Dizzee Rascal Net Worth

Dizzee Rascal: A Journey Through Fame and Fortune

Dizzee Rascal, born as Dylan Kwabena Mills on September 18, 1984, in the vibrant streets of Bow, London, has risen from a turbulent and challenging upbringing to become a celebrated figure in the music industry. With a net worth of $3.5 million, Dizzee Rascal has made significant contributions to the music scene, particularly in the realm of grime music. This article delves into the life and career of Dizzee Rascal, exploring his early years, his music journey, personal life, and the numerous awards and accolades he has garnered throughout his remarkable career.

Table of Contents

Early Life: A Turbulent Beginning

Dizzee Rascal’s early life was marked by adversity and tumult. He was born to a Ghanaian mother and a Nigerian father, an eclectic blend of cultural influences that would later find expression in his music. Tragically, Dizzee lost his father at a young age, leaving him to be raised by his resilient mother, Priscilla. Reflecting on his tumultuous childhood, Dizzee Rascal has remarked, “I had issues as a kid. I was violent and disruptive. The way my mum helped was by finding me a different school every time I got kicked out, always fighting to keep me in the school system.”

Despite his early struggles, Dizzee attended several east London schools, including Langdon Park School and St. Paul’s Way Community School. However, he faced expulsion from many of them due to his rebellious and disruptive behavior. During this period, a teacher is reported to be the first person to coin the nickname “Rascal” for him. Dizzee’s youth was fraught with a series of delinquent activities, including car theft, confrontations with teachers, and even robbing pizza delivery personnel.

Dizzee’s journey took an unexpected turn when he attended the Young Actors Theatre Islington (YATI), where he had a science teacher, Shazia Mirza, who would later gain fame as a comedian. It was at YATI that Dizzee’s affinity for music began to take shape, encouraged by his music teacher, Joseph Robson. The summer break saw him participating in a music workshop offered by Tower Hamlets Summer University, setting the stage for his musical odyssey.

Career: The Ascent of a Grime Pioneer

Dizzee Rascal’s musical career commenced at a remarkably young age. By the age of 14, he had already become an amateur bass and drum DJ, occasionally gracing the airwaves of pirate radio stations with his vibrant mixes. At 16, he took a significant step forward by producing his debut single, “I Luv You,” under his independent record label, Dirtee Stank.

In 2002, Dizzee furthered his musical aspirations by forming the “13-piece garage collective” known as the Roll Deep Crew, comprised of former classmates. This marked a crucial juncture in his career. Unfortunately, the following year, while performing with the Roll Deep Crew in Cyprus, Dizzee Rascal faced a harrowing incident where he was stabbed and had to undergo surgery. Despite the ordeal, his talent shone through. In 2002, he was bestowed with the Sidewinder Awards for Best Newcomer MC, a testament to his emerging prominence in the grime music scene.

Dizzee’s journey took another exciting turn when he was selected to be a judge on the Sky1 talent competition series, “Must Be the Music.” Subsequently, he inked a solo record deal with XL Recordings, culminating in the release of his debut album, “Boy in da Corner,” in 2003. This album, a trailblazing work in the grime genre, earned Platinum certification in the U.K. and secured the #23 spot on the UK Albums Chart. Furthermore, it attained the 14th position on the “Billboard” Independent Albums chart and the 16th place on the “Billboard” Heatseekers Albums chart.

One of the standout tracks from “Boy in da Corner,” “Fix Up, Look Sharp,” was certified Silver in the U.K. Dizzee’s sophomore album, “Showtime,” released in 2004, achieved Gold certification in the U.K. and reached the eighth spot on the UK Albums Chart. The single “Stand Up Tall” from the album marked a significant milestone, becoming his first top 10 single on the UK Singles Chart.

The year 2007 saw the release of “Maths + English,” Dizzee’s third album, which reached #7 on the UK Albums Chart and earned Gold certification in the U.K. Dizzee Rascal was making his mark in the music industry, demonstrating his versatility and innovative prowess.

Dizzee’s fourth album, “Tongue n’ Cheek,” in 2009, featured four chart-topping singles on the UK Singles Chart, namely, “Dance wiv Me” (featuring Calvin Harris and Chrome), “Bonkers” (with Armand Van Helden), “Holiday” (featuring Chrome), and “Dirtee Disco.” These tracks not only dominated the charts but also achieved impressive certifications, with “Dance wiv Me,” “Bonkers,” and “Holiday” receiving Platinum or higher certifications in the U.K. “Dirtee Disco” was no slouch either, securing Silver certification. “Tongue n’ Cheek” reached the third position on the UK Albums Chart, #1 on the UK R&B Albums Chart, and even earned the ninth spot on the New Zealand Albums chart, ultimately attaining Platinum status in the U.K.

Subsequent albums, including “The Fifth” (2013) and “Raskit” (2017), maintained Dizzee’s strong presence on the UK Albums Chart, both reaching the #10 spot. “The Fifth” featured popular singles like “Goin’ Crazy” (featuring Robbie Williams) and “Something Really Bad” (featuring will.i.am), which secured the fifth and tenth positions, respectively, on the UK Singles Chart. Dizzee’s seventh album, “E3 AF,” released in 2020, claimed the 13th spot on the UK Albums Chart.

Dizzee Rascal’s influence transcended album releases. He contributed his talents to various collaborations, including the 2004 re-recording of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” with Band Aid 20. Additionally, he lent his skills to songs by renowned artists such as Basement Jaxx (“Lucky Star”), Shakira (“Loca”), Jessie J (“Wild”), and DJ Fresh (“The Power” and “How Love Begins”).

Dizzee Rascal’s Personal Life: Navigating Challenges

In March 2005, Dizzee Rascal faced a significant legal hurdle. He was arrested for having pepper spray in his possession during a car search in east London. The circumstances surrounding the arrest raised eyebrows not only because of the pepper spray but also due to the fact that the driver of the vehicle was apprehended for possessing a section five firearm – the pepper spray – and an offensive weapon, which was identified as an ASP baton. Cannabis was also found in the vehicle. This incident cast a shadow on his personal life and raised questions about the choices he was making.

The year 2008 was a poignant one for Dizzee Rascal as it brought both personal loss and legal troubles. His ex-girlfriend, Kaya Bousquet, tragically lost her life in a car accident. Dizzee and Kaya had been romantically involved for two years, and her untimely passing was a devastating blow, leaving a lasting impact on his personal and emotional well-being.

Just a few months following this tragic loss, Dizzee found himself in legal jeopardy once again. This time, he was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon after allegedly approaching a driver with a baseball bat during a road rage incident. This incident added to a string of run-ins with the law and fueled concerns about his behavior.

In 2010, Dizzee Rascal made a public declaration about his intention to abstain from drugs and alcohol in the future. He stated, “I’m not having any alcohol. No weed. I’m not doing anything – except some boxing to release energy.” It seemed like a turning point, a moment where he sought to put his tumultuous past behind him and embrace a healthier, cleaner lifestyle.

However, in 2011, he admitted to straying from his commitment to clean living. In an interview with “GQ,” he candidly shared, “To be honest with you, the whole living clean vibe didn’t last long. My biggest mistake was probably saying it in an interview, to be fair. I tried living mad clean – but I like partying as much as anyone else.” This revelation provided a glimpse into the complex nature of his personal journey, where the pressures of fame and the allure of a party lifestyle were difficult to resist.

More recently, in March 2022, Dizzee Rascal faced a legal judgment that further added to the complexities of his personal life. He was convicted of assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Cassandra Jones, following a “chaotic argument” in June 2021. As he exited the court, he demonstrated his frustration by knocking a camera out of a photographer’s hands and throwing it. The court’s decision resulted in a community order that included a 24-week curfew, and a restraining order was issued, preventing Dizzee from contacting Cassandra for a year.

Awards and Nominations: Celebrating Musical Excellence

Dizzee Rascal’s contributions to the music industry have not gone unnoticed. His remarkable talent and pioneering work in the grime music genre have earned him numerous award nominations and a string of accolades throughout his career. Let’s explore the accolades and awards that have celebrated his musical excellence.

1. BT Digital Music Award (2003): Dizzee Rascal clinched the BT Digital Music Award for Best Use of Mobile in 2003, recognizing his innovative approach to utilizing digital platforms for music promotion.

2. Mercury Prize (2003): In the same year, Dizzee achieved a significant milestone when he secured the Mercury Prize for Best Album of the Year. His debut album, “Boy in da Corner,” was hailed as a groundbreaking work and marked him as a standout artist.

3. Urban Music Award (2003): Dizzee Rascal’s emergence in the music scene was further underscored when he received the Urban Music Award for Best Newcomer, an acknowledgment of his rapid ascent in the industry.

4. MOBO Award (2004): The year 2004 saw Dizzee Rascal being honored with the MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Award for UK Act of the Year, reflecting his growing influence and prominence.

5. NME Award (2004): In the same year, he was recognized with an “NME” Award for Innovation, underscoring his innovative contributions to the music landscape.

6. MOBO Awards (2007, 2008): Dizzee continued to make waves in the UK music scene, securing the MOBO Award for Best UK Male in both 2007 and 2008, cementing his status as a leading male artist in the country.

7. Antville Music Video Award (2007): Dizzee’s music video for “Sirens” received the Antville Music Video Award for Best Narrative Video in 2007. This award celebrated his ability to tell compelling stories through visual storytelling.

8. BET Award (2010): Dizzee Rascal was honored with the BET Award for Best International Act in 2010, signifying his international recognition and influence in the music industry.

9. Ivors Inspiration Award (2011): At the 2011 Ivor Novello Awards, Dizzee Rascal received the prestigious Ivors Inspiration Award, recognizing his inspirational impact on the music landscape.

10. Hungarian Music Award (2014): His 2014 album, “The Fifth,” received recognition when it won the Hungarian Music Award for Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year. This international accolade demonstrated his global appeal.

11. Webby Awards (2018, 2019): Dizzee Rascal’s music videos continued to capture attention. He won Webby Awards for Best Music Video in 2018 for “Bop N’ Keep It Dippin” and in 2019 for “Money Right.” These awards showcased his ability to create visually compelling and engaging content.

12. Honorary Doctorate (2013): In 2013, Dizzee Rascal’s contributions to music were recognized with an honorary Doctorate of the Arts from the University of East London. This academic recognition celebrated his influence in the realm of arts and culture.

These accolades and awards not only underscore Dizzee Rascal’s profound impact on the music industry but also highlight his versatility and ability to cross borders and genres. His journey from a tumultuous childhood to a celebrated music career is a testament to his resilience and determination.

Conclusion

Dizzee Rascal, born Dylan Kwabena Mills, is more than a grime music pioneer; he is a testament to the transformative power of music and personal determination. From his challenging upbringing in the streets of Bow, London, to the pinnacle of his musical career, Dizzee’s journey has been marked by both adversity and achievement.

With a net worth of $3.5 million, Dizzee Rascal’s music has not only resonated with audiences but has also left an indelible mark on the music industry. His debut album, “Boy in da Corner,” not only earned critical acclaim but also secured him the Mercury Prize for Best Album of the Year, making him the youngest recipient of this prestigious award. His albums have consistently reached high positions on the UK Albums Chart, and he has achieved remarkable success with several chart-topping singles.

However, his life hasn’t been without its share of personal challenges and legal troubles. Dizzee has navigated complex issues, including arrests and the tragic loss of his ex-girlfriend. Despite these setbacks, he has demonstrated resilience and a commitment to his music.

Throughout his career, Dizzee Rascal has received numerous accolades and awards, celebrating his musical excellence and impact on the industry. These include MOBO Awards, NME Awards, BET Awards, and even an honorary Doctorate of the Arts from the University of East London. His contribution to music videos has also been recognized with Webby Awards.

In conclusion, Dizzee Rascal’s journey from a turbulent childhood to becoming a celebrated figure in the music world is a testament to his talent, determination, and the power of music to overcome adversity. With a rich discography and a legacy of innovation in the grime genre, Dizzee Rascal’s influence in the music industry is far from over, and his impact continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.