Bobby Shmurda: The Rise, Fall, And Comeback Of A Brooklyn Rapper

How Much Is Bobby Shmurda Really Worth?

Let's talk about Bobby Shmurda, the Brooklyn-born rapper who shook the music world with his viral hit "Hot N*gga" back in 2014. Despite his short-lived rise to fame, Bobby's net worth is estimated at $2 million. Known for his signature track that sparked the "Shmoney Dance" craze, Shmurda wasn’t just a solo act—he was also a key member of the rap group GS9 (Grimy Shooters). So, how did a guy from East Flatbush make it big in the music industry and still maintain his street cred? That’s the story we’re diving into today.

Life Before the Spotlight

Born Ackquille Jean Pollard on August 4, 1994, in Miami, Florida, Bobby Shmurda’s life wasn’t always about fame and fortune. His early years were marked by struggle and resilience. Raised by a single mother, Leslie Pollard, in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, Bobby faced challenges from the start. His father, Gervase Johnson, was sentenced to life in prison for attempted murder when Bobby was just two months old. Growing up in a tough neighborhood, Bobby had more than his fair share of run-ins with the law, including spending 15 months in a juvenile detention center for gun charges and probation violations. Yet, despite the odds, his passion for music would eventually lead him to stardom.

From the Streets to the Charts

Shmurda’s journey into music began in 2004, when he started rapping and remixed Crime Mob’s hit “Knuck If You Buck.” Influenced by legends like 50 Cent, Tupac, Jay-Z, Biggie Smalls, and Lil Wayne, Bobby’s unique sound quickly caught the attention of fans and industry insiders alike. His breakout hit, “Hot N*gga,” was released in 2014 and skyrocketed to fame, racking up a million views in just two months. The song, which many classified as drill music, actually borrowed its beat from Lloyd Banks’ “Jackpot.” But it didn’t matter—Bobby’s raw energy and charisma made the track a cultural phenomenon. Beyoncé even called him to congratulate him on the hit, and she and Jay-Z performed their own version of the “Shmoney Dance” during their “On the Run” tour. Drake joined in on the fun too, performing the dance at the 2014 ESPY Awards.

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After “Hot N*gga” went viral, Bobby signed with Epic Records, and the single officially hit the charts, peaking at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track earned a platinum certification and garnered over 639 million views on YouTube as of July 2020. The remix featured powerhouse collaborations with Chris Brown, Busta Rhymes, and others, further cementing Bobby’s place in the rap world. But his success didn’t stop there. He followed up with the hit “Bobby Bitch,” which reached #92 on the Billboard Hot 100, and his debut studio album, “Shmurda She Wrote,” charted at #5 on the US Rap chart. Bobby also released the mixtape “Shmoney Shmurda” with his crew GS9 and collaborated with artists like Uncle Murda, Rowdy Rebel, The Game, and Migos. But just as his career was taking off, legal troubles would derail his momentum.

Trouble Behind Bars

Success came fast for Bobby, but so did trouble. In June 2014, he was arrested and charged with felony criminal possession of a weapon after police claimed they saw him flashing a gun in an apartment. Though he was initially released on $10,000 bail, things took a darker turn when he was arrested again just months later. This time, he was charged alongside 14 others, including his brother, with conspiracy to commit murder, reckless endangerment, and drug and gun possession. Police had been investigating the GS9 gang for months, accusing Shmurda of being the “driving force” behind their activities. He was held on $2 million bail at Rikers Island jail.

While incarcerated, Bobby faced additional charges after he and his ex-girlfriend were caught smuggling a knife into Rikers. They were charged with promoting contraband and criminal possession of a weapon. In 2016, Bobby pled guilty to one count of weapons possession and one count of third-degree conspiracy, resulting in a seven-year prison sentence. However, the sentence was later reduced to five years in prison, with two years of probation. During his time at Rikers, Bobby was involved in multiple altercations, including a brawl with members of rival gangs that led to the loss of his phone privileges and a month in solitary confinement. He was eventually transferred to Clinton Correctional Facility in upstate New York, where he served out the remainder of his sentence in protective custody. Despite the challenges, Bobby continued to write music and even contributed verses to rapper 6ix9ine’s single “Stoopid” over the prison phone. He was finally released in February 2021 after serving six years behind bars.

Looking Ahead: What's Next for Bobby Shmurda?

After his release, Bobby Shmurda has remained relatively quiet, but fans are eager to see what’s next for the rapper. With a net worth of $2 million and a loyal fanbase, the possibilities are endless. Whether he chooses to return to music, pursue other ventures, or focus on rebuilding his life, one thing is certain: Bobby Shmurda’s story is far from over. From the streets of East Flatbush to the top of the charts and back, Bobby’s journey is a testament to resilience, talent, and the power of music to transcend even the toughest circumstances.