The $3,000 Dispute That Cost Remy Ma 6 Years: The Full Story Behind Her Prison Sentence

The question of why Remy Ma went to prison is one of the most significant and disruptive events in modern hip-hop history. While many fans know the Bronx rapper served time, the specific details—the victim, the motive, and the dramatic legal fallout—remain shrouded in curiosity. As of late 2024 and early 2025, new legal and personal developments, including her son's legal situation and a potential separation from Papoose, have brought her past legal issues back into the spotlight, making the original incident more relevant than ever.

The core reason for Remy Ma’s lengthy incarceration stems from a violent dispute over a small sum of money in July 2007. The incident resulted in a shooting, a subsequent conviction for assault and illegal weapon possession, and a sentence that sidelined one of the most promising female rappers for six years, abruptly halting her career just as she reached the peak of her success with the Terror Squad.

The Definitive Remy Ma Biography and Career Profile

Before her legal troubles, Remy Ma was a powerhouse in the hip-hop world, known for her aggressive flow and lyrical prowess. Her journey began in the Castle Hill section of the South Bronx, New York.

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• Full Name: Reminisce Kioni Mackie (née Smith)
• Born: May 30, 1980
• Origin: The Bronx, New York
• Discovery: Discovered by the legendary rapper Big Pun, who served as her mentor.
• Career Peak (Pre-Prison): She rose to prominence as the only female member of Fat Joe's group, Terror Squad.
• Biggest Hit: She earned a Grammy nomination for her feature on Terror Squad’s inescapable 2004 hit, "Lean Back."
• Albums: Released her debut solo album, *There's Someting About Remy: Based on a True Story*, in 2006.
• Awards & Nominations: A four-time Grammy Award nominee, recipient of two Vibe Awards, and two Source Awards.
• Reality TV Career: Following her release, she starred on VH1’s reality series *Love & Hip Hop: New York* from 2015 to 2020.
• Husband: Rapper Papoose, whom she married in 2008 while she was incarcerated.

The Full Story: Why Remy Ma Was Sentenced to Eight Years

Remy Ma’s career trajectory was dramatically altered by a single, violent night in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village in the summer of 2007.

The Incident: A Dispute Over $3,000

The event that led to her arrest and conviction occurred on July 14, 2007. The dispute involved a woman named Makeda Barnes-Joseph, a friend and former associate of the rapper.

The core of the argument was a disagreement over $3,000. Remy Ma accused Barnes-Joseph of stealing the money from her purse after a party at a Manhattan nightclub.

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As the argument escalated, Remy Ma, whose real name is Reminisce Smith, allegedly opened fire on Barnes-Joseph as they were in a car. Makeda Barnes-Joseph was shot in the abdomen.

The Charges and Conviction

Following the shooting, Remy Ma turned herself in to New York City police. She was initially indicted on charges of attempted murder, assault, and illegal weapon possession.

During the trial, Remy Ma’s defense lawyer, Ivan Fisher, argued that the shooting was not intentional. He claimed that the pistol the rapper was carrying discharged accidentally and struck Barnes-Joseph.

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Despite the defense's argument, a New York Supreme Court jury convicted her in March 2008 of assault, illegal weapon possession, and attempted coercion. The jury acquitted her of the more serious attempted murder charge.

The Sentence and Incarceration

In May 2008, a judge sentenced Remy Ma to an eight-year term in prison.

She served her sentence at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women, a maximum-security prison in Westchester County, New York.

Ultimately, Remy Ma served six years of her eight-year sentence. Her scheduled release date was pushed back briefly due to disciplinary issues while incarcerated, but she was finally released on July 31, 2014.

The Aftermath and Her Life After Bedford Hills

The consequences of the shooting extended far beyond the criminal sentence, impacting her personal life, finances, and public image.

The $20 Million Civil Lawsuit

In addition to the criminal case, Makeda Barnes-Joseph filed a $20 million civil lawsuit against the rapper. Barnes-Joseph was severely injured, requiring multiple surgeries to recover from the gunshot wound to her abdomen.

The lawsuit sought compensation for the medical expenses, pain, and suffering caused by the shooting. The outcome of the civil case further complicated Remy Ma’s financial situation as she attempted to restart her life and career.

Marriage Behind Bars

One of the most remarkable stories of her incarceration is her marriage to fellow rapper Papoose. The couple had planned to marry just before her sentencing, but the ceremony was postponed after Papoose was briefly detained for attempting to smuggle a key into the jail.

Despite the setback, the couple officially exchanged vows in a non-traditional ceremony at the correctional facility in 2008, demonstrating a commitment that became a central theme of their relationship and later, their reality television appearances on *Love & Hip Hop*.

The Comeback and Career Resurgence

Following her release in 2014, Remy Ma immediately focused on her career comeback. She quickly rejoined her mentor, Fat Joe, which led to a major career resurgence.

The duo’s 2016 single, "All the Way Up," became a massive hit and earned Remy Ma two more Grammy nominations, a testament to her enduring talent and ability to bounce back from adversity.

Her time on *Love & Hip Hop* further cemented her status, allowing her to share her life, including her marriage to Papoose and her life on parole, with a broader audience. She has often spoken candidly about her prison experience, describing it as the "worst" thing she has ever endured.

Recent Legal and Personal Headlines (2025)

While the 2007 shooting is firmly in the past, new legal and personal matters continue to keep Remy Ma in the news. Recent reports have included:

• Family Legal Issues: An ongoing legal situation involving her son, Jayson Scott, who was charged in connection with a man’s death in 2023.
• Relationship Rumors: Speculation about a potential separation or divorce from Papoose, which reportedly began in late 2024.
• Reality TV Disputes: Reports that she may pursue legal action against certain *Love & Hip Hop* cast members following an alleged assault accusation, indicating a continued need to protect her brand and legal interests.

The initial conviction for assault and illegal weapon possession over a $3,000 debt remains the defining legal chapter of Remy Ma’s life. However, her story is less about the crime and more about the resilience shown in the aftermath. From the depths of the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility to multiple Grammy nominations and a successful reality TV career, her journey is a powerful example of a public figure navigating the complexities of fame, street life, and the consequences of a single, fateful decision.