In 2009, one of hip-Hop’s most well-known couples called it quits when Kelis filed for divorce from Nas on the grounds of “irreconcilable differences.”
News hit the media on April 30 when the singer filed papers in Los Angeles through high-powered attorney Laura Wasser. Complicating matters was the fact Kelis was seven months pregnant with Nas’ child at the time of the filing.
The ex-couple had dated for two years before tying the knot in Atlanta in 2005.
Both parties declined to release any public statement until Kelis gave birth to the ex-couple’s son Knight in July.
The joyous occasion was mired by speculation that Kelis refused to allow Nas into the delivery room because he was inebriated. A video soon surfaced of a tipsy Nas speaking on the birth of his son in Queensbridge before completing a short concert set.
“This is like the best thing ever,” Nas said while flanked by rap legend Luv Bug Starski. “My Son’s name is Knight. That’s what I named the young God. Yall heard it first. Don’t believe nothing in the media.”
Addressing the delivery room situation, a representative for the rapper confirmed Nas was not allowed to witness Knight’s birth.
“It was his intention to be there for the birth, but unfortunately he has not been allowed to be present,” a source close to the rapper told AllHipHop.com. “While this is clearly heartbreaking to him, Nas continues to offer his support and love to his new baby boy and his mother.”
Also in July, Kelis was awarded $39,498 in temporary spousal and child support. Additionally, Los Angeles Court Judge Louis Meisinger ruled that Nas would have to cover Kelis’ $45,000 lawyer and forensic accountant fees.
Kelis had originally asked for $80,000 in total support on the grounds that her income had dropped and she was dependent on Nas to maintain her lifestyle.
In August, lawyers for Kelis requested an increase of $400,000, alleging Nas owed retro child and spousal support.
Based on Nas reportedly grossing $244.826.00 per month, the lawyers requested $17,225.00 a month in child support, $72,728.00 in spousal support, retro child support of $29,522.00, and retro spousal support of $281,571.
A final judgment was rendered on December 9 when Los Angeles Court Judge David S. Cunningham ordered Nas to pay $51,101 a month in spousal and child support.
The verdict was the result of two days worth on testimony from both parties.
Kelis’ testimony revealed that she inked a new recording contract with Interscope for $175,000. However, the singer’s attorney explained most of that money was paid out to managers, leaving her only $50,000.
On cross-examination, she told Nas attorney Mark Kaplan that her comeback career has been far different from her former chart topping fame circa the 2003 single “Milkshake,” indicating that her latest song was quietly dropped on Twitter.
Her income could also not be determined, as documentation showed Kelis has not filed an income tax return in years.
Nas’ testimony showed he owed $700,000 to his manager and 2.5 million in back taxes to the IRS.
As part of the judgment, Nas would no longer have to pay the $13,000 a month mortgage on the former couple’s Los Angeles home.
To date, both Nas and Kelis have refrained from making any negative statements against each other in the press. However, Nas did offer insight on his behavior within the marriage, and his thoughts on the media and fan’s attention to his personal life.
“I heard that I was a cheater,” the rapper told Vancouver, Canada’s Georgia Straight newspaper. “It almost sounds like I was a bad husband. Not to say I was the greatest—I’m not perfect in anything I do—but I think I deserve a f###### trophy. If I do say so myself, without sounding too cocky, I gotta say I was a hell of a husband and a hell of a dad…It’s unfortunate when business is out there about your personal s###, especially when you’re really not the guy to be having his s### out there. The sad thing is, you’ve got to get used to it. My skin is so thick that I probably need to write a book for people who are not ready for anything crazy.”
