Forbes Names Dr. Dre Highest-Paid Musician of 2012

We knew he surpassed any hip-hop artists in making big bucks this year, but Forbes has now named Dr. Dre the highest-paid musician in 2012. The hip-hop mogul reportedly earned an estimated $110 million during a scoring period that ran from May 2011 to May 2012.

In addition to catalog sales and payment for performances like his headlining set with Snoop Dogg at the Coachella fest, the mighty Doc cashed in $100 million pre-tax when HTC bought a 51 percent stake in his Beats headphone company last year. This also means that the West Coast godfather surpasses U2 who topped last year’s list with $195 million earned, thanks to their highly successful 360 tour.

The Top 5 also includes Pink Floyd leader Roger Waters, who grossed $88 million this year due largely to his epic The Wall tour; Elton John, who earned $80 million thanks to extensive touring and UK boy band Take That, whose reunion trek contributed to a $69 million sum.

Justin Bieber made $55 million due to music and merchandise sales, Lady Gaga with $52 million accrued after clocking in at No. 4 with $90 million in 2011, and Beyonce, who lands at No. 18 with $40 million, out-earning her hubby Jay-Z who made $38 million, landing at numero 20. See the total list below.

1. Dr. Dre ($110 million)
2. Roger Waters ($88 million)
3. Elton John ($80 million)
4. U2 ($78 million)
5. Take That ($69 million)
6. Bon Jovi ($60 million)
7. Britney Spears ($58 million)
8. Paul McCartney ($57 million)
8. Taylor Swift ($57 million)
10. Justin Bieber ($55 million)
10. Toby Keith ($55 million)
12. Rihanna ($53 million)
13. Lady Gaga ($52 million)
14. Foo Fighters ($47 million)
15. Diddy ($45 million)
15. Katy Perry ($45 million)
17. Kenny Chesney ($44 million)
18. Beyonce ($40 million)
19. Red Hot Chili Peppers ($39 million)
20. Jay-Z ($38 million)
21. Coldplay ($37 million)
22. Adele ($35 million)
22. Kanye West ($35 million)
24. Michael Buble ($34 million)
25. Sade ($33 million)