Known to Her Parents As:
Remy MaBorn:
May 30, 1981 in Bronx, NY Remy SmithNickname:
- Remy Martin
Interesting Facts:
- Remy Ma original went by Remy Martin, before drawing unwanted attention from the well-known cognac company.
Remy Ma's Childhood:
Born and bred in the Castle Hill section of the Bronx, Remy Ma spent most of her childhood writing poetry and lyrics. That was her way of escaping a harsh upbringing steeped in drug addiction and hefty responsibilities; At 12, young Remy had to look after her four younger siblings.
Besides the good grades she attained at school, Remy's saving grace was her knack for poetry. Rather than direct her frustrations at the world, she channeled it through rhymes. Before long she was engaging in freestyle battle at school.
Unsigned Hype:
She soon graduated from battling kids at school to battling on the street. Her most prominent battle to date remains the lopsided win against fellow femcee Lady Luck.
Word of Remy's lyrical prowess got around and she was soon making mixtape appearances here and there. Her first big guest spot was on the remixed version of M.O.P.'s monstrous hit, "Ante Up."
The First Lady of Terror Squad:
Legendary Bronx rapper Big Pun soon took notice of the budding rapper in his hometown. After a freestyle session, Pun quickly added Remy Ma to the Terror Squad crew he co-founded with Fat Joe. Pun's sudden death paused Remy's career for several years.
A Scott Storch-produced, anti-dance rap anthem titled "Lean Back" would eventually spring Remy's prospects of a solo career a zillion steps forward. Her brief appearance on the Grammy-nominated Terror Squad smash was enough to convince SRC Records boss, Steve Rifkind, that Remy is worth a shot at the center stage.
There's Something About Remy:
Remy's debut, There's Something About Remy: Based On A True Story, was released on the sixth anniversary of Big Pun's passing (2/7/2006). While the album offered a balanced dose of pop tunes and street songs, it underperformed on the charts. Remy blamed the flop on poor marketing push from Terror Squad, went on a radio tirade against Fat Joe, and eventually ditched her crew.
Drama Queen:
On July 13th, 2007, Remy Ma was arrested on charges of attempted murder. She pleaded not guilty and was released on $250,000 bail.
Remy Ma in Her Own Words:
"Women in general aren't given much. They are labeled as one of the girls that happened to pick up a mic. I want my skills to measured against all rappers, so to be placed only among the females is limiting. I would feel like that would be cheatin' myself. I want to one day be labeled with the Jada’s, Nas', Pun’s, Pac’s, Big’s and Em’s."(Press Statement,There's Something About Remy: Based on A True Story)
