Net Worth Ranker
What Is J. Prince’s Net Worth?
J. Prince, a prominent figure in the American entertainment and business world, has accumulated a net worth estimated at $25 million. This wealth is primarily attributed to his successful career as the CEO of Rap-A-Lot Records, a Houston-based hip-hop label he founded. His influence extends beyond the music industry, as he’s also recognized for managing high-profile boxers, including Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Shakur Stevenson.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born James L. Smith on October 31, 1965, J. Prince’s journey began in Houston’s Fifth Ward, specifically within the Coke Apartments, an area known as “the Bloody Nickel.” His mother, Sharon Johnson, faced the challenges of young motherhood, being just sixteen when he was born and already caring for his one-year-old sister, Zenia. While attending Kashmere High School, Prince engaged in various jobs, including mowing lawns and working on welding trucks. A significant personal tragedy struck when his older sister, Zenia, was fatally hit by a train while walking home from junior high school.
After graduating from Kasmere High, Prince secured a position at Colonial Savings and Loan’s Fault Department. After being laid off two years later, he transitioned into restoring and selling “bucket cars,” which eventually led to establishing Smith Auto Sales. His business focused on exotic cars, catering to a clientele of wealthy athletes. By the age of 21, J. Prince had amassed over $100,000, enabling him to purchase a 30-acre ranch and a house for his mother by the age of 23, demonstrating his early entrepreneurial success and dedication to his family.
Rap-A-Lot Records: Building a Hip-Hop Empire
In 1986, J. Prince founded Rap-A-Lot Records in Houston, initially operating from the second floor of his auto shop. His primary motivation was to provide his younger brother with a constructive alternative to the potential pitfalls of street life. The label later established a sub-label known as Smoke-A-Lot Records. By 1988, he expanded the label’s operations to New York City, where he observed the industry insights of Def Jam executives Russell Simmons and Lyor Cohen.
Rap-A-Lot’s most renowned act, the Geto Boys, played a pivotal role in establishing the South’s presence in the hip-hop scene. J. Prince’s discovery of rappers Scarface and Willie D led to the release of “Grip It! On That Other Level” in 1989. That same year, Rap-A-Lot faced a federal investigation, which was eventually dropped after no illegal activities were found. Since then, the label has maintained its focus on gangsta and southern rap. Rap-A-Lot’s distribution was managed by EMI labels Priority Records from 1991 to 1994, followed by Virgin Records from 1994 to 2000, and WEA’s Asylum Records during the 2000s. The Notorious B.I.G. referenced the label in the song “Flava in Ya Ear (remix)” with the line, “I’m not from Houston, but I Rap-a-Lot.”
In Devin the Dude’s song “What a Job,” featuring Snoop Dogg, Snoop Dogg acknowledges the record company’s enduring success by saying, “J. Prince, Jas Prince, Rap-a-Lot, still on top, 2007.” J. Prince’s son, Jas Prince, operates a label distributed by Rap-A-Lot called Southern Empire Entertainment. Jas Prince is also credited with discovering Drake, who is signed to Young Money/Ca$h Money/Universal Records and managed under a Rap-A-Lot contract. He facilitated Drake’s introduction to Lil Wayne, which led to Drake’s signing with Young Money in early 2009.
Literary Ventures and Liquor Brand
J. Prince added author to his list of accomplishments with the release of his memoir, “The Art & Science of Respect: A Memoir,” in 2018. Furthermore, in 2020, he ventured into the beverage industry with the launch of his liquor and wine brand, Loyalty, expanding his business interests beyond the music and entertainment sectors.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
For two decades, J. Prince has been a proponent of Houston’s rap scene, and he has broadened his focus to supporting underprivileged neighborhoods and communities. He has initiated the construction of a community center in his former 5th Ward neighborhood, with the goal of providing resources for young children, teens, and adults. The Houston City Council and Mayor Bill White recognized his contributions by declaring January 30, 2007, as J. Prince Day.
In February 2007, Prince launched a campaign to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention and testing. He also made a significant donation of $100,000 to Bread of Life’s Meals that Heal program in Houston in December 2007, highlighting his commitment to addressing community needs.
Personal Life and Family
J. Prince is a father to seven children and has been married to his wife since the late 1980s. His sons, J. Prince Jr., Jas, and Jay “Baby Jay,” are also involved in the music and boxing industries, furthering the family’s legacy in these fields. Prince owns a ranch in Houston, which generates an income of $200,000 annually from the Angus cattle he raises. He also owns an island off the coast of Belize, known as Prince Island, adding to his portfolio of assets.
Real Estate and Ranch Details
J. Prince’s real estate holdings contribute to his overall net worth. While the specific address of his Houston ranch isn’t publicly available, its 30-acre size and Angus cattle operation provide a substantial annual income of $200,000. His ownership of Prince Island off the coast of Belize further diversifies his assets, though detailed financial figures for this property are not publicly known.
Other Ventures and Investments
Beyond his music, management, and real estate ventures, J. Prince’s launch of the Loyalty liquor and wine brand in 2020 represents a strategic move into the beverage industry. The financial performance and specific sales figures of the Loyalty brand have not been publicly disclosed, but this venture signifies his ongoing efforts to expand his business interests.
Net Worth Milestones
While specific year-by-year breakdowns of J. Prince’s net worth are not publicly available, it’s evident that the early success of Rap-A-Lot Records in the late 1980s and 1990s was crucial in establishing his financial foundation. The label’s consistent success, coupled with his management of prominent athletes and strategic investments, has contributed to his current net worth of $25 million. Jas Prince discovery of Drake played a major role in increasing J Prince’s Net Worth as well.
