Many fans might be surprised by Mase’s net worth today, given his unexpected exit from music at his peak. The Harlem-born rapper who shot to superstardom in the late 1990s has built an estimated net worth of $8 million.
Mase’s current wealth traces back to his breakthrough debut. His first album “Harlem World” topped both Billboard Pop and R&B LP Charts and sold 270,000 copies in its first week[-2]. The album went on to earn quadruple Platinum certification[-5]. The sort of thing I love about Mase’s net worth story is his unique path to success. He walked away from music at the peak of his career and spent five years as an ordained minister. His comeback in 2004 with “Welcome Back” proved he still had star power, selling 188,000 copies in its first week.
This piece will take you through Mason Betha’s financial success story and show how the former Bad Boy Records star built his empire despite taking breaks from music.
The Rise of Mase: From Harlem to Hip-Hop Stardom
Mase’s trip started nowhere near the fortune he ended up building. He was born in Jacksonville, Florida on August 27, 1975. His family moved to Harlem when he was five years old, and that’s where his real story began.
Basketball, not music, caught his attention first. He played point guard at Manhattan Center High School with future rap star Cam’ron in 1993. His dreams of playing basketball faded when he struggled with academics at SUNY Purchase. His talent for lyrics started to shine through.
Betha took the name “Murda Mase” and joined Harlem’s hip-hop collective Children of the Corn in 1993. The influential group included Big L, Cam’ron (then Killa Cam), Herb McGruff, and Bloodshed. They recorded over 30 songs and built their local following. The group performed for DJs and sold mixtapes from their car trunks.
Summer 1996 changed Mason Betha’s financial future forever. His twin sister Stason introduced him to Cudda Love, The Notorious B.I.G.’s road manager. Cudda took the aspiring rapper to Atlanta where he impressed Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs at the Hard Rock Café. This led to a $250,000 deal with Bad Boy Records.
Now known simply as “Mase,” he rose to fame quickly. He featured on hit songs like 112’s “Only You” remix and Biggie’s “Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems.” After Biggie’s tragic death, Mase became Bad Boy’s flagship artist.
Music Career and Financial Milestones
Mase’s debut album “Harlem World” made waves in the music industry with remarkable financial success. The 1997 release became a massive hit that sold 4 million copies in the US alone and earned about $4.3 million. This quadruple-platinum success story produced three consecutive top ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100.
“Double Up” (1999), his second album, didn’t match his debut’s success. The album sold 107,000 copies in its first week and ended up reaching gold status with 425,000 total units. Fans were caught off guard when Mase announced his retirement to pursue ministry before the album could gain traction.
The rapper took a five-year break before releasing “Welcome Back” in 2004. His comeback album landed at No. 4 on Billboard charts with 188,000 units sold in the first week. The album ended up going gold with 559,000 copies sold.
Mase‘s career earnings tell an impressive story. He earned $3.2 million from “Harlem World” sales, $800,000 from featured appearances, and $1.5 million from touring between 1997-1999. His lifetime royalties added another $2 million. His global album sales reached about 5.4 million, which built the foundation for his current $8 million net worth.
Beyond Music: Business Ventures and Controversies
Mase has grown his $8 million net worth through smart business moves and survived major industry battles, going well beyond his successful music career.
Mase started All Out Records in 1998 and signed Harlem World, a group that included his twin sister Stason. His next venture was RichFish Records, which became part of Columbia Records. The label signed drill rapper Fivio Foreign in 2019. This deal turned controversial after Fivio said he got only a $5,000 advance, but Mase managed to keep his position that the real amount was $750,000.
His business interests went beyond the music world. He launched S.A.N.E. (Saving A Nation Endangered) Church in Atlanta in 2000, which later became El Elyon International Church where he now leads as pastor. His story came to print in 2010 with his memoir “Revelations: There’s a Light After the Lime”.
The biggest clash over Mase’s wealth came from his fight with Diddy about publishing rights. Mase revealed in 2020 that Diddy had bought his publishing for just $20,000 in the 1990s. The situation got worse when Diddy turned down Mase’s $2 million offer to buy back his rights. The standoff ended in September 2023 as Diddy finally gave back publishing rights to several Bad Boy artists, including Mase.
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