Why was Remy Ma in Prison? How Long Was Remy Ma in Prison?

March 2024 · 8 minute read
Why was Remy Ma in Prison? We delve into the circumstances surrounding her imprisonment, the reasons behind Remy Ma's sentence, and the duration she spent behind bars.

Why was Remy Ma in Prison?

Earlier this week, Remy Ma, a renowned rapper, marked her 43rd birthday and made an intriguing statement during her celebration. Remy revealed that she considers herself to be 35 years old, explaining that she doesn't count the years she spent in prison. It's important to note that Remy Ma served a prison sentence for six years, beginning in 2008 and concluding in 2014. She was initially sentenced to eight years after being charged with assault.

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Remy Ma's incarceration stemmed from a legal incident that occurred in 2007. She was involved in a physical altercation with Makeda Barnes-Joseph, a friend whom Remy suspected of theft. The incident led to Remy Ma being charged with assault, illegal weapon possession, and attempted coercion.

In 2008, Remy Ma was found guilty and subsequently sentenced to eight years in prison. However, she served six years of her sentence and was released in 2014. During her time behind bars, Remy faced numerous challenges, but she also utilized the opportunity to reflect, grow, and focus on her personal and artistic development.

As a result, Remy Ma has chosen not to include the years she spent in prison when calculating her age. This decision reflects her perspective on personal growth and her desire to move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and positivity.

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Since her release, Remy Ma has made a remarkable comeback in the music industry, reclaiming her position as a respected rapper. She has released new music, collaborated with other artists, and continued to showcase her unique style and lyrical talent. Remy Ma's journey serves as an example of resilience and determination, highlighting her ability to overcome adversity and emerge stronger.

By acknowledging her past but not letting it define her, Remy Ma's decision to consider herself 35 years old illustrates her commitment to focus on the present and future, emphasizing personal growth and artistic achievements rather than dwelling on past hardships.

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Who is Remy Ma?

Remy Ma, born Reminisce Kioni Mackie (née Smith) on May 30, 1980, is a highly regarded American rapper. Her career took off after being discovered by Big Pun, and she gained significant recognition as a member of Fat Joe's group, Terror Squad. In 2006, Remy Ma released her debut studio album titled "There's Something About Remy: Based on a True Story." The album achieved moderate success, reaching number 33 on the prestigious Billboard 200 chart.

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Throughout her career, Remy Ma has delivered several commercially successful songs that have resonated with audiences. Some of her notable hits include "Whuteva," "Ante Up (Remix)," "Lean Back," "Conceited," and "All the Way Up." These tracks have solidified her position as a prominent figure in the hip-hop industry.

Remy Ma's talent and contributions to the music industry have been recognized with various prestigious awards. She stands as one of only four artists to have won the BET Award for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist multiple times, earning the accolade in 2005 and 2017. Additionally, she has received two Vibe Awards, two Source Awards, and has been nominated for four Grammy Awards, highlighting her remarkable skill and impact on the genre.

Beyond her musical accomplishments, Remy Ma has ventured into reality television. From 2015 to 2020, she appeared on VH1's popular reality series "Love & Hip Hop: New York," sharing the screen with her husband, Papoose. This platform provided a glimpse into her personal life and allowed fans to connect with her on a deeper level.

Remy Ma's journey in the music industry exemplifies her talent, perseverance, and ability to captivate audiences with her unique style and lyrical prowess. She continues to leave a lasting impact on the hip-hop landscape and remains a respected and influential figure within the genre.

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How Long was Remy Ma in Prison?

Following her conviction for assault in 2008, Remy Ma faced a prison sentence of eight years. However, she ultimately served six years before her release in 2014. Remy Ma's time in prison stemmed from a legal incident that occurred in 2007 when she was involved in a physical altercation with Makeda Barnes-Joseph, a friend whom Remy Ma suspected of theft.

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After being found guilty in 2008, Remy Ma was sentenced to eight years in prison. This type of sentence is determined based on various factors, including the severity of the crime and any prior convictions. However, it's important to note that prisoners may be eligible for early release or have their sentences reduced based on factors such as good behavior and participation in rehabilitation programs while incarcerated.

During her six-year imprisonment, Remy Ma faced the challenges and restrictions that come with being incarcerated. However, she also utilized this time to reflect, grow, and focus on personal and artistic development. Prison can provide individuals with an opportunity for self-improvement, and Remy Ma's experience seems to have shaped her outlook on life and influenced her decision not to count those years when calculating her age.

Remy Ma Prison Sentence

In July 2007, Remy Ma voluntarily surrendered herself to the New York City Police Department following her involvement in a shooting incident in Manhattan. The incident took place outside the Pizza Bar during the early morning hours, where a verbal dispute occurred among Remy and a few individuals.

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Regrettably, the dispute escalated, resulting in Makeda Barnes-Joseph sustaining a gunshot wound. While surveillance footage did not capture the argument itself, Makeda identified Remy Ma as the person responsible for shooting her.

In addition to the legal consequences, Remy Ma faced a civil lawsuit filed by Barnes-Joseph seeking damages, as well as compensation for pain and suffering. Remy Ma was subsequently sentenced to serve eight years at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women.

Remy Ma's experience serves as a reminder of the complex nature of legal matters and the potential for personal growth and change even in challenging circumstances. Following her release, Remy Ma has continued to pursue her career in the music industry, demonstrating resilience and determination in rebuilding her life and artistic endeavors.

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Remy Ma Prison's Life

Smith, born and raised in The Bronx, had a challenging upbringing in the Castle Hill Projects. From an early age, she witnessed her family members struggle with drug abuse. Compelled to take on responsibilities beyond her years, she found solace in writing poetry as a means of escaping the difficulties at home. Smith's poetic talents earned her recognition within the Bronx community and caught the attention of the influential rapper Big Pun.

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Impressed by her skills, Big Pun took Smith, who later adopted the stage name "Remy Martin," under his wing and became her mentor. She made her initial foray into the music industry on Big Pun's album "Yeeeah Baby," where she was featured on the tracks "Ms. Martin" and "You Was Wrong."

Following Big Pun's untimely passing, rapper Fat Joe signed Smith to his imprint label under SRC and Universal, and she became a member of the hip-hop group Terror Squad. Her collaboration with the group on their second and final album, "True Story," led to tremendous success. The single "Lean Back" topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for three weeks, earning Smith her first Grammy nomination.

On February 7, 2006, Smith released her highly anticipated debut solo album, "There's Something About Remy: Based on a True Story." The album received critical acclaim but fell short of commercial expectations, selling 37,000 units in its opening week and 158,000 units within the first year.

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Dissatisfied with the promotion of the album by Universal, tensions arose between Smith and the label, causing a rift between her and Fat Joe. As a result, Smith severed her associations with Joe and the Terror Squad, and she and Universal went their separate ways.

In February 2016, Smith, also known as Remy Ma, tied the knot with fellow rapper Shamele Mackie, widely known as Papoose. Interestingly, their initial wedding plans in 2008, while Smith was incarcerated, were thwarted when Mackie was caught attempting to smuggle a skeleton key into prison.

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This led to a six-month ban on his visitation rights. Together, Smith and Mackie have one child from Smith's previous relationship, as well as three stepchildren. Their first child together, Reminisce Mackenzie, was born on December 14, 2018.

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Remy Ma's journey in the music industry has been characterized by resilience and determination. Despite facing numerous challenges, she has managed to leave an indelible mark through her talent and artistic contributions. Her story serves as an inspiration, reflecting her ability to overcome obstacles and achieve success in both her personal and professional life. 



Why was Remy Ma in Prison- FAQs

1. What is Remy Ma's real name?

Remy Ma's real name is Reminisce Kioni Mackie (née Smith).

2. When was Remy Ma born?

Remy Ma was born on May 30, 1980.

3. How did Remy Ma rise to fame?

Remy Ma gained prominence after being discovered by Big Pun, who became her mentor. She further solidified her place in the music industry as a member of Fat Joe's group, Terror Squad.

4. Does Remy Ma have children?

Yes, Remy Ma has one child from a previous relationship. She and Papoose also have three stepchildren together, and they welcomed their first child as a couple, Reminisce Mackenzie, on December 14, 2018.

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