Dr. Dre has been named Forbes’ Highest-Paid Musician of 2012.
According to the publication, the West Coast veteran roped in $110 million in pretax earnings largely thanks to his Beats headphone line. “The brands are so aligned, Dre and Beats, it’s just who he is,” says former Def Jam president Kevin Liles. “If you look at the biggest earners, the guys have been doing it for 20 years … what’s happening now is people are really telling their truth.”
Additional artists to make the cut include Rihanna, who ranks at No. 12 with $53 million, and Diddy, who ties with Katy Perry at No. 15 with $45 milion. Beyonce and Jay-Z come in at No. 18 and 20, respectively, with $40 million and $38 million. Kanye West makes the cut at No. 22 with $35 million, tying with Adele for the same position.
Head over to Forbes.com to read more, and check the full list below.
AD LOADING...
1. Dr Dre – $110 Million
2. Roger Waters – $88 Million
3. Elton John – $80 Million
4. U2 – $78 Million
5. Take That – $69 Million
6. Bon Jovi – $60 Million
7. Britney Spears – $58 Million
8. Paul McCartney – $57 Million (tie)
8. Taylor Swift – $57 Million (tie)
10. Justin Bieber – $55 Million (tie)
10. Toby Keith – $55 Million (tie)
12. Rihanna – $53 Million
13. Lady GaGa – $52 Million
14. Foo Fighters – $47 Million
15. Diddy – $45 Million (tie)
15. Katy Perry – $45 Million (tie)
17. Kenny Chesney – $44 Million
18. Beyoncé – $40 Million
19. Red Hot Chili Peppers – $39 Million
20. Jay-Z – $38 Million
21. Coldplay – $37 Million
22. Adele – $35 Million (tie)
22. Kanye West – $35 Million (tie)
24. Michael Bublé – $34 Million
25. Sade – $33 Million
RELATED:Dr. Dre, Diddy & Jay-Z Top Forbes Cash Kings 2012 List
