Diddy, Jay-Z and Dr. Dre top Forbes hip hop rich list

Diddy, whose real name is Sean Combs, released his last album in 2010

Diddy is the wealthiest rap star in the world, according to a list put together by US business magazine Forbes.

The rapper has a personal fortune estimated at $550 million (£345m) with stakes in a vodka company, several clothing lines and a record label.

Jay-Z comes second and is said to be worth $460m (£288m).

Former NWA rapper and Eminem producer Dr. Dre is third in the Forbes list with a personal fortune estimated at $260m (£163m).

Most of that money has been made through the company he set up with Interscope chief Jimmy Iovine in 2008, Beats Electronics.

Mobile phone producer HTC bought a 51% stake in the firm for $300m (£188m) last August.

Making up the remaining two places in the top five are Birdman and 50 Cent worth $125m (£78m) and $110m (£69m) respectively.