RICHEST RAPPER 2012

Richest Rappers 2012 – Forbes Wealthiest Hip-Hop Artists

Forbes Magazine released the Top-5 Richest Rappers Of 2012 with Diddy on top the list for the second year, Jay-Z dropped down to second after coming first in 2010.

Many of these rappers rose from rags to riches by tirelessly working simultaneously as producers, writers,musicians and businessmen. However, their hard work has quite literally paid off and has made them millions, according to Forbes.

Below is  the FORBES 2012 Top Five Wealthiest Rappers :

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1. Sean “Diddy” Combs

Net Worth: $550 million – As of April 2012
Earnings according to Forbes: 2011: $35 million, 2010: $30 million

Diddy’s business ventures, along with his career as a rapper, made him the richest rapper on the planet, built fortune chiefly through clothing line Sean John, record label Bad Boy and Ciroc vodka. Acting gigs, television shows and guest appearances add to coffers. He told Forbes in 1999: “I’m gonna be bigger than David Geffen.” Not there yet.

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2. Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter

Net Worth:$460 million – As of April 2012
Earnings according to Forbes: 2011: $37 million, 2010: $63 million

The ’99 Problems’ rapper and Beyonce’s husband sold Rocawear clothing label for $204 million in 2007; signed 10-year $150 million Live Nation deal in 2008. Now boasts an impressive portfolio, including shares in the New Jersey Nets as well as his input in fashion, music and restaurant businesses.For more on the business of hip-hop, check out Zack O’Malley Greenburg’s new Jay-Z biography, Empire State of Mind, at http://jayzbook.com

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3. Andre “Dr. Dre” Young

Net Worth: $260 million – As of April 2012
Earnings according to Forbes: 2011: $14 million, 2010: $17 million

Superproducer/rapper,Dr. Dre may not have put out a new album in the last 10 years,but the rapper and producer has reaped the rewards from his business. He helped launch careers of Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent. Expanded wealth with Aftermath record label, Beats headphones and HP laptop line. On 11th August 2011, Dr Dre reportedly sold 50% stake in Beats Electronics, the headphone company to Taiwanese smartphone maker HTC for £191 million ($310m).

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4. Bryan “Birdman” Williams

Net Worth: $125 million – As of April 2012
May 2010 to May 2011 Earnings according to Forbes: $15 million

Bryan ‘Birdman’ Williams,Cofounded Cash Money Records with brother Ronald and inked $30 million distribution deal with Universal in 1998; affiliated Young Money lineup now includes rappers Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj. Lyrical boasts (“Richer than the richest!”) are simply not true. Bird has an estimated net worth of $110 million as of September 2011.

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5. Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson

Net Worth:$110 million – As of April 2012
Earnings according to Forbes: 2010: $6 million, 2009: $8 million

50 cent has made it to the top five particularly for his business-savvy, as the rapper got a neat nine-figure payout from the sales of Vitamin Water, when it was sold to Coca Cola; spent freely on cars, renovations to the mansion formerly owned by Mike Tyson. Cushion remains from catalog, acting gigs and 50 Cent-themed videogames, books, clothes and headphones. Future billionaire? He told Forbes in 2008: “It’s probably going to take me 10 years.”

Most Expensive Cars In The World 2012

Posted date:  June 5, 2012  |  12 Comments

It is surprising to see the list of top 10 expensive new cars unexpectedly. Forget the Ferrari 458 or the $300,000 Lamborghini Aventador a seven at the low end of the scale they start right around the one million mark.

The current world’s most expensive car is the  Maybach Exelero. The one-off custom built Maybach was revealed in May 2005 at the Tempodrom in Berlin. The built by Stola in Turin is a one-off vehicle designed to showcase the new high tech performance of the Exelero Tyre range from the leading tyre maker Fulda. These two companies have not teamed up for the first time because way back in 1938 Fulda showed its tyres on a Mayback SW 38 limousine. Now there are to produce the model in the series registered for on-road use. This New Exelero will be limited to just 10 pieces having the cost of $8 to $10million dollars.

1. Maybach Exelero: $8,000,000

Price: $8 million
Country of Origin: Germany
Engine: V12 twin turbo
0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds

The exelero, commissioned by the tyre company Fulda is a chopped-down two-seater coupe. Though it is much more than just a show car. During the tests at the Nardo high-speed oval, the model reached the top speed of 218.38 miles per hour even though it weighed around 2.6 tonnes. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 4.4 seconds. The design of the car is the result of the competition among the students at the Pforzheim Polytechnic Department of Transport Design which has designed the show vehicles for Fulda during the past. The designing of the 24 year old Fredrik Burchhard was selected and the entire work was coordinated with Mayback design centre in Sindelfingen. Basing on the Maybach 57 limousine the project required a certain amount of re-engineering: the A-pillar and the doors were to be shifted backwards and the steering column, the pedals and the gearshift had to be relocated altogether. The benchmark 550- bhp v12 engine was prepared for 5.9 litres and tuned for 700 bhp with over 738 lb ft of torque. The final dimensions which were 5890mm long, 2140mm wide and just 1390 mm high the car was packed with a full-spec interior that included leather, neoprene, aluminium and the carnbonfibre finishes. Rapper  Bryan “Birdman” Williams, reportedly spent $8,000,000 on the one-off Maybach Exelero coupe. The rapper has a net worth of $125 million.

2. Bugatti Veyron Supersport: $2,600,000

Price: $2.6 million
Country of Origin: France
Engine: 16-cylindars, 1,200hp
0-60 mph: 2.4 seconds

The fastest and the second most expensive car is the Bugatti Veyron Supersport – what more is there to know? At a whopping $2.6 million the Bugatti Veyron Supersport is the ultimate Bugatti and a test case of how far the VW engineers can go. By getting 1,200 hp from a quad-turbo 8.0 liter w16 engine and the standard built aerodynamics help it reach to the top speed of 267.81 mph. Plus, unlike a lot of rough-around-the-edges hypercars, the Veyron will keep you in the luxury.

3. Ferrari 599XX: $2,000,000

Price: $2 million
Country of Origin: Italy
Engine: 700hp V12
0-60 mph: 2.9 seconds

Have a Ferrari 559 and then turn it into a race only supercar and you get the 599XX. It is being powered by a 700-hp model of the factory V12 engine as there are no turbos or the superchargers here. Moreover you can accelerate to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. As a follow up to the Ferrari FXX this model was built in a few numbers for the much pampered Ferrari owners who are welcomed to speed drive their cars at the exclusive track events. Here the debate is centered on whether the car has better looks or better sound. Although Ferrari is yet to announce the price but it is rumored to be more than $2 million.

4. Zenvo ST1: $1,800,000

Price: $1.8 million
Country of Origin: Denmark
Engine: 1,250hp V8
0-60 mph: 2.9 seconds

Then comes the Zenvo ST1 from Denmark. With the help of this the Danes can add super cars to the litany of things that they are known for which includes Carlsberg beer and the stories narrated by Hans Christian Andersen. It makes 1,250 horsepower with the help of a turbocharged and the supercharged 7.0 liter V8 engine. The cost of this car is 1.8 million and along with it a free $50,000 watch is there for the offing.

5. Koenigsegg Agera R: $1,711,000

Price: $1.7 million
Country of Origin: Sweden
Engine: 1,115hp, 5.0-liter V8
0-60 mph: 2.9 seconds

Packed with a twin-turbo 5.0 liter V8, the Agera R by Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg produces the horsepower of 1,115 while running on E85 ethanol. Priced around $1.5 million for the usual Agera and if you want to earn a R badge you may have to give an additional $211,000.

6. Lamborghini Reventon $1,600,000

Price: $1.6 million
Country of Origin: Italy
Engine: 6.5 L (400 cu in) V12
0-60 mph: 2.9 seconds

The mid-engined sports car, Lamborghini Reventon, which debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor show ranks as one of the most powerful and most expensive Lamborghini cars ever made.

7. Aston Martin One-77: $1,400,000

Price: $1.4 million
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Engine: 750hp, 7.3-liter V12
0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds

The Aston Martin One-77 which is one of world’s full carbon-chassis vehicle which is dramatically styled too. The new crown jewel machine from the well renowned sports car maker is powered by a mammoth 7.3 liter v12 engine generating a 750 Horse Power. It also comes with a not-so-common pushrod suspension mechanism which is very much like the ones used in the Formula 1 cars. The price is fixed at$1.4 million as only 77 have been made and that is why they have earned the name.

8. Maybach Landaulet: $1,400,000

Price: $1.4 million
Country of Origin: Germany
Engine: 620hp 12-cylindar
0-60 mph: 5.2 seconds

The Maybach Landaulet could be a bargain as it is priced at $1.4 million. Because of the fact that it is quite rare and the decision taken by the Mercedeze-Benz, recently, to cut the penultimate luxurious brand it is destined to become a classical and a future Pebble Beach rarity. Designed on the 625 model the Landaulet is energized by a twin-turbo v12 engine generating 543 horse power. Its convertible rear, color-coded cabin and the divided driver and passenger areas make it really original.

9. Pagani Huayra: $1,300,000

Price: $1.3 million
Country of Origin: Italy
Engine: 700hp Mercedes-Benz-made V12
0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds

The most well known and yet unpronounceable and giving the appearance of a catfish, the Huayra is the second supercar made by Pagani. Being next in line to the Zonda, which is considered to be the best looking car ever, the Huayra is powered by a 700-hp twin-turbo Mercedes v12 engine and can reach to a top speed of over 230 miles per hour.

10. Hennessey Venom GT: $1,000,000

Price: $1 million (1,200hp edition)
Country of Origin: United States
Engine: 6.2-liter supercharged V8
0-60 mph: 2.5 seconds

Best known for making twin-turbo dodge vipers and other high tech machines, the Venom GT is the first car built by Hennessey Performance. However it would not be fair enough to call it as an original one as the chassis is being donated and then stretched by Lotus Elise Platform. Giving the car the power is a supercharged 6.2 liter GM sourced V8 engine making 1,200 horse power and is priced at $ 1 million.

11. SSC Tuatara: $970,000

Price: $970,000 (estimated)
Country of Origin: United States
Engine: 1,350hp 6.8-liter V8
0-60 mph: 2.5 seconds

The SSC Tuatara, which is being priced at $970,000 is a successor to the super sports car Aero. The new model is set to go on sale during 2012. Making about 1350 horse power, its engine is powered by a 7.0 liter twin-turbo V8. It weighs around 2,654 pounds, the SSC proudly says that it is just ahead of the present speed record holder the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport (which is also on the list).

12. Porsche 918 Spyder: $845,000

Price: $845,000
Country of Origin: Germany
Engine: 500hp 3.4-liter V8 with three electric motors delivering 218hp
0-60 mph: 3.1 seconds

Porsche’s upcoming crown leader, the 918 spyder, priced around $845,000 is at the 10^th place as it is expected to arrive later this year. It is packed with a powerful v8 engine which generates more than the 500 horse power conjoined with a built in hybrid system which adds up to 218 horse power. Its maker, Porsche, claims a 0-60 miles in just 3.1 seconds at a whopping 78 mpg \

Top 10 NBA Teams with the Most Salary Cap Space

Posted date:  July 23, 2012  |  No comment

NBA teams spend millions of dollars to pay the salaries of its players. But there are penalties when teams go beyond a specific amount. This is called the salary cap, a specific amount that NBA teams must manage so that they will not get harsh tax penalties. For the 2012-2013 season, the salary cap has been set at $58.04 million. If teams go beyond the amount of $70.3 million, they will be imposed a luxury tax of $1 for every dollar in excess.

Luxury tax can really kill the profits of an NBA team. Thus, a championship caliber team with plenty of salary cap space is now seen as an important asset. Here are ten NBA teams that have become financially smart about their expenses to gain an edge over the competition.

1. Houston Rockets: Jeremy Lin Has Landed

The Houston Rockets blew up most of its roster to have the chance to trade for Orlando Magic Dwight Howard. This pursuit remains a long shot but nevertheless, the Rockets amnestied the $9.4 million for power forward Luis Scola. They also let stud point guards Kyle Lowry and Goran Dragic to leave.

However, they have a nice consolation with the arrival of the global phenomenon Jeremy Lin, an Asian-American point guard that became an instant celebrity with the New York Knicks. The Big Apple didn’t match the 3-year, $25 million contract offer of the Houston Rockets because of a tricky third year that will pay Lin close to $14 million.

Lin is expected to take over the huge global void that Yao Ming left when he retired due to injuries. As for the Rockets, it is estimated that they only have $40 million in contracts before Lin signed with them.

2. Phoenix Suns: The Nash Aftermath

The Phoenix Suns has recently lost the face of its franchise, 2-time MVP point guard Steve Nash. Now the rebuilding is in full mode and their salary cap is safely tucked at $49 million.

Nash heads to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for draft picks. Phoenix chased Nash’s former back-up Goran Dragic in free agency so that he can return and run the show in Phoenix. As a bonus, the Suns signed talented small forward Michael Beasley and claimed skilled power forward Luis Scola from the waiver wire after Houston amnestied him.

3. New Orleans Hornets: Youth on the Horizon

The New Orleans Hornets have struck gold during this year’s NBA Draft by landing top pick Anthony Davis and phenomenal guard Austin Rivers. They also re-signed upcoming star shooting guard Eric Gordon for $58 million over four years. To facilitate the rebirth of the franchise, the New Orleans Hornets cleared cap space and traded most of their bloated contracts.

As it stands, the payroll of the Hornets is at $38 million and can go to about $50 million when they sign the rookies. In the process, he traded Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza for the expiring bloated contract of Rashard Lewis to gain cap space

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4. Portland TrailBlazers: Bad Luck with Franchise Players

The Portland TrailBlazers couldn’t catch a break with franchise players. Their top draft pick center Greg Oden was let go after his string of unfortunate injuries. Their star shooting guard Brandon Roy got a max contract but had to retire because he no longer had cartilage on his knees.

As the Blazers tried to achieve roster flexibility, they trimmed their salary cap space to $51 million. They also let go of free agents Raymond Felton and Jamal Crawford but kept their promising small forward Nicolas Batum with a four-year $45 million contract.

5. Milwaukee Bucks: Quiet and Quality Moves

The Milwaukee Bucks has an interesting collection of talent and yet their salary cap space next season is only at $54 million. They recently re-signed bruising and versatile power forward Ersan Ilyasova. They still have their stars Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings locked up.

To add to their flexibility, Milwaukee’s Beno Urdih ($7.8 million) and Samuel Dalembert ($6.7 million) are coming off the books next summer, leaving the Bucks with over $30 million in cap space.

6. Sacramento Kings: Success as Facilitator

The Sacramento Kings has a bevy of players that can be used to facilitate trades for other desperate teams. They have $58 million in salary cap space and they have many parts that can be used as trade bait.

They have an exciting core of young players from DeMarcus Cousins, Tyreke Evans, Thomas Robinson and Isaiah Thomas. Their maturity and chemistry are still an unknown factor at this point especially with the addition of point guard Aaron Brooks

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7. Dallas Mavericks: Moving On from Deron Williams

The Dallas Mavericks are one of the biggest spenders in the NBA led by billionaire owner Mark Cuban with a usual payroll of $90 million. But in the past few seasons, they have become financially responsible with the hopes of landing a superstar next to Dirk Nowitzki from free agency. The $58 million salary cap space of the Mavs was almost enough to lure point guard Deron Williams away from the Brooklyn Nets but it was really not meant to be.

But Dallas has moved on well by signing impactful players at low salary rates from All-Star centers Chris Kaman and Elton Brand and emerging guards OJ Mayo and Darren Collison. They also amnestied the lumbering contract of center Brendan Haywood for three years and $21 million.

8. Indiana Pacers: Keeping the Core

The Pacers have finally gained momentum to become a considerable force in the Eastern Conference. Their focus this summer was to retain their prized free agent center Roy Hibbert. They signed a new point guard in DJ Augustin and a few other players. Yet their cap space remains at a solid $64 million.

Most of the major players of the Pacers have reasonable contracts from Danny Granger, David West and even some of their emerging rookies. They are still not flirting in the critical luxury tax level.

9. Denver Nuggets: New Team in the Rockies

The Denver Nuggets have moved on well from the Carmelo Anthony era of the past few years. They have now maintained salary cap flexibility at $64 million and they have retained most of their promising young players from JaVale McGee and his large four-year, $44 million contract and Anthony Randolph at $2 million.

The Nuggets also retained veteran guard Andre Miler and amnestied Chris Andersen’s two-year, $9.4 million contract. The Nuggets have also purged enigmatic players from its roster from J.R. Smith and Nene.

10. San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs have been a model of basketball consistency and financial flexibility for over a decade. After a good playoff run, the Spurs are looking to retain their core starting from their franchise cornerstone center Tim Duncan at three years and $30 million.

The salary cap of the Spurs is now at $70 million.