Hip-hop used to have this one "North Star" for relationships. If you were around in the mid-2000s, you know exactly who I’m talking about. While everyone else was chasing video vixens or getting caught in club scuffles, Papoose was holding it down for Remy Ma. He didn't just wait for her; he basically curated his entire life around her six-year prison sentence.
He was the guy who married her over a jailhouse phone. He was the guy who stayed home while she was behind bars. It was beautiful. Honestly, it was the kind of loyalty that felt like a movie script.
But fast forward to 2026, and that script has been shredded.
If you haven't been keeping up with the IG Lives or the court filings, let me catch you up: the "Golden Child" era is over. The "Black Love" brand has dissolved into a messy, public, and frankly heartbreaking legal battle.
What Really Happened with Papoose and Remy Ma
For years, we all thought they were bulletproof. They were the stars of Love & Hip Hop: New York, the couple that survived a miscarriage and celebrated the birth of their daughter, Reminisce Mackenzie, in 2018. But the cracks started showing around 2022.
Rumors are a poison in the industry. First, it was whispers about Remy and battle rapper Eazy The Block Captain. People saw them together at events. Then came the "cozy" photos. Most fans brushed it off as business—Remy has her own battle rap league, Chrome 23, so it made sense she'd be with the top tier talent.
Then things got violent.
Reports surfaced that Papoose allegedly confronted Eazy at a battle rap event and things got physical. It wasn't just a rumor anymore; it was a rift. By early 2025, the facade was gone. Papoose officially filed for divorce in May 2025, and he didn't go quietly.
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The Allegations that Changed Everything
The court documents weren't just about "irreconcilable differences." Papoose went for the jugular. He accused Remy of multiple affairs—not just with Eazy, but also with an unidentified woman dating back to her time in prison.
It was a total 180 from the man who used to call her "Queen" in every single interview.
Remy didn't just sit back, though. She took to Instagram Live, calling Papoose "the brokest" man she'd ever been with and labeling him a narcissist. She even started using her maiden name, Remy Kioni Smith, again. It felt like watching two people who had spent fifteen years building a monument together suddenly decide to burn it down and salt the earth.
The Claressa Shields Factor
Enter the "G.W.O.A.T." (Greatest Woman of All Time).
While the divorce was unfolding, Papoose wasn't exactly sitting at home mourning. He moved on with world-champion boxer Claressa Shields. This wasn't some quiet, low-key rebound, either. They’ve been spotted everywhere together—from Hawaii Fest to The Breakfast Club.
Basically, the timeline looks like this:
- Late 2024: Pap and Remy separate after years of mounting tension.
- May 2025: Papoose files for divorce and goes public with the cheating claims.
- Late 2025: Claressa Shields confirms she and Pap are a serious item.
- December 2025: Papoose appears on The Breakfast Club to finally address the "cheating" narrative, claiming he was loyal throughout the entire marriage, even while Remy was incarcerated.
Shields has been incredibly vocal. She’s gone toe-to-toe with Remy on social media, even offering to get in the ring with her. It’s wild. She even posted a video with a ring on her finger, though she later clarified that Pap hasn't popped the question yet.
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The Mystery of the "Ghostwriter"
One of the weirdest and most bitter parts of this split involves the music. Papoose claimed on Instagram Live that he wrote 90% of Remy’s songs since her debut.
That includes "Conceited."
Think about that for a second. If true, it changes the entire legacy of one of the most respected female lyricists in the game. Remy, obviously, called B.S. on this. But Papoose was adamant, saying he has the lyrics on his old phones to prove it. He said he was happy to stay in her shadow for years because that’s what a supportive husband does.
Now? He’s not in anyone’s shadow. He’s the Head of Hip-Hop at TuneCore and living his life with a world-class athlete.
Why This Separation Hits Different
Most celebrity divorces are boring. They release a joint statement about "mutual respect" and "co-parenting," and then we never hear about it again.
This is the opposite.
It feels personal to the fans because we were sold a dream. We watched Papoose wait for her. We watched them build a family. To see it end with accusations of domestic violence (the Eazy altercation), infidelity, and "who wrote whose bars" is a gut punch to the culture.
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It also highlights a hard truth: you can't build a marriage solely on the foundation of "holding someone down." Once the struggle is over and the "Golden Child" is here, the real-world problems—money, ego, and wandering eyes—don't just disappear.
Moving Forward in 2026
Remy is focusing on her league, Chrome 23, and her relationship with Eazy The Block Captain. Despite the initial denials, she’s been seen in viral clips admitting her love for him.
Papoose is leaning into his executive role and his new relationship. He seems lighter, honestly. On his recent press tour, he kept repeating that he wishes her the best but that "some of this stuff is just so old" and it’s time to move on.
For the fans, the takeaway is pretty clear. Black love isn't a brand; it’s a daily choice. And sometimes, even the most legendary partnerships have an expiration date.
Next Steps for Fans and Observers:
- Stop Picking Sides: Both artists have contributed massively to the culture. You can appreciate Remy's pen and Papoose's loyalty without needing to "cancel" one of them.
- Watch the Music: Keep an eye on Remy’s upcoming releases. If there’s a noticeable shift in her flow or lyrical structure, the "ghostwriting" claims might carry more weight than people want to admit.
- Respect the Co-Parenting: They still have a young daughter. Regardless of the IG Live rants, that kid deserves two healthy parents who aren't at war.
The era of Papoose and Remy Ma as a duo is officially closed. But as solo entities? They’re both proving they still have plenty to say.