Unlike mainstream pop and rock musicians, who make the bulk of their earnings from record sales and tours, hip-hop's biggest stars preside over vast entertainment empires. Gurus of branding and cross-promotion, these rappers, producers and MCs run their own record labels, design their own clothing lines, operate bars and restaurants and ink their own licensing deals for everything from booze to books.

http://www.forbes.com/2007/08/15/hip-hop-millionaires-biz-cx_lg_0816hiphop_slide.html?partner=msnent

No. 6
Eminem (a.ka. Marshall Mathers, "Slim Shady")
$18 million

Though said to be on hiatus from the business, "Em" released a platinum-selling compilation album last year on his Interscope-distributed Shady imprint. He also appeared on the Akon hit single, "Smack That." Earlier in the year he made headlines for remarrying--then re-divorcing--Kim Mathers, mother of his daughter Hailie. Word is he's at work on a new album; and he'll return to the big screen (following his acclaimed performance in 2002's 8 Mile) in Paramount Pictures' Have Gun, Will Travel, a Western remake.