The ‘Hello Good Morning’ rapper beat Jay-Z – who has an estimated wealth of $450 million - to claim the top spot in a list compiled by Forbes magazine.
The rapper and producer’s wealth is fuelled by his Sean John clothing brand, Bad Boy Worldwide record label and his vodka brand Ciroc - a joint venture with drinks brand Diageo – which generates his largest profit.
Diddy – who has humble roots - recently splashed out on his son, Justin, buying him a £250,000 limousine for becoming an Honours student, but insists none of his seven children are spoiled by wealth.
He said: "Justin has turned himself around so I wanted to treat him. Maybe he will use the car for special occasions like on a first date, but like all my kids, he prefers the simpler things than the expensive things.
Simple tastes."
Although Diddy has the most accumulated wealth, Jay-Z was the highest earning hip-hop star of 2010, making some $63 million – more than double the $30 million taken by Diddy.
Jay-Z’s accumulated wealth is from his 50 million album sales, tour revenue, 40/40 nightclub chain and a stake in the Basketball team New Jersey Nets.
Third on the list was producer Dr. Dre, with $125 million, although his net worth is expected to increase when he makes a comeback this year.
In joint fourth and fifth place are rapper and entrepreneur 50 Cent, and Bryan Birdman’ Williams, the founder of hip-hop label Cash Money records, who are worth some $100 million each.
Forbes Magazine’s five wealthiest artists:
1. P. Diddy
2. Jay-Z
3. Dr. Dre
4. 50 Cent
5. Bryan ‘Birdman’ Williams
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