Remy Ma

Reminisce Kioni Smith Bio

Reminisce Kioni Smith (born May 30, 1980), known professionally as Remy Ma, is an American rapper from the Bronx. Discovered and mentored by Big Pun, she rose to prominence as a member of Fat Joe’s Terror Squad and contributed to the 2004 hit “Lean Back.” Her debut solo album, There’s Something About Remy: Based on a True Story (2006), sold 37,000 copies in its first week. Remy Ma’s notable singles include “Conceited” and the 2016 hit “All the Way Up” (with Fat Joe), which earned platinum certification and Grammy nominations. Her career includes a 2008–2014 incarceration, subsequent reality-television appearances on Love & Hip Hop: New York, entrepreneurial ventures, and multiple awards and nominations.

Early Life and Background

Smith was born in The Bronx, and grew up in Castle Hill Projects. She was exposed to her family’s drug abuse at an early age. She was forced to take care of her younger brothers and sisters at a young age and retreated from her home life issues by writing poetry. Her reputation spread around the Bronx, eventually getting the attention of Big Pun. After a meeting and freestyle session, Pun took Ma under his wing and became her mentor.

Path to Rapper

Ma kickstarted her music career under the name “Remy Martin” on Big Pun’s album Yeeeah Baby, where she was featured on the tracks “Ms. Martin” and “You Was Wrong.” After the death of Big Pun, rapper Fat Joe signed Ma to his imprint label under SRC and Universal where she became a member of his hip hop group Terror Squad. This opportunity marked her transition from local prominence to national recognition in the hip-hop industry.

Reminisce Kioni Smith Career

Early Career (2000-2006)

After joining Terror Squad, Remy Ma contributed to their 2004 album True Story, including the hit single “Lean Back” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks. This success garnered her first Grammy nomination and established her presence in the mainstream hip-hop scene. Her work during this period showcased her distinct lyrical style and ability to deliver hit records.

On February 7, 2006, Remy released her debut album There’s Something About Remy: Based on a True Story, which featured singles “Whuteva,” “Conceited,” and “Feels So Good.” The album received critical acclaim but had limited commercial success, moving only 37,000 units in its opening week despite strong reviews. Remy was frustrated with Universal’s promotion of the album, which led to tensions and eventual departure from both the label and Terror Squad.

Breakthrough (2015-Present)

After her release from prison in 2014, Remy Ma made a significant comeback to the music industry. In 2016, she collaborated with Fat Joe on the album Plata O Plomo, featuring the hit single “All the Way Up.” This track achieved platinum certification and earned two Grammy nominations, marking her most commercially successful song to date. The album debuted at number 44 on the Billboard 200.

In 2017, Remy released “Wake Me Up” and announced her upcoming album “Reminisce” (originally titled 7 Winters, 6 Summers). During this period, she also launched Chrome 23, a battle rap league created to provide more opportunities for women in the male-dominated battle rap arena. The league has hosted successful events including the all-women battle rap tournament “The Tournament” in 2022.

Notable Works and Milestones

Remy Ma’s signature works include her debut album There’s Something About Remy: Based on a True Story (2006), the Terror Squad hit “Lean Back” (2004), her solo single “Conceited” (2006), and the Grammy-nominated “All the Way Up” (2016) with Fat Joe. Her career-defining moments include winning multiple BET Awards for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist and establishing her own battle rap league to empower female artists.

Reminisce Kioni Smith Award Nominations

Remy Ma has received numerous nominations throughout her career, including four Grammy nominations across various categories. She has been nominated for multiple BET Awards and Vibe Awards, recognizing her contributions to hip-hop music. Her nominations span both her early career and her comeback after incarceration, demonstrating her lasting impact in the industry.

Reminisce Kioni Smith Awards Won

Remy Ma has won multiple awards throughout her career, including two BET Awards for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist (2005, 2017), two Vibe Awards, and two Source Awards. These awards recognize her skill and influence as a female rapper in a male-dominated industry. Her BET Awards victories make her one of only five artists to win this category multiple times.

Reminisce Kioni Smith Family

Smith married Shamele Mackie, better known as fellow rapper Papoose, in February 2016. The couple were initially scheduled to be wed while Smith was incarcerated in 2008, but the wedding was called off after police caught Mackie attempting to smuggle a skeleton key into prison and banned him from visiting her for six months. Remy Ma and Papoose separated in late 2024, and Papoose filed for divorce in early 2025.

Personal Life

Remy Ma has one child from a previous relationship, as well as three stepchildren with Papoose. She gave birth to the couple’s first child together, Reminisce Mackenzie, on December 14, 2018. In addition to her music career, Remy has pursued entrepreneurial ventures, launching the women’s clothing store Conceited in Raleigh, North Carolina, in August 2017. She also established the Remy Ma Foundation in 2018, which helps women and their families affected by incarceration.