Da Brat is one of the most recognizable names in 1990s hip hop, remembered as the first female solo rapper to earn a platinum album. Decades later, she is still making headlines, not just for her music catalog but for her marriage, motherhood journey, and reality TV career. This guide covers everything fans search for: Da Brat’s real name, age, family, net worth, husband Judy, baby True, career timeline and lesser known facts, all verified and updated for 2026.
Da Brat Wiki / Bio
Before diving into her story, here is a quick snapshot of Da Brat’s biography.
| Detail | Information |
| Real Name | Shawntae Harris-Dupart |
| Stage Name | Da Brat |
| Date of Birth | April 14, 1974 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Profession | Rapper, songwriter, actress, TV host |
| Years Active | 1992 to present |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse | Jesseca “Judy” Harris-Dupart |
| Child | True Legend Harris-Dupart |
Da Brat Real Name
Da Brat’s real name is Shawntae Harris. After marrying entrepreneur Jesseca Harris-Dupart in 2022, she began going by Shawntae Harris-Dupart. Many fans searching “why is Da Brat’s last name Harris” are actually looking at her maiden name, Harris, which she carried throughout her music career before adding Dupart later in life.
Da Brat Early Life and Education
Da Brat was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. She grew up surrounded by music, dance and performance, and she attended Kenwood Academy, the same Chicago high school known for producing other notable creative talents. As a teenager, she competed in local talent shows and rap battles, which built the confidence and stage presence that later defined her career.
Her early exposure to music came largely through her mother, who loved singing and encouraged her daughter’s creative instincts from a young age.
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Da Brat Parents and Siblings
Da Brat’s family has always played a central role in her public story, especially her mother and her famous half sister.
| Family Member | Relation |
| Mother | Da Brat’s mother raised her in Chicago and inspired her early love of music |
| Father | Biological father was largely absent from her upbringing |
| Sister | LisaRaye McCoy, actress known for “The Players Club” |
| Half Siblings | Da Brat has additional half siblings through her father’s side |
Da Brat Mother
Da Brat’s mother is often described as her biggest supporter and the person who first introduced her to music at home. She has spoken publicly about how her mother’s influence shaped her decision to pursue rap seriously as a teenager.
Da Brat Siblings
Da Brat’s most famous sibling is actress LisaRaye McCoy, her half sister. The two share a close bond and have appeared together on reality television, giving fans a look into their family dynamic.
Da Brat Husband: Jesseca “Judy” Harris-Dupart
Da Brat married Jesseca “Judy” Harris-Dupart in February 2022 in an intimate ceremony. Judy is the founder and CEO of Kaleidoscope Hair Products, a haircare brand valued in the multi millions. The couple’s relationship and wedding were documented on their WE tv reality series, which gave audiences an inside look at their romance, business partnership and eventual journey into parenthood.
Judy had three children from a previous relationship before marrying Da Brat, making their blended family a central theme of their show.
Da Brat Children and Baby
In July 2023, Da Brat gave birth to her first child, a son named True Legend Harris-Dupart, conceived through in vitro fertilization using an egg from Judy and an anonymous donor. The pregnancy marked Da Brat’s first experience carrying a child, something she had once assumed was not possible for her. She has openly discussed an earlier miscarriage before True’s arrival, describing his birth as a long awaited miracle.
True Legend weighed 7 pounds 8 ounces at birth and quickly became a fixture on the couple’s social media and reality show.
Da Brat Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Fans frequently search for Da Brat’s current age and physical stats. Here is the most accurate available information.
| Attribute | Detail |
| Age (as of 2026) | 52 years old |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 4 inches |
| Weight | Approximately 130 to 140 pounds |
| Hair | Naturally black, often styled with wigs and extensions |
| Eyes | Dark brown |
| Distinguishing Feature | Tattoo on her right leg |
Da Brat Before Fame
Before signing a record deal, Da Brat performed with a local Chicago rap group called Kilo, honing her freestyle skills at neighborhood competitions. Her breakout moment came in 1992 when she won a talent contest judged by producer Jermaine Dupri, who was immediately struck by her sharp wordplay and confident delivery. That win became the turning point that connected her to So So Def Recordings.
Da Brat Career
Da Brat signed with Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def Recordings in 1994 and released her debut album, “Funkdafied,” the same year. The title track and album became instant hits, and the project sold over a million copies, a landmark achievement that reshaped expectations for women in rap.
Was Da Brat the first female rapper to go platinum?
Yes. Da Brat made history as the first solo female rapper to earn a platinum certified album, a title that cemented her legacy in hip hop history and opened doors for future female MCs.
She followed her debut with several more studio albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s, collaborated with major artists across the industry, and expanded into acting with television and film roles. In later years, she transitioned into radio and television hosting, becoming a familiar face on the syndicated entertainment show “Dish Nation” and starring alongside Judy on their own reality series.
Da Brat Social Media Presence
Da Brat maintains an active presence across major platforms, regularly sharing updates about her music, business ventures and family life.
| Platform | Focus |
| Family updates, brand partnerships, music promotion | |
| TikTok | Short clips, throwback moments, fan interaction |
| Twitter/X | Career updates and commentary |
| YouTube | Interviews and show clips |
Da Brat Net Worth
Estimates of Da Brat’s net worth vary widely depending on the source, largely due to her 2018 bankruptcy filing following a costly civil lawsuit.
| Source | Estimated Net Worth |
| Celebrity Net Worth | $100,000 |
| Afrotech | $5 million |
| Hot New Hip Hop | $3 million |
| Industry Estimates (2026) | $3 million to $5 million range |
Her financial history includes a 2018 bankruptcy filing, where she listed debts of nearly $8 million against $100,000 in assets, largely tied to a civil judgment from a 2007 assault case. In the years since, she has rebuilt her income through music royalties, her role on “Dish Nation,” reality television, brand deals and her business ventures with Judy, though her exact current net worth remains difficult to pin down precisely.
Da Brat Records and Achievements
- First female solo rapper to achieve a platinum certified album
- Multiple charting singles across the 1990s and 2000s
- Successful crossover into acting and television hosting
- Longtime co-host of the nationally syndicated show “Dish Nation”
Da Brat Legacy and Impact
Da Brat’s platinum breakthrough opened commercial doors for the female rappers who followed her, proving that women could headline hip hop on a mainstream scale. Her blend of Chicago grit and Southern production, courtesy of her work with Jermaine Dupri, helped define a distinct sound of 1990s rap. Beyond music, her openness about her relationship with Judy and her later in life pregnancy has made her a visible and influential voice within the LGBTQ community.
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Da Brat Awards and Recognitions
While Da Brat has not won a Grammy, she received Grammy consideration and multiple other industry nominations across her career, including recognition from the Soul Train Music Awards and Source Awards during the height of her popularity in the 1990s.
Da Brat Nationality and Religion
Da Brat is American, born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She has not publicly detailed a specific religious affiliation, though she has referenced faith and gratitude in interviews about her pregnancy and family life.
Da Brat Future Plans and Goals
Da Brat has expressed interest in continuing to grow her family’s business ventures alongside Judy, expanding her presence in television, and staying active in music through new projects and collaborations as opportunities arise.
Lesser-Known Facts, Hobbies and Favorite Things
- Da Brat once dated NBA legend Allen Iverson before her marriage to Judy.
- She has spoken candidly about years of questions surrounding her sexuality before publicly coming out.
- She enjoys cooking, working out and spending time on her customized vehicles, including a heavily modified Ford F450.
- She is a self-described homebody who values quiet family time despite her public persona.
- Her favorite creative outlet outside music is interior design and home projects.
Da Brat Songs List
| Song | Year |
| Funkdafied | 1994 |
| Give It 2 You | 1994 |
| Sittin’ on Top of the World | 1996 |
| That’s What I’m Looking For | 2000 |
| In Love wit Chu | 2003 |
Is Da Brat Still Alive? Addressing the Death Rumors
Several low quality websites have circulated misleading headlines suggesting Da Brat has died. These claims are false and have not been reported by any credible entertainment or news outlet. As of 2026, Da Brat remains active on social media, television and in her business ventures with her wife, Judy.
FAQs
What was the name of Da Brat’s hit song?
Her breakout hit was “Funkdafied,” the title track from her 1994 debut album.
What are Da Brat’s most popular songs?
Her most popular songs include “Funkdafied,” “Give It 2 You” and “In Love wit Chu.”
Is Da Brat LGBT?
Yes, Da Brat publicly identifies as part of the LGBTQ community and is married to wife Jesseca “Judy” Harris-Dupart.
Did Da Brat win a Grammy?
No, Da Brat has not won a Grammy, though she has received other industry award nominations.
Who did Da Brat hit?
In 2007, Da Brat assaulted former Atlanta Falcons cheerleader Shayla Stevens with a bottle at an Atlanta nightclub, resulting in a prison sentence and a later civil judgment.
Conclusion
From a Chicago talent contest to becoming the first female solo rapper to go platinum, Da Brat’s story is one of reinvention. Today she is known just as much for her marriage to Judy, her son True Legend, and her television career as she is for her groundbreaking 1990s music. Her journey through legal setbacks, financial rebuilding and late in life motherhood reflects a resilience that continues to resonate with longtime fans and new audiences discovering her legacy for the first time.
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