London, Aug. 18 (ANI): Rap star Jay-Z has emerged as last year's top earner in the hip-hop world, raking in an estimated 17.2 million pounds.

According to business website Forbes.com, the singer's 11th studio album on his record label Def Jam sold two million copies.

Jay-Z is also learnt to have several endorsement deals with various companies, including Budweiser.

He is also expected to hold a good position on the next year's list on the back of 204 million dollars for which he sold his fashion label Rocawear.

"They get it that it's not just about selling albums, but selling a lifestyle," the BBC quoted Forbes.com's associate editor Lea Goldman as saying.

"So they've ploughed their earnings into media empires that include their own record labels, clothing lines, restaurants and bars," she added.

Second on the list of biggest earning rappers was 50 Cent, making an estimated 16.2 million pounds.

Sean "Diddy" Combs, Timbaland, Dr Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg and Kanye West have also made to the top 10 list. (ANI)