50 Cent has topped the Forbes ‘Hip-Hop Cash Kings’ 2008 list this year over heavy hip-hop hitters Jay-Z and Kanye West.

Earning an estimated $150 million dollars this year through all his endeavors, the rapper from Queens has surpassed Jay-Z as the richest man in hip-hop.

Cent’s main earnings came from stakes with popular drink VitaminWater, which was purchased by Coca-Cola for approximately $4.1 billion. Other investments include album sales, clothing sales for his label G-Unit, video games, and a pending partnership with Patrice Motsepe, a billionaire from South Africa.

Jay-Z takes the number two spot on the list with an estimated $82 million earner last year with a record $150 million 10-year deal with concert promoters Live Nation.

This is the second year Forbes has released their list compiling the top earners in hip-hop.

(by Victoria Tsigonis)