Da Brat, a trailblazer in the rap music scene and the first female solo rapper to secure a platinum album with “Funkdafied,” has an estimated net worth of $3 million as of 2024. Born Shawntae Harris-Dupart on April 14, 1974, in Chicago, she quickly rose to prominence after signing with Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def Recordings in 1992.
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Her groundbreaking debut and subsequent albums not only earned her platinum certification but also a spot in hip-hop royalty, thanks to hits like “Funkdafied” and collaborations with industry giants.
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Da Brat Net Worth
As of 2024, Da Brat, a pioneering figure in the rap industry and the first female solo rapper to achieve platinum status with her album “Funkdafied,” has amassed a net worth of $3 million.
Her wealth stems from her successful music career, marked by platinum albums and notable film appearances, along with her historical significance in female rap, following Salt-N-Pepa. This two-time Grammy-nominated artist’s financial achievements highlight her enduring influence and success in the music and entertainment sectors.
Who is Da Brat?
Shawntae Harris-Dupart, famously known as Da Brat, is a trailblazing American rapper born on April 14, 1974, in Chicago. Launching her career in 1992 with Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def Recordings, her debut album “Funkdafied” (1994) broke ground as she became the first female solo hip hop artist to earn a platinum certification from the RIAA.
Da Brat’s early work, including the hit single “Funkdafied,” and collaborations like “Not Tonight” with notable artists, solidified her place in the music industry. Her subsequent albums continued to chart successfully, with Da Brat making significant guest appearances on tracks with Mariah Carey and others through the late ’90s and early 2000s. Throughout her career, she has been recognized with two Grammy Award nominations, highlighting her impact and longevity in hip hop.
Early life and education
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Da Brat, grew up in a divided household with her businessman father, David Ray McCoy, and city bus driver mother, Nadine Brewer, never marrying. Raised on the West Side, she split her time between her mother and grandmother’s homes, actively participating in her Apostolic church’s choir.
Da Brat, who is also the half-sister of actress LisaRaye McCoy, showcased her athletic side at Kenwood Academy by running track and playing basketball before graduating from the Academy of Scholastic Achievement in 1992, a school dedicated to supporting at-risk students.
Career
Da Brat’s career kicked off in 1992 after winning a rap contest sponsored by Yo! MTV Raps, leading to her discovery by Jermaine Dupri and the platinum-selling debut album “Funkdafied” in 1994. Throughout the mid to late ’90s, she became known for collaborations, appearing in film projects, and contributing to hits like Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby” remix.
The early 2000s saw a shift in her image with the release of “Unrestricted” and participation in Carey’s movie “Glitter”, but it wasn’t as critically acclaimed as her earlier work. Returning to the spotlight, Da Brat featured on the remix “I Think They Like Me” in 2005, achieved success on Billboard charts, and joined the cast of VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club in 2007. Currently, she co-hosts the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, mentors on “The Rap Game,” and stars in “Growing up Hip Hop: Atlanta,” continuing her influence in the music and entertainment industry.
Who is Da Brat’s wife?
Da Brat, who previously dated Allen Iverson in the late 1990s and came out as bisexual in a 2020 interview, is married to Jesseca Dupart, a successful entrepreneur in the hair product industry. The couple, who confirmed their relationship in March 2020, officially tied the knot on February 22, 2022, in Georgia. Expanding their family, Da Brat announced in February 2023 their expectancy of a child after undergoing fertility treatments, welcoming their son on July 6, 2023.
Why Did Da Brat Go to Jail?
Da Brat faced legal issues in 2001, pleading guilty to misdemeanor reckless conduct after a dispute in an Atlanta nightclub, resulting in probation, community service, and a fine. Her legal troubles escalated in 2007 after assaulting a hostess with a rum bottle at a Halloween party, leading to her arrest and a guilty plea for aggravated assault.
She was sentenced in 2008 to three years in prison, seven years probation, and community service, with a release in 2011 after participating in a work-release program. The civil trial for the 2007 incident concluded in 2014, with the jury awarding the victim $6.4 million for her injuries and losses.
How did Da Brat make her money?
Da Brat’s financial success originated from her music career, with significant earnings from album sales, including $1 million from “Funkdafied” in 1994, $500,000 from “Anuthatantrum” in 1996, and another $1 million from “Unrestricted” in 2000, coupled with $5.2 million from ticket sales for her Rainbow World Tour. Beyond music, Da Brat expanded her income streams by venturing into acting, making her television debut in 1994 on “All That” and her film debut in “Kazaam” in 1996, earning salaries for her roles and diversifying her revenue sources.
How did Da Brat lose her money?
Da Brat’s financial difficulties began with a 2007 altercation leading to her arrest and a three-year prison sentence, followed by a civil trial in 2014 where she was ordered to pay $6.4 million in damages to the victim. This significant financial burden contributed to her filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2018, indicating her struggles with debt and the need to reorganize her payment plans to creditors. The culmination of legal issues and the subsequent financial penalty notably impacted her wealth, illustrating the costly consequences of her actions.
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Conclusion
Da Brat’s journey in the music world has been a roller-coaster of highs and lows. While she has made significant contributions to the rap industry and amassed considerable wealth, legal troubles and debts have affected her net worth. Despite these challenges, Da Brat’s legacy in the rap world remains intact.
FAQs about Da Brat’s Net Worth
- Who is Da Brat?
Da Brat, born as Shawntae Harris-Dupart, is an American rapper known for her platinum-certified debut album “Funkdafied.” - What is Da Brat’s net worth in 2024?
Her net worth is estimated to be $3 million. - How did Da Brat lose a significant portion of her money?
A lawsuit resulting from an altercation in 2007 led Da Brat to owe $6.4 million to the victim, a sum that increased over time. - What are Da Brat’s assets?
Da Brat’s primary assets, as of 2018, were her collection of cars, valued at around $43,000. - Has Da Brat ventured outside of music?
Yes, Da Brat has made appearances in films and TV series, further diversifying her career.
