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A big part of hip-hop culture is chasing that paper. Many rappers find financial success, only to blow it; creating a perpetual chase that they can never seem to get out of. Whether it’s taxes, legal issues, or simple exorbitant spending, here are the ten most famous rappers who went from ballin’ to broke.
10. NasNas’ financial problems began with his divorce from “Milkshake” rapper Kelis in 2009. He ended up having to pay her $25,000 a month in spousal and child support. He also owed a reported $6 million in taxes. He lost his home and any money he made from his iconic tour with fellow broke MC Laryn Hill went straight to his debt. Maybe his new boo Nicki Minaj will help him out.
9. Tyga27-year-old rapper Tyga is more famous for his dating life than he is for his music. Although, his reputation for being broke is perhaps surpassing even that. He’s been evicted from his mansion, had his Ferrari repossessed, got dumped by a Kardashian (Jenner… but, it’s still Kylie with a K), called a “Little Bitch” by his baby mama Blac Chyna for not paying child support, and he reportedly owes about $100,000 in back taxes.
8. Swizz BeatsUncle Sam puts Ebeneezer Scrooge to shame. Despite having his fingers in a multitude of hits at the time, producer Swizz Beats never paid his taxes. It was reported that he owed the IRS about $2.6 million and the state of New York an additional $98,246. Not even being married to multi platinum songstress Alicia Keys is helping; the couple have reportedly had a difficult time selling their SoHo penthouse, for which they are asking close to $18 million
7. Lil KimSome people forget, but Lil Kim has served hard time for perjury. She was also sued by her record label, Brookland Media, in 2008, for $2.5 million. The settlement also barred the pint-size tough girl from releasing any new music. As if that weren’t bad enough, it was also discovered that the 90’s hip-hop icon owed about $1.1 million in unpaid taxes.
6. Bow WowLil Bow Bow, aka Bow Bow, aka Shad Moss was recently in the news for falsely flexing on Instagram, pretending to be flying on a private jet, despite being spotted in coach; trying to look richer than he is. How rich is he? He makes regular people money. In 2009, Bow Wow was court-ordered to pay the $216,084 he owed on the Ferrari he wasn’t paying for. He now brings in about $40,000 a year.
5. XZibitArguably more Pimp My Ride host than rapper, Xzibit felt his finances take a hit with his show business career. When Pimp My Ride was cancelled in, X’s income dropped to about $67, 510. After his Southern California home was foreclosed on, X filed for bankruptcy. His claim was denied that time, and two subsequent times. As of last September, he still owed a whopping $130,000.
4. Fat JoeFat Joe is a widely respected rapper, who has been involved with an impressive amount of hits over the years. He’s also been in his fair share of legal trouble. In 2010, Joe got served with a $139,000 tax lien and last December, the rapper admitted to having failed to pay taxes on roughly $3 million in income between 2007 and 2010.
3. Lauryn Hill
One of the most gifted female MCs and musicians of all time Lauryn Hill is no stranger to financial woes. Hill was found guilty of stashing away millions where the government couldn’t find it in and attempt to “go underground” and “build a community.” The IRS ended up sticking her with a $400,000 unpaid taxes bill. Who’s down for a Lauryn Hill sponsored Mole Village?! I know I am!
One of the most gifted female MCs and musicians of all time Lauryn Hill is no stranger to financial woes. Hill was found guilty of stashing away millions where the government couldn’t find it in and attempt to “go underground” and “build a community.” The IRS ended up sticking her with a $400,000 unpaid taxes bill. Who’s down for a Lauryn Hill sponsored Mole Village?! I know I am!
2. Ja RuleJa Rule is considered one of the most flagrant sell-outs in hip-hop. His bubblegum hip-pop proved to be more palatable to the masses, making Ja quite a bit of money, but he’s not regarded very highly in hip-hop circles, or among critics. Selling out worked pretty well for him, that is until 2004. In 2011, the IRS slammed the rapper with a $1.1 million bill for back taxes; Ja Rule cried in court, “I didn’t know how to deal with these finances.” Ja Rule actually ended up serving time for tax evasion.
1. MC HammerMC Hammer burst onto the 80’s music scene with “Hammer Time” in all his puffy pants glory, and rode the high of his hip-pop music for nearly a decade before audiences turned on him. By the 1990’s Hammer was a walking punchline and $13.7 million in debt. The now Christian Minister is believed to also owe the IRS $700,00.
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