Dr Dre pips P Diddy to become highest earner in hip-hop

Dr Dre has become the highest runner in hip-hop by Sean "Diddy" Combs from the top spot with 620 million in estimated pre-tax earnings.

According to Forbes magazine, Dre's estimated annual earnings for the 12 months between June 2013 and 2014 are the highest of any musician in any genre, and more than the combined takings of the other 24 names on the hip-hop list, the Guardian reported.

Combs was tied for second place with Jay Z, 44, with 60 million dollars, while Drake came in fourth with 33 million dollars earning and Macklemore and Ryan Lewis was at the fifth position with 32 million dollars earnings.

Forbes compiled the list by looking at income from record sales, publishing, merchandise sales, tours and endorsement deals and talking to managers, agents, lawyers and some of the artists.