American singer-songwriter, rapper, actor, and dancer Ginuwine have a net worth of $1.5 million. He has several Platinum-certified studio albums under his belt at this point. In the United States alone, he has sold 10 million albums.
Early Years
The famous NBA player Elgin Baylor Lumpkin inspired Ginuwine’s given name when he was born on October 15, 1970. Inspired by the likes of Michael Jackson and Prince, he began performing at the tender age of 12 with the hip-hop group Finesse Five.
After finishing high school in 1989, he went on to attend college. He attended Prince George’s Community College in Largo, Maryland, where he earned an associate’s degree in paralegal studies.
Career
Ginuwine maintained his performing career even as he enrolled in college. He performed as an impersonator of Michael Jackson and was a member of the band Physical Wonder. Following his decision to perform as Ginuwine in 1996, he was discovered by the R&B group Jodeci.
Ginuwine was signed to the label Swing Mob, which was founded by Donald “Devante Swing” DeGrate of Jodeci. Meeting other musicians and producers like Missy Elliott and Timbaland at this time proved to be a turning point in his career. Ginuwine’s first album, “Ginuwine…The Bachelor,” was released in 1996, long after Swing Mob had disbanded but after he had worked extensively with Timbaland throughout the ’90s.
The album’s lead single, “Pony,” peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has stayed in the public consciousness ever since. It’s been in movies and games like “Grand Theft Auto IV” and Channing Tatum’s “Magic Mike.”
Ginuwine’s second studio album, simply titled “100% Ginuwine,” was released in 1999. Two successful singles were taken from this album: “Same Ol’ G” and “None of Ur Friends Business.” After working together on the project, Ginuwine and Timbaland went their separate ways.
Ginuwine started collaborating with other musicians and producers like R. Kelly. In 2001, Ginuwine’s single “Differences” reached the top spot on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and the number four spot on the Billboard Hot 100, marking his return to chart prominence. His third studio album, 2001’s “The Life,” was named after a popular magazine.
The Senior,” Ginuwine’s fourth studio album, was released in 2003 and debuted at number six on the Billboard 200; it has since been certified gold. In 2002, Ginuwine also decided to start his own record label, Bag Entertainment.
Then, in November of 2005, he dropped his fifth studio album, titled “Back II Da Basics,” which was generally less successful than his prior albums. Next, in 2007, he formed the R&B trio TGT with fellow musicians Tyrese and Tank. After the debut single was released, the band was supposed to go on tour to promote it, but they had to call it off due to scheduling conflicts. A few years later, in 2013, the band put out their first album, “Three Kings,” which was nominated for a Grammy.
Ginuwine’s sixth studio album, “A Man’s Thoughts,” featured appearances from Timbaland, Missy Elliott, and Brandy when it was released in 2009. His label artists, such as Young Knight, the rapper, continued to collaborate with him over the next couple of years. After that, in 2011, he dropped “Elgin,” his seventh studio album, which debuted at number 30 on the Billboard 200. He also revealed that album eight would be titled “Same Ol’G…the Bachelor,” and would be produced by himself.
Personal Life
In 1999, Ginuwine began dating rapper Tonya Johnston, also known as Solé; the couple dated for a few years and had a daughter, whom they named Story, in 2001. In 2002, their second daughter, Dream, was born. In September 2003, the couple tied the knot in the Cayman Islands. Genuwine has two more children from Solé’s previous relationship, as well as five children from other women.
Remember when we wondered if @AaliyahHaughton and @Ginuwine were secretly dating after he made a cameo in her #OneInAMillion video? ♥️ Heard this song for the first time in a long time today. Gave me chills. #BabyGirl #ForeverInOurHearts pic.twitter.com/8K9u7RyJVQ
— Iris Pérez (@msirisperez) December 21, 2018
Ginuwine announced the split in November 2014. In July 2015, they finalized their separation. Ginuwine’s personal life is not devoid of tragedy. His parents both passed away tragically: his dad by suicide and his mom from cancer a year and a half later. He has been very forthright about his battle with depression and has even sought professional help for it. On his album from 2001, he sings about his parents’ deaths in a song titled “Two Reasons I Cry.”
Financial Problems
One of Ginuwine’s attorneys said in November 2014 that the singer was contemplating bankruptcy. Ginuwine’s lawyer made it public that the singer owed the IRS at least $300,000, along with a large sum to the law firm and other creditors. Robert Reives, one of the debtors, was also the record’s executive producer. At the very least, Reives wanted $250,000 in back royalties. The singer’s lawyer said Ginuwine’s divorce from Solé, another musician, was to blame for the singer’s financial woes. Ginuwine’s accusers said he was trying to get out of paying settlements by falsely claiming bankruptcy.
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