RAPPER Aubrey “Drake” Graham became the newest member of The Forbes Five club of hip-hop’s wealthiest artists Monday with a net worth of US$60 million, according to Forbes.

    The annual list has regularly included rap artists Bryan “Birdman” Williams, Andre “Dr. Dre” Young, Shawn “Jay Z” Carter, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Sean “Diddy” Combs.

    But due to a mismanagement of funds which resulted in a bankruptcy last summer, 50 Cent was superseded by Drake, who has increased his net worth through touring, music releases and business deals with Nike, Sprite and Apple.

    “Views,” the fourth studio album by Drake, a Toronto native who goes by his middle name, sold an estimated 630,000 copies on its April 29 release date, according to Vibe magazine.

    With each album selling at US$13.99 exclusively on iTunes, the 29-year-old made about US$800,000 that night.

    Business mogul and rap artist Diddy continued to hold the number one title with a net worth of US$750 million thanks to his agreement with Diageo’s Circo vodka, stakes in his music television network Revolt, his clothing line Sean John and more.

    Dr. Dre followed with US$710 million, then Jay Z in third place with US$610 million and finally Birdman, who came fourth with US$110 million. While his net worth is small in comparison to his fellow club members, Drake is quickly climbing the ranks, earning some US$150 million to date before taxes and spending, Forbes said.

    (SD-Agencies)