Net Worth Ranker
What Is Kareem “Biggs” Burke’s Net Worth?
Kareem “Biggs” Burke, an influential figure in the American rap industry, boasts a net worth of approximately $1.5 million as of 2025. This wealth is primarily derived from his entrepreneurial ventures, most notably his co-founding role in Roc-A-Fella Records and his involvement with the Rocawear clothing line. While specific figures for individual sources of income are not publicly detailed, his net worth reflects a combination of past earnings and current assets.
Roc-A-Fella Records: A Foundation of Burke’s Net Worth
In 1996, Kareem Burke, along with Jay-Z and Damon Dash, established Roc-A-Fella Records. Burke contributed $16,000 as startup capital to get the record label off the ground, which Damon Dash used to film the music video for Jay-Z’s song “In My Lifetime.” Initially conceived as an independent platform for Jay-Z’s debut album, the label quickly evolved into a prominent force, representing artists such as The Notorious B.I.G., Camp Lo, Da Ranjahz, Sauce Money, Jaz-O, and Memphis Bleek.
Roc-A-Fella Records entered a 50/50 partnership with Def Jam Recordings in mid-1997. The company then released Jay-Z’s sophomore album “In My Lifetime, Vol. 1” and R&B duo Christión’s debut album “Ghetto Cyrano.” In 1998, Roc-A-Fella had its first Platinum-certified release with Jay-Z’s single “Hard Knock Life” from his third studio album. The financial specifics of Burke’s stake in the label and the exact profits he derived from album sales, artist contracts, and distribution deals during his tenure remain undisclosed. However, the success of artists like Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel, and DJ Clue significantly contributed to the label’s overall revenue, thereby impacting Burke’s earnings. For instance, Jay-Z’s album “Reasonable Doubt” served as the label’s inaugural release. While it didn’t achieve immediate commercial dominance, it spawned several hit songs, solidifying Jay-Z’s presence in the hip-hop scene.
The label also achieved commercial success with albums like Cam’ron’s “Come Home with Me,” Freeway’s “Philadelphia Freeway,” The Diplomats’ “Diplomatic Immunity,” Kanye West’s “The College Dropout,” and Young Gunz’s “Tough Luv.” Kanye West continued to be a top artist for the label going forward, with albums such as “Late Registration,” “Graduation,” “808s & Heartbreak,” “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,” and “Yeezus,” in addition to his collaborative album with Jay-Z, “Watch the Throne,” all reaching number one on the Billboard 200. The precise financial details of the 50% sale to Def Jam, under Universal Music, remain private, making it difficult to assess the direct financial impact on Kareem “Biggs” Burke’s personal net worth. After the sale of Roc-A-Fella, Burke founded Dame Dash Music with Damon Dash and Roc4Life, while Jay-Z became President of Def Jam. These ventures, although contributing to Burke’s career, do not have publicly available financial data to accurately assess their impact on his net worth.
Rocawear and Subsequent Ventures
Before the Rocawear brand was acquired for $204 million in 2007, Jay-Z bought out Damon and Kareem. The exact figures from Burke’s initial investment in Rocawear and his subsequent earnings from the brand before its sale are not publicly available. It is alleged that Tommy Hilfiger once made a $450 million offer to acquire Rocawear, a deal that would have given him $40 million. However, this did not materialize.
Burke’s involvement in co-directing and executive-producing the television documentary film “It’s a Hard Truth, Ain’t It” and executive-producing “O.G.” further demonstrates his diverse career. These projects, while potentially contributing to his income, do not have publicly available financial data to accurately assess their impact on his net worth. In 2019, Burke launched his own management company, Circle of Success, with Saint Jhn as his first client. The financial details of Burke’s earnings from Circle of Success, including contracts with artists, management fees, and investment returns, are not publicly accessible, making it challenging to determine their specific impact on his net worth.
Imprisonment and Asset Forfeiture
In mid-2012, Burke faced legal challenges, resulting in a five-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute over 100 kilos of marijuana. In addition to his sentence, he was ordered to forfeit his New Jersey home, a BMW, and $15,000 in cash. The forfeiture of these assets had a direct and negative impact on Burke’s net worth, diminishing his overall financial standing. The exact value of the New Jersey home and the specific BMW model forfeited are not detailed in public records, making it difficult to quantify the precise financial loss incurred.
Early Life and Background
Born on January 19, 1974, in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, Kareem Burke’s early life and background played a significant role in shaping his entrepreneurial drive. While specific details about his upbringing, including the schools he attended or the exact address of his childhood home, are not extensively documented, his Harlem roots likely influenced his perspective and ambition.
Roc-A-Fella Records Milestones
Roc-A-Fella Records achieved several key milestones that contributed to its financial success. The release of Jay-Z’s “Reasonable Doubt” in 1996 marked the label’s first major project, establishing a foundation for future growth. The label’s 50/50 partnership and distribution deal with Def Jam Recordings in mid-1997 further solidified its position in the industry. The release of Jay-Z’s sophomore album “In My Lifetime, Vol. 1,” and R&B duo Christión’s debut album “Ghetto Cyrano” further contributed to the label’s growth.
Roc-A-Fella’s first Platinum-certified release, Jay-Z’s “Hard Knock Life” single from his third studio album in 1998, marked a significant commercial breakthrough. The subsequent success of albums by Beanie Sigel, DJ Clue, Cam’ron, Freeway, The Diplomats, Kanye West, and Young Gunz further solidified the label’s reputation and financial success. Kanye West’s albums, including “The College Dropout,” “Late Registration,” “Graduation,” “808s & Heartbreak,” “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,” and “Yeezus,” along with his collaboration with Jay-Z on “Watch the Throne,” all reached number one on the Billboard 200, further highlighting the label’s success.
Television and Film Ventures
Kareem “Biggs” Burke expanded his career beyond the music industry by venturing into television and film. As co-director and executive producer of the documentary “It’s a Hard Truth, Ain’t It,” filmed at Pendleton Correctional Facility in Indiana, Burke explored themes of incarceration and rehabilitation through the lens of filmmaking. Burke also served as executive producer for “O.G.,” a television film starring Jeffrey Wright that depicts the challenges of re-entering civilian life after a long prison sentence. The financial gains and any ownership stakes linked to these ventures are not made publicly available, which makes it difficult to accurately assess their effect on Kareem “Biggs” Burke’s overall net worth.
