How Rich Is Jay Z?

How rich is Jay Z? If you have ever wondered just how rich rapper Jay-Z really is, wonder no more. With an estimated net worth of about $450 million, Jay-Z, born Shawn Corey Carter, is one of the most successful recording artists in history. Besides being a top selling musician, Jay-Z has established himself as an extremely successful entrepreneur and investor.

Jay-Z was named world's richest rapper in 2008, 2009 and 2010 by Forbes magazine. In 2009, he topped Forbes magazine's "Hip-Hop's Cash Kings" list by earning an estimated yearly income of $35 million. He topped the same list again in 2010, nearly doubling his earning to bring in an estimated $63 million, thanks largely to his platinum selling album, "The Blueprint 3," which was released in September 2009.

Although Jay-Z's status as one of the world's richest musicians is largely attributed to him selling 40 million albums worldwide, his yearly earnings are boasted by his businesses and investments. Besides being founder of the record label and entertainment company "Roc Nation" and co-owner of the upscale sports bar chain "The 40/40 Club," Jay-Z also has stakes in professional basketball team, New Jersey Nets and beauty product line Carol's Daughter, and has served as co-brand marketing director for Budweiser Select beer since 2006.

One of, if not the most powerful partnerships Jay-Z shares is with his wife and fellow musician Beyoncé Knowles. In 2009, the couple topped Forbes magazine's "Hollywood's Top-Earning Couples" list by together earning $122 million.

Past business ventures have also influenced how rich Jay-Z currently is. He co-founded the urban clothing brand Rocawear in 1999. In 2007, he sold the rights to the company for more than $200 million. Before its sale, Rocawear saw annual sales of about $700 million.