Papoose is a rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur from Brooklyn, New York. Popularly known for his sharp freestyles and deep involvement in hip-hop, he has built a career over more than two decades. He emerged from the underground hip-hop scene in the early 2000s. He successfully earned massive recognition and admiration from the hip-hop community by releasing a large number of mixtapes in a short period of time. Today, many fans ask about Papoose net worth 2024 and 2025 and how he got to such heights of success and fame.
Early Life and Family Background
The famous singer was born as “Shamele Mackie” on March 5, 1978, in New York. He is the son of “Irene Mackie” and “Gregory Hudgens.” A well-known music producer and rapper, “Pi’erre Bourne,” is also his cousin. He grew up in “Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.”
At first, there was a rumor that his family roots came from “Liberia.” But later, a matrilineal DNA test revealed his ancestry through a company called “African Ancestry, Inc.” According to test reports, his real ancestral roots are from the “Tikar people,” an ethnic group in “Cameroon.” His grandmother nicknamed him “Papoose” because, as a baby, he resembled a “Native American child.”
Career Highlights
The famous singer began his rap career in 1998 with a feature on Kool G Rap’s “Roots of Evil.” He released his debut single, “Thug Connection,” in 2004, marking his first official entry as a solo artist, which later laid the foundation of Papoose net worth.
Gaining Fame through Mixtapes (2004–2006)
The music star then became popular among serious hip-hop fans by releasing many mixtapes. These releases caught the attention of “DJ Kay Slay,” a well-known figure in hip-hop. Kay offered him a deal with his label, “Streetsweepers.” During this time, he released over a dozen mixtapes and even won the “Justo Mixtape Award” for Best Underground Artist in 2005.
Major Label Deal and Independence (2006–2012)
In 2006, he signed a $1.5 million deal with “Jive Records,” planning to release his debut album. He notably kept the full advance. However, due to creative differences, he left the label in 2007 without releasing any albums.
Later, he returned to his independent roots, releasing more mixtapes between 2007 and 2012. He then continued earning through independent releases, which gradually helped in building a remarkable Papoose net worth.
Debut Album and Continued Growth (2013–2015)
After years of anticipation, the music icon released his debut studio album, “The Nacirema Dream,” in 2013 through “Honorable Records” with “Fontana Distribution.” The album hit #97 on the “Billboard 200” and #13 on the “R&B/Hip-Hop chart.” Later, he released
- You Can’t Stop Destiny (2015)
- Underrated (2019)
- Endangered Species (2020)
TV and Film Appearances
Despite music, he gained mainstream attention on TV by joining “Love & Hip Hop: New York” from 2013 to 2020. He starred alongside his wife, “Remy Ma,” and appeared in spin-offs like “Remy & Papoose: Meet the Mackies.” Later, he also played small roles in films like “Righteous Kill” in 2008. Quite recently, he landed a role as “Head of Hip-Hop” at “TuneCore” in January 2023.
What is Papoose Net Worth 2024 and 2025?
Currently, the net worth of Papoose is estimated at around $ 500,000. The amount remains the same in 2025. This estimate was based on his earnings from music, TV, and film work, as well as his role at TuneCore. Although he is not one of the highest-paid celebrities, people still respect him because he has worked consistently in underground rap and reality shows, which are smaller yet focused parts of the entertainment world.
Sources Contributing to His Finances
Papoose’s wealth and net worth accumulated till now have come from multiple sources. Given below are his key income sources:
- Papoose mainly earned from 4 studio albums, 29 mixtapes, music streaming royalties, CD sales, and concert performances.
- Secondly, he earned as a cast member on the “Love & Hip Hop” series and its spin-offs. This public exposure opened more opportunities for endorsements and guest spots, further adding to Papoose net worth.
- Thirdly, he also had a small role in “Righteous Kill,” along with a few other movies that generate extra revenue for him.
- Above all, as the head of Hip-Hop, he has been earning a salary from the music distribution company since early 2023.
Why Does Papoose Net Worth 2025 Remain Low?
For the ordinary public, $500,000 is a big amount. But in the world of rap and TV, it is seen as a small net worth. Currently, many famous rappers make millions from hit songs, ads, and businesses.
On the other hand, Papoose stayed independent and worked in underground hip-hop. He didn’t follow the big-money path. So even if his annual income is not very high, people still respect him for his hard work and staying true to himself.
Personal Life
In 2008, Papoose married rapper “Remy Ma” while she was in prison. They held a formal wedding in 2016 after her release, and in December 2018, they welcomed a daughter, “Reminisce.” Furthermore, he has three other children, “Dejanae” (1996), “Shamele Jr.” (1999), and “Destiny,” from previous relationships.
In mid-May 2025, he officially filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable issues. However, in the legal papers, he accused Remy of cheating on him multiple times and having extramarital affairs. He named one person specifically, battle rapper “Eazy the Block Captain.” Additionally, he also mentioned another woman that Remy allegedly met while she was in prison.
At the same time, there were rumors that Papoose might be in a relationship with boxer “Claressa Shields.” But those rumors did not change his income or affect his career in any way.
Conclusion
In short, Papoose is not among the wealthiest rappers, but his story is full of resilience, commitment, and staying true to himself. He managed to earn enough money over the years with his mixtapes, TV shows, and his TuneCore job.
Papoose net worth is estimated at $500,000 for both 2024 and 2025, proving that real success is not necessarily a product of great hits or headlines. Rather, it comes from doing what you love and not giving up.
Despite personal struggles, including divorce and setbacks, he remains a strong voice in hip-hop. His journey shows how even underground artists can earn respect and build a solid career with hard work and dedication. While others look for quick fame, he built his name slowly with real talent and grew step by step, one verse at a time. We wish the rapper the very best of luck for the future.
