Joe C. Net Worth

What was Joe C.'s net worth?

Joe C., an American rapper and musician, had a net worth of $1 million at the time of his death. He was best known as the hype man for Kid Rock, providing comic relief and energy during performances. Suffering from coeliac disease, an autoimmune condition that causes stunting and dwarfism, Joe C. stood at 3'9" and faced multiple medical challenges.

Early Life

Born Joseph Michael Calleja in Taylor, Michigan, on November 9, 1974, Joe C. passed away on November 16, 2000, at the age of 26. His condition, coeliac disease, required him to take numerous pills and undergo daily dialysis treatments, significantly impacting his life from a young age.

(Photo by D. Kambouris/WireImage)

Kid Rock & Rap Career

Joe C. started as a fan of Kid Rock, attending numerous concerts. They first met at a concert in Roseville, Michigan, in 1994. Kid Rock initially mistook Joe for a child but soon recognized his potential:

"He used to come to all my shows. He'd be standing on tables in the front row singing the lyrics… He's talking and I'm like, would you like a job? He's like, I can't do anything. I'm like, it's not important right now. I was like, you got attitude flying all over this room. I was like, I'll teach you everything you need to know."

In 1997, Joe C. appeared on the cover of an album for a rapper named Shortcut, posing with two naked strippers. The police investigated, assuming he was a child, but closed the case when Joe proved he was 23.

Joe C. was prominently featured on four tracks of Kid Rock's 1998 breakthrough album, "Devil Without a Cause":

• Devil Without a Cause
• Bawitdaba
• Cowboy
• Wasting Time

His solo rap verse on the title track was particularly memorable. The album sold 14 million copies, catapulting Kid Rock to international fame. Joe C. toured globally with Kid Rock, making notable appearances at Woodstock '99, the 2000 Grammys, and WrestleMania. He also starred in the music video for "Cowboy."

Death

Tragically, Joe C. passed away in his sleep on November 16, 2000, at his parents' home in Taylor, Michigan. He was 26 years old and had planned to release a solo album. Following his death, Kid Rock released this heartfelt statement:

"Family and friends are everything; without them, all of the fame and fortune means nothing. We have lost part of our family. Joey gave us, and the world, his love. He brought a smile to everyone who has ever known or seen him. In a world full of confusion, Joey made all of us laugh. No matter what color, religion, race, or beliefs we have, he made us all smile. He gave us the gift of joy. Joey, thank you. We will never forget you. We love you."

Kid Rock's 2001 album, "Cocky," was dedicated to Joe C.'s memory.