See also "The 15 Richest Musicians" -- plus "Ten Richest DJs."
Somebody give it up to the good doctor.
It's been more than a decade since the D-R-E released an album, but he's far from falling off the game. In fact, he's still the most lucrative musical house-hold name in the game, coming in at No. 4 on Forbes's new list of Highest-Paid Celebrities.
While we continue to wait patiently for the next episode, let's take a look at the other melodic money-makers cashing in.
Britney Spears
$58 Million
Britney's back, bitch, and we would say hotter than ever. But you can't really top a school girl asking for it hard. Last year, she wasn't doing so well. But then Brit kicked it up a notch, released the now-platinum Femme Fatale, and spent 2011-12 touring her ass off while earning millions in endorsements and spitting out fragrances like she had bills to pay and something to prove. That's how America's tabloid sweetheart got back in business.
Ryan Seacrest
$59 Million
We're not saying you have to like him, but we are saying you have to respect his hustle. He just signed a deal to host American Idol for another two years, as well as inking a new contract with Comcast. Now, you'll see his face all over your television, talking not only music but sports, news and all kinds of entertainment. Plus, he produces Keeping up with the Kardashians and Shahs of Sunset. And he's got that Bing and Coke money. Pimpin'.
Elton John
$80 Million
Sir Elton John is still rockin' the best stunner shades around and he's still pulling in major bucks for more than 100 shows a year, not even counting a bunch of money made performing in Las Vegas. He had a big hit with the animated film Gnomeo and Juliet and he's got a new album coming out soon. The sun isn't going down on this yellow brick road anytime soon.
Simon Cowell
$90 Million
While Seacrest is still milking that Idol cow for everything it's got, Cowell ditched the bitch and remains on top. His new show X Factor isn't as popular, but it did shit out mega-huge boy band One Direction, which continues to make the man money on his Syco Records label. The moral of the story: Cowell can be as big a dick as he wants, wherever he wants, and it all leads to the bank.
Dr. Dre
$110 Million
It's still Dre Day Pay Day, and even if he hasn't dropped a single in, like, forever. He's making more than enough moolah with his Beats by Dre headphone line. Sure, no one will ever take you seriously wearing them. But the bass is mad heavy. Dre made about $100 million off those pink earmuffs alone. So how you gon' say he fell off?
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