Papoose (rapper)

Papoose (born Shamele Mackie; March 5, 1978) is an American rapper. He is best known for his intricate rhyme schemes, prolific mixtape output, and gruff delivery. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York City, Papoose gained underground recognition in the early 2000s through the mixtape circuit, particularly with his Alphabetical Slaughter series which showcased his lyrical dexterity.

His initial rise to fame was heavily tied to his independent status and frequent appearances on mixtapes alongside other New York rappers. In 2006, he signed a significant record deal with Jive Records, however, the release of his debut album faced numerous delays.

After a period of frustration and continued mixtape releases, Papoose eventually parted ways with Jive Records without releasing a studio album. He later signed with Fontana/Universal Records and independently released his debut album, The Nac, in 2013.

Throughout his career, Papoose has collaborated with a wide range of artists and has remained active in the hip-hop community, known for his lyrical skills and dedication to the craft. He is also known for his marriage to rapper Remy Ma, with whom he appeared on the reality television show Love & Hip Hop: New York.