nowadays emcees have greatly improved upon their business skills I don't think there is any question there...alot of them get in the game to make money...nothing more, nothing less....before the motivation was to put out some dope artistry and gain respect and in that the money and accolades would come later which is why a bunch of those artists are now broke.....but in 2013 these kids have alot of history to go on in terms of what to do and what not to do..and the internet has just about eliminated the record company so you can sell and promote your own shit and make your own videos and therefore make your own money....if you can book your own shows, then your going to be paid a bunch of cake....because thats the main any artist makes money anyway...show booking/shows has to always come first in terms of making money as an artist...the last way to make money in hip-hop is strictly through record sales, you'll make the least amount depending on that..
also diversify yourself meaning selling products in addition to hawking music will always make you more money....music as a whole will always make less money for an artist then selling clothes/sneakers, headphones, alcohol/food and/or acting in movies......ask Diddy, Russell Simmons, Dr.Dre, Jay-Z or 50 Cent......