Papoose: The Rapper's Journey And Legacy

What’s Papoose’s Net Worth?

Let’s talk about Papoose, a name that might not be as big as some of the A-list rappers, but one that’s still packed with talent and dedication. As of now, Papoose has a net worth of about $500,000. Born Shamele Mackie, Papoose first stepped into the rap world in 1998, contributing to Kool G Rap’s album "Roots of Evil." That’s where it all began. Since then, he’s been busy producing mixtapes, signing deals, and eventually releasing his debut album, "The Nacirema Dream," through Fontana Distribution. Despite the ups and downs, Papoose has carved out a respectable career for himself in the competitive world of hip-hop.

Early Life and How It All Began

Papoose was born Shamele Mackie on March 5, 1978, in the bustling city of New York. He grew up in the iconic Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, a place known for its vibrant culture and rich history in music. His Liberian roots added a unique flavor to his upbringing, and he earned the nickname Papoose from his grandmother, who thought he looked like a Native American child when he was little. Who knew that nickname would stick and eventually become his stage name?

Shamele attended Immaculata High School in Oshawa, Quebec, Canada, before making his way back to the rap scene. His big break came in 1998 when he appeared on Kool G Rap’s album "Roots of Evil." A few years later, in 2004, he dropped his debut single, "Thug Connection," featuring the b-side "Alphabetical Slaughter." Even though Select Records offered him an eight-album deal, he decided to decline, opting to forge his own path instead. That’s the kind of determination that defines Papoose’s career.

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Going Independent: The Mixtape Era

Life took a turn for Papoose when he spent some time at Rikers Island. But instead of letting it derail his career, he used it as fuel to create. Once he was out, he started producing and selling his own mixtapes independently. This was a pivotal moment in his career, and it wasn’t long before he caught the attention of DJ Kay Slay, one of the most respected names in hip-hop. Slay was so impressed by Papoose’s rendition of "Alphabetical Slaughter" that he signed him to his Streetsweepers imprint.

From 2004 to 2006 alone, Papoose released over a dozen mixtapes, including "Street Knowledge," "The Beast from the East," and "The Underground King." His talent didn’t go unnoticed, earning him the Justo Mixtape Award for Best Underground Artist. Around this time, he also joined forces with rapper Busta Rhymes’ Flipmode Squad label. But things took another turn when he signed a $1.5 million contract with Jive Records. Unfortunately, his debut studio album faced delays, leading him to leave Jive and return to the independent mixtape grind with DJ Kay Slay. Between 2007 and 2012, he dropped nine more mixtapes, cementing his place in the underground rap scene.

Releasing Studio Albums: The Breakthrough

After releasing an impressive 27 mixtapes, Papoose finally unveiled his debut studio album, "The Nacirema Dream," in 2013. This album, released through Honorable Records and Fontana Distribution, was a labor of love, featuring collaborations with artists like Erykah Badu, Jadakiss, Mavado, and Mobb Deep. The singles "On Top of My Game," "What’s My Name," and "Get At Me" gave fans a taste of his versatile style. Critics praised the album, and it debuted at #97 on the Billboard 200 and #13 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

But Papoose wasn’t done yet. He followed up with more mixtapes—"Hoodie Season," "Hoodie Season 2," and "Cigar Society"—before releasing his second studio album, "You Can’t Stop Destiny," in 2015. This project featured collaborations with Troy Ave, Remy Ma, and Maino, showcasing his ability to work with a wide range of artists. In 2019, he dropped his third studio album, "Underrated," followed by "Endangered Species" in 2020. Each album brought something new to the table, proving that Papoose’s creativity knows no bounds.

Beyond Music: TV, Film, and Personal Life

Papoose isn’t just a rapper; he’s also made waves in the world of television and film. Alongside his wife, Remy Ma, he appeared on the sixth season of VH1’s reality show "Love & Hip Hop: New York," giving fans an inside look at their relationship. They continued to be part of the show for seasons seven and eight and were later promoted to the main cast for seasons nine and ten. In 2018, they starred in their own spinoff series, "Remy & Papoose: Meet the Mackies," which chronicled their lives as they prepared for the arrival of their first child. They also hosted their own holiday special, "Remy & Papoose: A Merry Mackie Holiday," adding another layer to their public personas.

On the big screen, Papoose had a small role in the 2008 crime thriller "Righteous Kill," starring alongside heavyweights like Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and 50 Cent. While his acting career hasn’t taken off in the same way as his music, it’s clear that he’s eager to explore different avenues in the entertainment industry.

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Papoose’s Personal Life: Love and Family

When it comes to personal life, Papoose has been open about his relationship with Remy Ma. The couple tied the knot in 2008, even though Remy was incarcerated at the time. After her release, they had a formal marriage ceremony in 2016, solidifying their bond. In 2018, they welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Reminisce Mackenzie. But Papoose’s family extends beyond Remy. He also has children named Shamele Jr. and Dejanae with his ex-girlfriend Yvetta Lashley, and another daughter, Destiny, born in 2000.

So there you have it—the story of Papoose, a rapper who’s made a name for himself through hard work, perseverance, and a passion for music. Whether it’s through his mixtapes, studio albums, or appearances on TV and film, Papoose continues to leave his mark on the world of hip-hop. And with a growing family and a thriving career, it’s clear that the best is yet to come.