Papoose

Inspired by Kool G Rap, Rakim and Big Daddy Kane, Papoose got his big break when he appeared on Kool G Rap’s 1998 Roots of Evil album. Dedicated to honing his craft, Papoose released over a dozen mixtapes between 2004 and 2006, one of which included the track “Thugication/Alphabetical Slaughter.” Mixtape king DJ Kay Slay was so impressed that he signed the rapper to his Streetsweepers Entertainment label. Papoose then garnered national attention from his verse on Busta Rhymes’ remix to the hit track “Touch It” and not long after, Papoose got a deal with Jive Records. Though the Jive deal never manifested into an album, Papoose is undeterred and has released a new mixtape at least once a year since he came into the industry. He is married to rapper Remy Ma.