Net Worth Ranker
What Is Jaime Meline’s Net Worth?
Jaime Meline, most famously known as El-P, has accumulated a net worth estimated at $3 million. This wealth is primarily derived from his multifaceted career as a hip-hop artist, rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. His involvement in various successful musical ventures and business endeavors has significantly contributed to his financial standing.
Early Career and the Rise of El-P
Jaime Meline was born on March 2, 1975, in Brooklyn, New York. His early life experiences, including the separation of his parents when he was seven, profoundly influenced his artistic expression. El-P’s musical journey began in earnest when he formed Company Flow in 1992 with DJ Mr. Len, whom he hired for his 17th birthday party. This collaboration marked a pivotal moment in El-P’s career.
Company Flow’s initial releases, including the “Funcrusher” EP in 1995, laid the groundwork for their subsequent success. The group’s 1997 album, “Funcrusher Plus,” further solidified their position in the underground hip-hop scene. While specific sales figures for these early releases are not readily available, their impact on the alternative hip-hop landscape is undeniable.
In 2001, amidst disagreements with Rawkus Records, Company Flow disbanded, leading El-P to establish Definitive Jux, an independent record label. This venture allowed him greater creative control and entrepreneurial freedom. Definitive Jux became a platform for critically acclaimed albums, including “The Cold Vein” by Cannibal Ox, which El-P produced. Although the exact financial gains from Definitive Jux are not public knowledge, the label’s success undoubtedly contributed to El-P’s growing net worth.
El-P’s solo career took off with the release of “Fantastic Damage” in 2002. The album reached #9 on the “Billboard” Heatseekers Albums chart and #14 on the Independent Albums chart, demonstrating his growing popularity as a solo artist. While specific sales figures for “Fantastic Damage” are not available, its chart performance indicates a substantial commercial success that added to his financial resources.
Subsequent solo albums, including the jazz-fusion project “High Water” in 2004 and “I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead” in 2007, further expanded El-P’s discography and contributed to his income. “I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead” reached #6 on the Independent Albums chart, reflecting sustained interest in his solo work. His 2012 album, “Cancer 4 Cure,” peaked at #7 on the “Billboard” Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and #15 on the Independent Albums chart, underscoring his continued relevance in the hip-hop scene.
The Run the Jewels Phenomenon
The formation of Run the Jewels in 2013, a collaboration with rapper Killer Mike, marked a significant turning point in El-P’s career. This partnership catapulted both artists to new heights of fame and financial success. Killer Mike had previously appeared on El-P’s “Cancer 4 Cure” track “Tougher Colder Killer,” and El-P had produced Killer Mike’s 2012 album “R.A.P. Music,” setting the stage for their collaborative venture.
Run the Jewels’ self-titled debut album in 2013 achieved considerable success, reaching #6 on the Top Tastemaker Albums chart, #21 on the Top Rap Albums chart, #27 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and #32 on the Independent Albums chart. These chart positions reflect the album’s widespread appeal and commercial viability, contributing significantly to El-P’s income stream.
“Run the Jewels 2,” released in 2014, further solidified the duo’s popularity, reaching #50 on the “Billboard” 200 chart, #6 on the Top Rap Albums chart, and #9 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The increased visibility and commercial success of “Run the Jewels 2” translated into higher earnings for both El-P and Killer Mike.
The release of “Run the Jewels 3” in 2016 marked a peak in the duo’s career, with the album reaching #1 on the Top Rap Albums and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts and #13 on the “Billboard” 200 chart. The album featured the Gold-certified single “Legend Has It,” indicating substantial sales and streaming numbers. Although specific revenue figures are not publicly available, the commercial success of “Run the Jewels 3” significantly boosted El-P’s net worth.
In 2020, Run the Jewels released “RTJ4,” which reached the top 10 on the “Billboard” 200 chart and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, as well as achieving international success on the Canadian Albums chart, Irish Albums chart, Scottish Albums chart, and UK Albums chart. This widespread success further augmented El-P’s financial standing. Beyond album sales and streaming revenue, Run the Jewels has also generated income through touring and merchandise sales. While precise figures are not available, these sources have undoubtedly contributed to El-P’s overall net worth.
Additionally, Run the Jewels’ involvement in the 2017 Danger Mouse song “Chase Me,” which also featured Big Boi and was included on the “Baby Driver” soundtrack, earned a Grammy nomination. This exposure to a wider audience and the associated royalties from the soundtrack further enhanced El-P’s financial portfolio.
Additional Ventures and Earnings
Besides his work as a performer and producer, El-P has also contributed to the film industry. He was a composer on the films “Bomb the System” (2005) and “Capone” (2020), earning income through these projects. While the exact compensation for his film work is not public knowledge, it represents an additional source of revenue that contributes to his overall net worth.
El-P also directed the 2020 music video “Run the Jewels Feat. Greg Nice & DJ Premier: Ooh La La,” showcasing his diverse creative talents. Directing music videos can generate income through fees and royalties, adding to his financial resources.
El-P’s ownership and management of Definitive Jux also provide a steady stream of income. As the co-founder, CEO, and owner of the record label, he benefits from the success of the artists signed to the label. While specific financial details about Definitive Jux are not publicly available, its role in the independent hip-hop scene has been significant, contributing to El-P’s entrepreneurial earnings.
In his personal life, El-P married comedian/musician Emily Panic in October 2018, after beginning a relationship in 2010. Panic performed on the 2012 Killer Mike album “R.A.P. Music,” which was produced by El-P, highlighting the interconnectedness of their professional and personal lives.
In 2018, Run the Jewels received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song for “Chase Me” (shared with Danger Mouse and Big Boi). They have received six UK Music Video Award nominations, winning for Best Urban Video-International and Best Editing in a Video for “Love Again” in 2016. Their other nominations were for Best Urban Video – Budget for “A Christmas F*cking Miracle” (2014) and “Lie, Cheat, Steal” (2015), Best Urban Video-International for “Close Your Eyes (and Count to F*ck)” (2015), and Best Lyric Video for “Early” (2015). Run the Jewels won an “NME” Award for Best International Band in 2016, and out of 11 A2IM Libera Award nominations, they won five: the Marketing Genius Award in 2015 and 2016, Groundbreaking Album of the Year for “Run the Jewels 2” in 2015, Video of the Year for “Close Your Eyes (and Count to F*ck)” in 2016, and Best Rap/Hip-Hop Album for “Run the Jewels 3” (2017). These awards and nominations not only recognize his artistic achievements but also contribute to his reputation and potential earnings.
