Da Brat (born Shawntae Harris-Dupart on April 14, 1974) is an American rapper who made history in 1994 as the first female solo hip-hop artist to achieve platinum status. Her debut album “Funkdafied” sold over one million copies and reached number one on the rap albums chart. Today, she works as a radio co-host on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show and a television personality on Dish Nation.
Who Is Da Brat?
Shawntae Harris-Dupart, known professionally as Da Brat, changed the landscape of hip-hop when she burst onto the scene in the early 1990s. Born and raised on Chicago’s West Side, she became a household name after winning a local rap contest sponsored by Yo! MTV Raps in 1992. That victory connected her with producer Jermaine Dupri, who signed her to So So Def Recordings and helped launch one of hip-hop’s most successful female careers.
Her career began in 1992 when she signed with Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def Recordings, releasing her debut album Funkdafied in 1994. The album’s success wasn’t just commercial—it was historic. She became the first female hip hop solo act to achieve platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Her stage name came from a simple source. Harris told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution she got the name because she is “a spoiled only child”. That unapologetic personality would become her trademark throughout her career.
The Historic Funkdafied Album
When “Funkdafied” dropped in 1994, it sent shockwaves through the male-dominated hip-hop industry. The album entered the Billboard Rap Album chart at No. 1, selling more than 62,000 copies in its first week alone. The title track dominated radio airwaves and climbed the charts with impressive staying power.
The title track from the album went platinum and stayed at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Rap singles chart for eleven weeks. That kind of chart performance was rare for any artist, let alone a debut female rapper. The single peaked at number six on Billboard Hot 100, proving Da Brat could cross over to mainstream audiences while maintaining her hip-hop credibility.
Her second single, “Give It 2 You,” continued the momentum. The follow-up hit reached #26 on the Hot 100, cementing her status as more than a one-hit wonder.
The album’s success came from Da Brat’s unique approach to rap. Dupri cultivated Da Brat’s image as a “female Snoop Doggy Dogg,” and she became one of the first female “reality-based” rappers. Her style blended street authenticity with funk influences, creating a sound that stood out from other female rappers of the era.
Musical Career and Collaborations
Following her groundbreaking debut, Da Brat released three more studio albums. In 1996, she dropped “Anuthatantrum,” which showed her taking more creative control. Her second album spawned the single “Ghetto Love” featuring T-Boz of TLC. While the album didn’t match the commercial success of “Funkdafied,” it demonstrated her artistic growth.
Her third album, “Unrestricted,” arrived in 2000, marking a shift in her image. The album peaked at number five on the Billboard chart. The release featured singles “That’s What I’m Looking For” and “What’chu Like” with Tyrese, showing a more mature, sensual side of the artist.
Da Brat’s fourth album, “Limelite, Luv & Niteclubz,” came out in 2003, continuing her evolution as an artist. However, her greatest impact came through collaborations with other major artists.
Her featured appearances became legendary in the hip-hop community. She appeared alongside Lisa Lopes, Missy Elliott, and Angie Martinez on Lil’ Kim’s 1997 single “Not Tonight”. That collaboration earned Grammy recognition and became an anthem for female empowerment in hip-hop.
Da Brat contributed a rhyme to the hip hop remix of Mariah Carey’s hit “Always Be My Baby” in 1996. This began a long friendship and professional relationship with Carey. In 2001, she reached #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles chart with Ludacris and Shawnna on the remix of Mariah Carey’s “Loverboy”.
Other notable collaborations included work with Kris Kross, Destiny’s Child, Brandy, Dru Hill, and Missy Elliott. She was featured with Kris Kross on the title track of their album Da Bomb in 1993 and on their third album Young, Rich and Dangerous in 1996.
She received Grammy nominations for “Not Tonight” with Missy Elliott and Lil’ Kim, and for “Got It Poppin'” as Best Female Rap Solo Performance.
Television and Film Career
Da Brat’s talents extended beyond music into acting. She made her feature film debut in Kazaam in 1996 with Shaquille O’Neal. She later appeared in Mariah Carey’s film “Glitter” in 2001, playing the character Louise.
Her film work includes roles in “Civil Brand” (2003), a prison drama that premiered at the Urban World Film Festival and Sundance. She’s also appeared in various television shows throughout her career, including “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” and “Parenthood.”
In 2021, Da Brat appeared on ABC’s hit show “Queens” and Showtime’s series “The Chi”. Her most recent work includes continuing roles in television, staying active in entertainment.
From 2017 onward, she served as both cast member and executive producer on WeTV’s “Growing Up Hip Hop Atlanta.” The show gave viewers an inside look at the lives of hip-hop legacy artists and their families.
Radio and Television Hosting
In 2015, Da Brat made her radio debut, joining the nationally syndicated Rickey Smiley Morning Show as co-host. The move proved successful, showcasing her quick wit and humor in a new format. She continues in this role, connecting with listeners five days a week.
In 2016, she became a permanent fixture on the Fox TV show “Dish Nation”. The show features radio personalities from across the country discussing pop culture, celebrity news, and current events. Her candid commentary and humor made her a fan favorite on the program.
These roles have kept Da Brat relevant and visible to new generations of fans. She has been a staple in television and radio, where her personality and humor have made her a fan favorite. The shows provide a steady income while allowing her to maintain her connection to entertainment and pop culture.
Personal Life and Coming Out
For most of her career, Da Brat kept her personal life private. She dated Allen Iverson in the late 1990s, but otherwise stayed out of the tabloid spotlight.
That changed in March 2020 when she publicly came out. Da Brat confirmed that she is in a relationship with hair product businesswoman Jesseca Dupart on March 26, 2020. The announcement came after Dupart gifted her a $200,000 Bentley for her birthday, which Da Brat shared on Instagram.
In an interview with Variety, she discussed coming out as bisexual and why it took her 25 years to do so. She explained that the timing felt right and that meeting Dupart, who built her business through social media visibility, encouraged her to be more open.
The couple’s relationship moved quickly. Da Brat and Jesseca “Judy” Dupart were married on Feb. 22, 2022. They chose the date intentionally. Dupart explained that the date 2/22/22 is significant because it signifies angel numbers and is reminiscent of twin flames.
The ceremony was held at the Horse Mansion in Fairburn, Georgia, with celebrity guests including Eva Marcille, Porsha Williams, and Kandi Burruss. Da Brat was walked down the aisle by Jermaine Dupri, and her sister LisaRaye McCoy served as a bridesmaid.
The couple documented their journey on the WeTV reality show “Brat Loves Judy,” which premiered in 2021. The show made them the first LGBTQ female power couple on television.
Parenthood Journey
Da Brat announced in February 2023 that she was expecting her first child. The announcement came shortly after the couple’s first wedding anniversary. The pregnancy journey wasn’t easy.
She had surgery to remove fibroids and polyps before an embryo transfer procedure and suffered a miscarriage before the current pregnancy. Despite these challenges, they persevered.
Da Brat gave birth to their son on July 6, 2023. They named him True Legend Harris-Dupart. They welcomed their first child together through IVF.
Married since 2022, the two women welcomed a son, True Legend, and gave viewers a glimpse into their home life in the reality TV show Brat Loves Judy, whose fourth season is due to air soon.
Legal Issues and Prison Time
Da Brat’s career hit a major setback in the 2000s due to legal troubles. In March 2000, she was accused of striking a woman in the head at an Atlanta nightclub with a blunt object after an argument. The incident resulted in serious charges.
In 2007, she was sentenced to nearly three years in prison for an assault charge, which impacted her career and finances. The conviction and subsequent incarceration halted her musical momentum during a critical period.
Upon her release, she faced a multimillion-dollar civil lawsuit judgment, which affected Da Brat’s net worth. The financial and professional consequences were severe, forcing her to rebuild her career from scratch.
However, she used the experience as motivation. She explained: “I went to prison, I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve learned from them, and I learned not to be a quitter”. Her resilience showed when she successfully transitioned into radio and television work after her release.
Current Projects and Net Worth
Da Brat remains active in entertainment across multiple platforms. She continues her role on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, providing commentary and humor to morning radio audiences. Her work on Dish Nation keeps her visible on television, discussing pop culture and entertainment news.
After years of career ups and downs, strategic business moves, and entertainment industry earnings, Da Brat’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $5 million. This figure reflects her ability to rebuild financially after setbacks.
The couple has also expanded into business together. Jesseca Dupart runs Kaleidoscope Hair Products, a successful beauty company. Kaleidoscope Hair Products has retail distribution in Walmart, Target, CVS, and Kroger. With more than 8 million social media followers between them, the Harris-Duparts give viewers a glimpse into their home life.
Impact on Hip-Hop Culture
Da Brat’s influence on hip-hop extends far beyond her platinum certification. She opened doors for female rappers who came after her, proving women could achieve the same commercial success as their male counterparts. Her tomboy style and aggressive delivery challenged the expectation that female rappers needed to prioritize sex appeal over skills.
Her willingness to come out publicly in 2020 also created space for LGBTQ+ artists in hip-hop. She acknowledged the risks involved but chose authenticity over hiding. This decision has inspired other artists to live more openly and honestly.
Her fashion choices influenced hip-hop style. She popularized the baggy pants, oversized jerseys, and braided hairstyles that became synonymous with 90s hip-hop culture. This androgynous style gave female fans another way to engage with hip-hop fashion beyond hypersexualized imagery.
Family Background and Early Life
Da Brat was born on April 14, 1974, and was raised on the West Side of Chicago. Her parents never married, and she was subsequently raised in two different households. This split living arrangement shaped her upbringing.
Da Brat lived part of the time with her mother and grandmother and attended an Apostolic church four times a week, where she sang in the choir. At her mother’s house, she followed strict religious rules and wore long skirts.
Harris attended Kenwood Academy and The Academy of Scholastic Achievement, where she played seven different instruments in the school’s band. She played drums at her local church, an experience which she credits as the source of her rhythm.
Da Brat is the half-sister of actress LisaRaye McCoy, who has had a successful career in film and television. The sisters have maintained a close relationship throughout their careers.
FAQs
What is Da Brat’s real name?
Da Brat’s real name is Shawntae Harris-Dupart. She took her wife’s last name after marrying Jesseca Dupart in 2022.
When did Da Brat come out?
Da Brat publicly came out in March 2020 when she confirmed her relationship with entrepreneur Jesseca Dupart on Instagram. She discussed her sexuality in a Variety interview, explaining why it took 25 years to share this part of her life.
How many albums has Da Brat released?
Da Brat has released four studio albums: “Funkdafied” (1994), “Anuthatantrum” (1996), “Unrestricted” (2000), and “Limelite, Luv & Niteclubz” (2003).
Is Da Brat still married?
Yes, Da Brat is still married to Jesseca Dupart. They wed on February 22, 2022, and welcomed their son True Legend in July 2023.
What shows is Da Brat currently on?
Da Brat co-hosts the nationally syndicated Rickey Smiley Morning Show on radio and appears as a co-host on Fox’s Dish Nation. She also stars in the reality show “Brat Loves Judy” on WeTV.
Did Da Brat win a Grammy?
Da Brat has received two Grammy nominations but has not won. She was nominated for her work on “Not Tonight” with Lil’ Kim and other female rappers, and for “Got It Poppin'” as Best Female Rap Solo Performance.
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