Net Worth Ranker
What Is Papoose’s Net Worth?
Papoose, the American rapper, has an estimated net worth of $500,000. This valuation reflects his career earnings from music, television appearances, and other ventures in the entertainment industry.
Early Career and Musical Beginnings
Born Shamele Mackie in 1978 in New York City, Papoose grew up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. His early exposure to hip-hop culture in the city significantly influenced his career path. Mackie’s debut on Kool G Rap’s 1998 album, “Roots of Evil,” marked the beginning of his professional journey in the music industry. This initial appearance provided him with a foundational experience, setting the stage for his subsequent independent endeavors.
In 2004, Papoose released his debut single, “Thug Connection,” featuring the B-side “Alphabetical Slaughter.” Although he received an offer for an eight-album deal from Select Records, he declined, opting for a more independent approach to his music career.
Independent Mixtapes and Rise to Prominence
Following a period at Rikers Island, Papoose began independently producing and distributing his own mixtapes. This DIY approach was pivotal in establishing his brand and building a loyal fan base. He presented one of his mixtapes to DJ Kay Slay, which led to an invitation to Slay’s radio show. Impressed by Papoose’s rendition of “Alphabetical Slaughter,” DJ Kay Slay signed him to his Streetsweepers imprint.
Between 2004 and 2006, Papoose released more than a dozen mixtapes, including titles like “Street Knowledge,” “The Beast from the East,” “The Underground King,” “Unfinished Business,” and “Second Place is the First Loser.” These mixtapes were crucial in raising his profile within the hip-hop community. During this time, he won the Justo Mixtape Award for Best Underground Artist and became involved with Busta Rhymes’ Flipmode Squad label.
His breakthrough culminated in signing a $1.5 million contract with Jive Records. However, due to delays and the eventual shelving of his debut studio album, Papoose left Jive to continue releasing independent mixtapes with DJ Kay Slay. From 2007 to 2012, he released nine mixtapes, including “Internationally Known,” “Build or Destroy,” “Papoose Season,” “King of New York,” and “Most Hated Alive.”
Studio Albums and Commercial Ventures
After releasing 27 mixtapes, Papoose finally released his debut album, “The Nacirema Dream,” in 2013. Released through Honorable Records and Fontana Distribution, the album featured guest appearances from artists like Erykah Badu, Jadakiss, Mavado, and Mobb Deep. It spawned the singles “On Top of My Game,” “What’s My Name,” and “Get At Me.” “The Nacirema Dream” debuted at number 97 on the Billboard 200 and number 13 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Following the release of mixtapes “Hoodie Season,” “Hoodie Season 2,” and “Cigar Society,” Papoose released his second studio album, “You Can’t Stop Destiny,” in 2015. The album included guest appearances by Troy Ave, Remy Ma, and Maino. His third studio album, “Underrated,” was released in 2019, followed by “Endangered Species” in 2020.
Television Appearances and Media Exposure
Beyond his music career, Papoose gained significant exposure through television. He appeared alongside his wife, Remy Ma, on the sixth season of VH1’s “Love & Hip Hop: New York.” The show documents the lives of individuals involved in the hip-hop music scene in New York City. Papoose and Remy Ma continued to be on the show for seasons seven and eight and were promoted to the main cast for seasons nine and ten.
In 2018, the couple starred in a three-week-event spinoff series, “Remy & Papoose: Meet the Mackies,” which chronicled their lives as they prepared for the birth of their first child. They also starred in their holiday special, “Remy & Papoose: A Merry Mackie Holiday.”
Papoose also had a minor role in the 2008 crime thriller “Righteous Kill,” directed by Jon Avnet, which starred Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, John Leguizamo, and Carla Gugino.
Personal Life and Relationships
In 2008, Papoose married Remy Ma while she was incarcerated. Remy Ma had been convicted of assault, illegal weapon possession, and attempted coercion related to a shooting incident. After her release, Papoose and Remy Ma had a formal marriage ceremony in 2016. In 2018, they welcomed their first child, a daughter named Reminisce Mackenzie. Papoose also has children named Shamele Jr. and Dejanae with his ex-girlfriend Yvetta Lashley, and another daughter, Destiny, born in 2000.
