What Is Da Brat's Net Worth?
Da Brat is an American rapper and actress with a net worth of $100 thousand. Emerging as one of the pioneering female MCs of the '90s, her debut album, "Funkdafied," sold one million copies in 2004, making her the first female rapper to have a platinum-selling album.
Despite her early success, Da Brat has faced financial difficulties, including a 2018 bankruptcy filing where she listed debts close to $8 million and assets of just $100,000.
Legal Problems and Incarceration
Da Brat's legal troubles began in October 2007 when she was involved in an assault at a Halloween party in Atlanta. She attacked a hostess with a rum bottle, causing permanent injuries. Da Brat pleaded guilty to aggravated assault charges and was sentenced to three years in prison, seven years of probation, and 200 hours of community service. She was released from prison on February 28, 2011. In 2014, the victim sued Da Brat in civil court and was awarded $6.4 million for her injuries and loss of earnings.
Financial Problems
In August 2018, Da Brat filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, listing $108,700 in assets and liabilities of $7.8 million. Her liabilities included the $6.4 million judgment to her assault victim, a $1.255 million debt to Sony Music, and other debts to Ally Bank, the IRS, and the Georgia Department of Revenue. At the time, she listed a 1999 Mercedes 238i, a 2014 BMW 328i, and a Jeep Wrangler as her assets. She reported an average monthly income of $9,300 and expenses of $10,500.
After her filing, her assault victim filed a lawsuit demanding the $6.4 million judgment not be wiped clean by the bankruptcy, claiming the debt had grown to $8 million with interest.
Early Life
Da Brat was born Shawntae Harris on April 14, 1974, in Chicago, Illinois. She started rapping at eleven. Raised in two different households, she lived part-time with her mother and grandmother, attending an Apostolic church and singing in the choir. She went to Kenwood Academy in Chicago for high school, playing basketball and running track, and graduated in 1992 from the Academy of Scholastic Achievement.
Career
Da Brat was discovered by producer Jermaine Dupri in 1992 after winning an amateur rap contest sponsored by "Yo! MTV Raps." She signed with Dupri's So So Def label and released her first album, "Funkdafied," which went platinum and topped the R&B charts. Her second album, "Anuthatantrum," also achieved commercial success with hits like "Sittin' on Top of the World" and "Ghetto Love."
Over the years, Da Brat featured on tracks with prominent artists like Mariah Carey, Missy Elliot, Dru Hill, and Lil' Kim. She appeared in films like "Kazaam" and "Glitter," and released additional albums, including "Unrestricted" in 2000 and "Limelite, Luv & Niteclubz" in 2003.
Da Brat continued her career with guest appearances on popular tracks and TV shows like VH1's "Celebrity Fit Club" and "The Surreal Life." She also embarked on collaborations and tours, including a reunion with Jermaine Dupri and performances with Mariah Carey.
She launched a YouTube series, "Brat Chronicles: In Transition," and released new music, including a remix with Kelly Rowland and Lil Wayne. She has co-hosted the Rickey Smiley Morning radio show since 2015 and appeared in reality shows like "The Rap Game" and "Growing up Hip Hop: Atlanta."
Recently, she starred in television series like "Envy: Seven Deadly Sins," "The Chi," and "Step Up: High Water."
Personal Life
Da Brat came out on Instagram in March 2020, revealing her relationship with businesswoman Jesseca Dupart, founder and CEO of Kaleidoscope Hair Products. The couple married in February 2022 in Georgia and welcomed a son in July 2023.
