes, managing Bad Boy Records, and founding a vodka joint venture with Diageo.

Diddy came in second at $30 million after a successful year when he released his new album The Last Train to Paris, sold more Sean Jean clothing, managed Bad Boy Records, and found himself in a vodka joint venture with Diageo.

At No. 3 is Akon after earning $21 million, Weezy came in at No. 4, pulling in $20 million despite his time behind bars, with Dr. Dre clocking in at No. 5 with $17 million.

You can see the complete Forbes list here.

Were you surprised with any of the top 5?

Hear new music first – HP

Film detailing Joaquin Phoenix’s transformation to hip-hop artist gets September release date

– Associated Press Photo/Sayles

Joaquin Phoenix’s 2008 decision to retire from acting in order to pursue a career as a hip-hop musician has been closely documented by brother-in-law Casey Affleck, and will make its debut as a film called “I’m Still Here” in U.S. movie theaters in September, according to a report from Reuters.

On Wednesday, independent movie distributors Magnolia Pictures said they had acquired world rights to the documentary, which it describes as “a portrait of an artist at a crossroads,” insisting that it is not a “mockumentary.”

The movie is scheduled to premiere Sept. 10.

After Phoenix’s surprise retirement announcement followed by YouTube videos of his live performances as well as his infamous late-night appearance on the David Letterman show, many have wondered if the mumbling, shaggy-haired act was all a hoax.

A spokesman for Magnolia Pictures, Matt Cowal, told Reuters on Wednesday that “I’m Still Here” is “not a mockumentary by any means. I think the film speaks for itself.” He also said that it had not yet been determined whether Phoenix would take part in any of the promotional events leading up to the release.

Although Phoenix has been out of acting for nearly 2 years and hard at work on a mostly self-produced album with help from Diddy, he has yet to release any commercial music.

What do you think of the movie? Do you think it is “real” or still part of an elaborate hoax?

Hear new music first – HP

Diddy now managing Lil Wayne protege Nicki Minaj

Billboard is reporting that Diddy has taken the reins as the new manager for Young Money rapper and Lil Wayne protege Nicki Minaj.

Diddy has been busy as of late trying to get his Dirty Money project “Last Train To Paris” moving forward, but apparently that isn’t enough to stop the entrepreneur from taking on new projects.

According to Billboard, Minaj recently fired manager Debbie Antney, who confirmed the move just two days after Minaj dropped out of Rihanna’s “Last Girl on Earth Tour.” Antney has managed Gucci Mane, and is the mother of rapper Waka Flocka Flame, who is starting to make waves in the industry.

Billboard reports that sources indicate Minaj went to Lady Gaga’s manager, Troy Carter for representation, with Diddy c0-managing. However, the source said Gaga objected to the deal, threatening to find another manager if Carter took on Minaj. So, when Carter stepped back Diddy stepped up, putting one of his own manager, James Cruz, in the mix as well to co-manage the up-and-coming rapper.

Do you expect Minaj’s career to take off under Diddy’s managament?

If you aren’t familiar with Minaj, you can check out one of her new tracks in the HitPredictor jukebox, “Massive Attack” featuring Sean Garrett is now available for you to rate – let us know whether you love it or hate it!

New music first – HP