Richest Reggaeton Singers In the World
Reggaeton has come a long way. Back in the 1990s, the Latin music genre was officially banned by the Puerto Rican government for being too crude and explicit. That’s hard to believe considering that it's now one of the most popular music styles in the world.
The genre was invented in Puerto Rico by artists that still dominate the scene. It then spread throughout Latin America, the Caribbean and United States. In the past decade, reggaeton has become popular in every continent, with some reggaeton singers achieving notoriety comparable to that of Latin pop singers like Shakira and Enrique Iglesias. In fact, many pop singers from different countries have done collaborations with reggaeton singers.
So, which artists are making the most bank from reggaeton? These are the richest reggaeton singers.
25. Natti Natasha
Real name: Natalia Alexandra Gutiérrez Batista
Year born: 1986
Country: Dominican Republic
Net worth: $1 million
Bottom Line: Natti Natasha
One of the most popular reggaeton singers of the moment, Natti Natasha has risen to fame relatively fast. She began pursuing a career in 2010 but had her breakthrough in 2017 with the song "Criminal," released with Ozuna.
Since then, she's enjoyed massive success, collaborating in hits like "Sin pijama" and "Ram Pam Pam" with Becky G, "Impossible Amor" with Maluma and "Runaway" with Daddy Yankee, Sebastian Yatra and the Jonas Brothers.
*Note: Singers' net worths are based on 2021 totals.
Famous Song by Natti Natasha: 'Criminal'
24. Sech
Real name: Carlos Isaías Morales Williams
Year born: 1993
Country: Panama
Net worth: $1.5 million
Bottom Line: Sech
A relative newcomer to the reggaeton scene, Sech has been pursuing music since 2014. In that short amount of time, he's managed to land collaborations with reggaeton giants like Daddy Yankee and J. Balvin in "Sal y perrea" and "Una nota" again with the latter.
Other hits of his include "911" and "Relacion."
Famous Song by Sech: '911'
23. Lennox
Real name: Gabriel Enrique Pizarro Pizarro
Year born: 1980
Country: Puerto Rico*
Net worth: $2.5 million
*Note: Although Puerto Rico is officially a U.S. territory, we have counted it as a separate country due to its independent and unique culture.
Bottom Line: Lennox
Lennox is one half of the legendary duo Zion & Lennox, which were one of the first breakthrough reggaeton artists. Unlike other famous duos (which we'll see later on this list), they are still together and continue producing hits.
Zion & Lennox are responsible for reggaeton classics like "Doncella" and "Yo voy" and helped define the genre in its early years. Today, they continue topping the charts with songs like "La Player."
Famous Song by Lennox: 'La Player (Bandolera)'
21. Farruko (Tie)
Real name: Carlos Efrén Reyes Rosado
Year born: 1991
Country: Puerto Rico
Net worth: $3 million
Bottom Line: Farruko
Beginning his career in 2009, Farruko is now one of the best internationally-known reggaeton artists. Part of his success was his early and frequent collaboration with other established artists. Being featured in J. Balvin's 2014 hit, "6 AM" proved to be his breakout.
But despite his famous collaborations, he has also proven himself with hit singles like "Inolvidable" and "Pepas."
Famous Song by Farruko: 'Pepas'
21. Zion (Tie)
Real name: Félix Gerardo Ortiz Torres
Year born: 1981
Country: Puerto Rico
Net worth: $3 million
Bottom Line: Zion
The other half of Zion & Lennox, Zion has enjoyed the massive success of the duo.
Between 2006 and 2008, when the duo took a break, Zion released a solo album, which featured the wildly popular "Zun da da" as well as "Fantasma."
Famous Song by Zion: 'Zun Da Da'
20. Tego Calderon
Real name: Tegui Calderon Rosario
Year born: 1972
Country: Puerto Rico
Net worth: $3.5 million
Bottom Line: Tego Calderon
Reggaeton legend Tego Calderon is one of the pioneers of the genre. At the beginning of his career, he came out with songs that would defy the genre and that are now considered classics, like "Metele sazon" and "Pa que se lo gozen." He is also partially accredited with bringing reggaeton to the United States.
Through the years, he's focused more on other genres, while not leaving reggaeton behind. He also played Leo Tego in two movies of the "Fast & Furious" franchise.
Famous Song by Tego Calderon: 'Pa Que Se lo Gozen'
18. Tito el Bambino (Tie)
Real name: Efraín David Fines Nevares
Year born: 1981
Country: Puerto Rico
Net worth: $5 million
Bottom Line: Tito el Bambino
Tito el Bambino didn't arrive to the reggaeton scene. He's part of the artists that made it. He debuted in the Duo Hector y Tito with Héctor el Father in 1998. The duo were the first artists of the genre to sell out a large concert in Puerto Rico.
After they separated in 2004, Tito continued releasing hits like "Siente el boom" and "Sol, playa y arena." Though he is considered one of the pioneers of the genre, Tito hasn't been married to reggaeton, also releasing songs in genres like cumbia, merengue and salsa. He collaborated with Marc Anthony on the salsa hit, "Por que les mientes?"
Famous Song by Tito el Bambino: 'Siente el Boom'
18. Don Omar (Tie)
Real name: William Omar Landrón Rivera
Year born: 1978
Country: Puerto Rico
Net worth: $5 million
Bottom Line: Don Omar
He may not be the wealthiest, but Don Omar is one of the most famous reggaeton singers of all time. His rivalry with Daddy Yankee for the number one spot as the king of reggaeton is legendary.
Born William Omar Landrón Rivera, Don Omar holds the highest-ranking reggaeton album of all time, "King of Kings." Songs like "Danza kuduro," "Salio el sol" and "Pobre diabla" have been international hits. He also played Rico Santos in the "Fast and Furious" franchise.
Famous Song by Don Omar: 'Danza Kuduro'
17. Nicky Jam
Real name: Nick Rivera Caminero
Year born: 1981
Country: United States
Net worth: $6 million
Bottom Line: Nicky Jam
Nicky Jam is one of the original reggaeton artists and one of the few who was born and raised in the U.S. He moved to Puerto Rico at ten-years-old and first gained notoriety while performing alongside Daddy Yankee in Los Cangris duo. However, his career took a downturn when the duo separated.
In the 2010s, Nick Rivera Caminero moved to Medellin, Colombia, to reinvigorate his music career and win a battle with drug addiction. The move helped, as he quickly began recording hits like "Travesuras," which led him to a second resurgence as a top Latin artist. He holds the honor of doing the 2018 Russia World Cup theme song, "Live It Up" with Will Smith and Era Istrefi.
Netflix produced a documentary about his life, and he has a part in the movie "XXX: Return of Xander Cage" with Vin Diesel.
Famous Song by Nicky Jam: 'El Amante'
16. Becky G
Real name: Rebbeca Marie Gomez
Year born: 1997
Country: United States
Net worth: $7 million
Bottom Line: Becky G
What makes Becky G so different in the world of reggaeton is that she began her career as an English-language artist with hits like "Shower." The Mexican-American artist jumped to the Spanish-language music scene in 2016 with "Sola." After the move, her career skyrocketed.
Rebecca Marie Gomez has collaborated with Pitbull, Bad Bunny, J Balvin and BTS's J-Hope. She is one of the most well-known and best-paid female reggaetton artists.
She also starred in the 2017 reboot of the "Power Rangers."
Famous Song by Becky G: 'Mayores'
13. Ñengo Flow (Tie)
Real name: Edwin Laureano Rosa Vázquez Ortiz
Year born: 1981
Country: Puerto Rico
Net worth: $8 million
Bottom Line: Ñengo Flow
Edwin Laureano Rosa Vázquez Ortiz, also known as Ñengo Flow, debuted his first album, "Flow Callejero" in 2005. Since then, he's released the Real G 4 Life album series and delivered consistent hits to his fans. The Puerto Rican artist is responsible for songs like "La prision," "No dice na" and "Sur y norte."
Despite his fame, he has not yet broken into the American mainstream music scene.
Famous Song by Ñengo Flow: 'La Prision'
13. Anuel AA (Tie)
Real name: Emmanuel Gazmey Santiago
Year born: 1992
Country: Puerto Rico
Net worth: $8 million
Bottom Line: Anuel AA
This eclectic artist has done great in reggaeton but is also considered one of the pioneers of Latin trap. Relatively new on the scene, he recorded his debut album, "Real Hasta la Muerte," while incarcerated for illegal firearm possession in Puerto Rico, releasing it the same day he left prison in 2016.
Emmanuel Gazmey Santiago has collaborated with the likes of Shakira for the song "Me Gusta," as well as with Daddy Yankee, Arcangel and J Balvin. He has also done multiple collaborations with his ex-fiancee Karol G. Recognitions include Artist of the Year at the 2019 Latin American Music Awards.
Despite all of this, he is better known in Latin America and has not yet achieved mainstream intercontinental fame.
Famous Song by Anual AA: 'Ella Quiere Beber (Remix)'
13. Karol G (Tie)
Real name: Carolina Giraldo Navarro
Year born: 1991
Country: Colombia
Net worth: $8 million
Bottom Line: Karol G
Carolina Giraldo Navarro, better known as Karol G, started her career on the Colombian version of "The X Factor." Today, she is internationally recognized and has crossed over to the American market thanks to her collaboration with Nicki Minaj on the single "Tusa."
The Colombian artist has won many awards, including Favorite Female Artist - Latin at the American Music Awards. Other famous songs include "Mi cama," "Bichota" and "Creeme" with Maluma.
Famous Song by Karol G: 'Tusa'
9. Arcangel (Tie)
Real name: Austin Agustín Santos
Year born: 1985
Country: Puerto Rico
Net worth: $10 million
Bottom Line: Arcangel
Austin Agustín Santos is another Puerto Rican singer who has made it to the top. What's interesting about Arcangel, as he is known, is that he is mostly famous for collaborations.
Songs like "Tu no vive asi," "Si se da" and "Sigues con el" have proven to be international hits, but the same can't be said for his individual singles.
Still, as one of the original reggaeton artists who began his career while the genre was still underground, he is highly respected. He has also been highly compensated for his hard work, netting about 10 million dollars.
Famous Song by Arcangel: 'Tu No Vive Asi'
9. Cosculluela (Tie)
Real name: José Fernando Ronaldo Cosculluela Suárez
Year born: 1980
Country: Puerto Rico
Net worth: $10 million
Bottom Line: Cosculluela
Puerto Rican artist José Fernando Ronaldo Cosculluela Suárez has been a consistent presence in the reggaeton scene since 2006. That year, he was featured in "Bandoleros" by Don Omar. He calls himself, "El Principe," implying that he's the prince of reggaeton.
He has success in Latin America and has done many noteworthy collaborations, like being featured in Sebastian Yatra's hit single "Traicionera" and collaborating with Bad Bunny in "Madura."
Despite his collaborations with artists that have broken into the U.S. market, he is still not a recognized name outside of Latin America.
Famous Song by Cosculluela: 'Madura'
9. De La Ghetto (Tie)
Real name: Rafael Castillo Torres
Year born: 1984
Country: Puerto Rico
Net worth: $10 million
Bottom Line: De La Ghetto
Starting his career in a duo with Arcangel, De La Ghetto began flying solo in 2006. Though he's not as famous as other artists on this list, he has received recognition for his singles. His 2019 song "Caliente," featuring J. Balvin, was nominated for a Latin Grammy.
De La Ghetto is also credited with being one of the first Latin trap musicians in Puerto Rico and Latin America as a whole.
Famous Song by De La Ghetto: 'Caliente'
9. Ivy Queen (Tie)
Real name: Martha Ivelisse Pesante Rodríguez
Year born: 1972
Country: Puerto Rico
Net worth: $10 million
Bottom Line: Ivy Queen
As the only woman counted amongst the group of artists that pioneered reggaeton, Ivy Queen is a legend. Born Martha Ivelisse Pesante Rodríguez, she began her career with the group "The Noise," which she left because her group members were misogynists and couldn't write lyrics without being offensive to women.
She was better off without them, taking off during the early 2000s in her solo career. Though she isn't at the top of the charts anymore, she continues to be referred to as the Queen of Reggaeton.
Ivy Queen is the richest female reggaeton artist in the world.
Famous Song by Ivy Queen: 'Yo Quiero Bailar'
8. Maluma
Real name: Juan Luis Londoño Arias
Year born: 1994
Country: Colombia
Net worth: $12 million
Bottom Line: Maluma
Maluma is one of the top reggaeton artist right now, putting out hit after hit. He first achieved fame in his native Colombia, before moving on to the rest of Latin America and the U.S. His single "Hawai" has a remix that features the Weekend, a collaboration that has cemented the artist's fame in North America.
His hit singles include "Felices los 4," "Borro cassette" and "Corazon." He also has collaborated with artists like Ricky Martin in "Vente pa' ca" and with Shakira in "Chantaje." In 2021, he voiced the character Mariano in Disney's "Encanto."
Yes, it is embarrassing that he refers to himself as "Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy," but given his talent, we'll let it slide.
Famous Song by Maluma: 'Hawái'
7. Ozuna
Real name: Juan Carlos Ozuna Rosado
Year born: 1992
Country: Puerto Rico
Net worth: $15 million
Bottom Line: Ozuna
Like many artists on here, Ozuna's big break came from a collaboration. But instead of being featured on someone else's song, Ozuna featured Daddy Yankee on a remix of his song "No quiere enamorarse."
Since then, he's done nothing but make hit after hit. His first album, "Odisea" was No.1 in the Top Latin Albums chart. Other famous songs include "La modelo," which features Cardi B, and a collaboration on the worldwide hit "Taki Taki."
Famous Song by Ozuna: 'Dile Que Tu Me Quieres'
6. Bad Bunny
Real name: Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio
Year born: 1994
Country: Puerto Rico
Net worth: $18 million
Bottom Line: Bad Bunny
If there is an unlikely winner of the reggaeton world, it's Bad Bunny. First of all, nobody would've thought he could be successful with the artistic name he chose. His signature slurring of words and unique fashion sense also caused people to doubt that he would rise to the top. And yet Benito Antonio Martinez was the most streamed artist in the world in 2020. The same year, he performed with Shakira, J. Lo and J Balvin at the Super Bowl halftime show.
His "Ultimo Tour del Mundo" was the first Spanish-language album to ever break into the U.S. Billboard top 200. His success is made even more impressive by the fact that he really only came onto the scene in 2016.
He's also been praised for speaking out in support of transgender rights.
Famous Song by Bad Bunny: 'Mia'
4. J Balvin (Tie)
Real name: José Álvaro Osorio Balvín
Year born: 1985
Country: Colombia
Net worth: $20 million
Bottom Line: J Balvin
One of Latin America's best-selling artists, J Balvin is also well respected for his willingness to experiment with sounds and looks. He has some of reggaeton's most classic singles, including "Ginza" and "Ay vamos."
The Colombian artist has collaborated with almost every big name in reggaeton and broke into the worldwide market with songs like "I Like It," which he made with Cardi B and Bad Bunny. His song with Willy Williams, "Mi gente," also has a remix featuring Beyonce.
Famous Song by J Balvin: 'Mi Gente'
4. Yandel (Tie)
Real name: Llandel Veguilla Malavé
Year born: 1977
Country: Puerto Rico
Net worth: $20 million
Bottom Line: Yandel
Yandel is one half of reggaeton's most famous duo, Wisin y Yandel. Together, the duo made classic reggaeton hits that defined the genre like "Mayor que yo," "Rakata" and "Llame pa' verte." They won several awards, including the Best Latin Urban Album Grammy in 2009.
The pair began focusing on solo careers in 2013, though they have kept collaborating on some singles since then. Yandel's solo career has had hits like "Encantadora" and "Nunca me olvides."
Famous Song by Yandel: 'Encantadora'
2. Residente (Tie)
Real names: René Pérez Joglar
Year born: 1978
Country: Puerto Rico
Net worth: $25 million
Bottom Line: Residente
René Pérez Joglar, better known as Residente, first debuted in the massively popular band Calle 13, which he formed with his stepbrother, Eduardo José Cabra Martínez (known as Visitante), and half-sister, Ileana Cabra (PG-13).
He began his solo career in 2016, riding on his Calle 13 fame and proving that he can still smash out hits. Residente is not strictly committed to reggaeton, using influences from pop, rap, rock and other genres in his songs. Still, he is widely recognized for the genre.
His single "Rene" won Song of the Year at the 2020 Latin Grammys.
Famous Song by Residente: 'Bellacoso'
2. Wisin (Tie)
Real name: Juan Luis Morera Luna
Year born: 1978
Country: Puerto Rico
Net worth: $25 million
Bottom Line: Wisin
The other half of the "Dynamic Duo," Wisin's most famous songs are those he made with Yandel. Still, he has had considerate success with his solo career.
He has collaborated with J.Lo and Ricky Martin in "Adrenalina" and had other hits like "Vacaciones."
He continues to produce music and is considered one of the pioneers of the reggaeton.
Famous Song by Wisin: 'Vacaciones'
1. Daddy Yankee
Real name: Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez
Year born: 1977
Country: Puerto Rico
Net worth: $40 million
Bottom Line: Daddy Yankee
That Daddy Yankee is the richest reggaeton artist in the world should come as a surprise to no one. If you haven't already guessed from the number of times he's been mentioned here, he is one of the most iconic and famous artists of the genre, as well as one of its pioneers.
Daddy Yankee began his career in the underground music scene and was one of the first reggaeton artists to gain worldwide fame. For more than 20 years, he has released hits, with his song "Gasolina" being perhaps the first of the genre to reach the American mainstream.
The Puerto Rican artist made history again in 2017 when he was featured in the worldwide smash hit "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi. Time Magazine once named Daddy Yankee one of the 100 most influential people, and he's still influencing the world.
Famous Song by Daddy Yankee: 'Gasolina'