The economic downturn has been rough even for rappers but it stills pay. Although he took a 57 percent pay cut compared to last year, Jay-Z tops the 2009 Forbes List of the 20 Cash Kings in Hip Hop as he pulled in $35 million in the last 12 months.

50 Cent, the former 2008 top earner still managed to bring hom $20 million without an album out thanks to his diversified franchise including the G-Unit Clothing Line, books and roles in major movies.

Rapper, singer, producer Akon even managed to make more paper this year thanks to lucrative guest appearances on major pop tracks and a platinum album.

Crazy touring schedule, multi-platinum albums and endorsements made a lot of cash for Kanye West and Lil Wayne who brought in $25 million and $18 million. Kanye has a succesful sneakers line with the Air Yeezy while Weezy made $10 million with his last tour.

Eminem is back on the list with his new album Relapse (platinum in a month) along with Dr Dre who served as executive producer and is still collecting royalties off classic albums like Chronic.

Rick Ross enters the list this year with his last album Deeper Than Rap selling 200 000 units in its first week in stores.

Hip-Hop’s Cash Kings 2009 lists:

1 - Jay-Z - $35 million
2 - Diddy - $30 million
3 - Kanye West - $25 million
4 - 50 Cent - $20 million
5 - Akon - $20 million
6 - Lil Wayne - $18 million
7 - Timbaland - $17 million
8 - Pharrell Williams - $15 million
9 - T-Pain - $15 million
10 - Eminem - $14 million
11 - Dr. Dre - $13 million
12 - Snoop Dogg - $11 million
13 - Ludacris - $10 million
14 - Swizz Beatz - $8 million
15 - T.I. - $8 million
18 - Will.i.am - $8 million
18 - Common - $8 million
18 - Big Boi - $7 million
18 - Andre 3000 - $7 million
20 - Flo Rida - $6 million
20 - Rick Ross - $6 million
20 - The Game - $6 million
20 - Young Jeezy - $6 million

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