Kareem Biggs Burke Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

From Hustle in Harlem to Founding a Hip-Hop Empire

Kareem "Biggs" Burke was born on January 19, 1974 in Manhattan, New York City. Known by his nickname “Biggs,” Burke became a quietly powerful force behind one of the biggest revolutions in hip-hop: the founding of Roc-A-Fella Records. 

In the mid-1990s, Burke — along with Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and Damon "Dame" Dash — transformed street-level ambition and entrepreneurial hustle into a legitimate music empire. What began as a vehicle for Jay-Z’s debut evolved into a powerhouse label that reshaped rap culture and industry economics globally.

The Rise of a Mogul: Building Roc-A-Fella’s Foundation

Burke’s vision was not simply aesthetic — it was strategic. When Roc-A-Fella launched its first studio release, the label was a scrappy startup, born out of necessity after major labels initially rejected Jay-Z.

Under Burke’s co-leadership, the label struck a 50/50 distribution deal with Def Jam Recordings, giving Roc-A-Fella the reach and infrastructure needed for global impact.

As Roc-A-Fella grew, it signed and ushered in major hip-hop and rap talents. The label’s roster and cultural cachet helped redefine what independent labels could become — durable, influential, and scalable.

Yet, as with many meteoric rises, friction followed. By 2004, shifts in business direction and ownership led to a restructuring: the remaining stake of Roc-A-Fella was acquired, and co-founders went their separate ways.

Reinvention: From Label Founder to Diverse Entrepreneur

After Roc-A-Fella’s dissolution, Burke didn’t retreat — he reinvented. According to reporting from Forbes, Burke quietly began carving out a new empire around himself: delving into management, film, fashion, and other entrepreneurial avenues.

Among his post–Roc ventures: a management company that signed SAINt JHN; involvement in film production — notably as an executive producer for O.G.; and even launching clothing lines and other lifestyle ventures under brands such as “4th of November.”

As Burke described in interviews, his approach evolved — from transactional priorities to relationships founded first, with business opportunities following.

The Weight of Consequences: Legal Struggles and Rebuilding

Burke’s journey also includes serious setbacks. In 2012, he pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 100 kilos of marijuana. He was sentenced to five years in prison — and forced to forfeit significant assets, including a house and vehicle.

He was released in 2015, and the period behind bars inevitably affected his business momentum and finances. Yet, his reemergence into music and business shows resilience and a redefined approach to entrepreneurship.

Understanding His Financial Footprint: Net Worth & Perception

Estimating net worth for someone like Burke is complex. According to one source in 2024, his net worth is around US$1.5 million. 

While that figure may seem modest compared to the cultural footprint he helped create, it reflects the lasting financial impact of legal troubles, asset forfeiture, and the dissolution of earlier business ventures. At the same time, that number may not fully account for intangible assets — industry relationships, influence, and brand value — that still form part of Burke’s legacy.

Behind the Scenes: Personal Life and Relationships

Publicly, Burke has kept his private life relatively out of spotlight. It is known that he comes from a family with several siblings.

Because he is often described as a “silent partner,” much of his personal relationships — romantic or otherwise — remain unconfirmed or private. Sources that speculate about family or children tend toward tabloid-style claims rather than verified documentation.

It appears that Burke now prefers to channel his energy into business, creativity, and — according to some interviews — more meaningful relationships and ventures rather than repeat the patterns of his youth.

The Quiet Architect of an Enduring Legacy

Kareem “Biggs” Burke’s story is not the loudest or glitziest in hip-hop history. He rarely stands center stage. But his fingerprints are all over the industry’s modern blueprint. As co-founder of Roc-A-Fella, he helped build one of the most influential record labels ever. As a behind-the-scenes entrepreneur, he pivoted through setbacks and reinvented himself across fashion, film, management, and branding.

His birthday — January 19, 1974 — marks the origin of a man whose influence extends far beyond his personal finances. His net worth may not reflect the scale of the empire he helped build, but his impact lingers in the albums, artists, and cultural shifts that define hip-hop today.