Jay-Z

Jay-Z

Superstar Jay-Z is proving his status as a hip-hop heavyweight - he has been named the most powerful person in the rap world.

The 99 Problems hitmaker, real name Shawn Carter, has landed the top spot on rap magazine The Source's Power 30 list, citing his clothing label Rocawear, his part-ownership of basketball team the New Jersey Nets, and his recent Live Nation deal - rumoured to be worth a whopping $150 million (£100 million) - as proof of his leadership credentials.

Jay-Z, who is married to Beyonce Knowles, leads the countdown ahead of Sean 'Diddy' Combs, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg.

U.S. President Barack Obama also gets an honorary mention on the list in recognition of his influence on the young hip-hop generation.

FemaleFirst - Ruth Harrison


Tagged in