Edd’s MANtra: Baby I Got Your Money

April 14, 2010Edward Bowsercelebrity dish, Edd's MANtra2

Well, it’s time for me to infuriate more of our readers.

It’s cool. I survived the wrath of Blu Cantrell and her henchmen. I can take anything.

Back during the tail end of the 90s, maybe even early 00s, who knows, I’ll never forget an interview I read from R&B star Kelis in Vibe. For our younger readers, way back then, there were these things called magazines. You read the stories not from a computer screen, but on glossy paper. They often had half-naked R&B singers on the front. Vibe was one of these relics.

Anyway, in this issue, Kelis recounted a conversation she had with one of her female friends. Her friend said something to the effect of “Kelis, you’re pretty, you should easily land a rich, famous rapper.”

Take my word for it, this is tale is true. If I had 10 years of foresight I would have saved it that article.

Ten years later, Kelis’ dream was realized – she married the man many consider to be the best rapper alive.

And she took him to the cleaners. From TMZ.com:

Nas went to court Monday over his divorce with Kelis — and walked out a little lighter in the wallet. According to documents filed in L.A. County Superior Court, Nas had to immediately fork over $47,249.42 in back child support and $40,454 in back spousal support. The judge also ordered Nas to pay $10,000/month in spousal support until he pays off the $299,015.50 he owes Kelis. Nas also has to pay 90% of Kelis’ legal fees in the amount of $155,787.28. Lastly, Nas has to pay $48,549.83 to cover Kelis’ accounting expenses.

Playa! Those numbers better be odometer readings, not dollar amounts.

Can anyone tell me why this woman needs this much spousal support?

Now before you fire up your torches and scoop up your pitchforks, hear me out. I’m all for child support. We all know there are plenty of men out there neglecting their duties. Those children deserve financial compensation. The same goes for spouses who served as homemakers, who have parted ways from the majority breadwinner. That person needs a little support as they adjust to a new role.

However, why should someone who has a thriving career be owed THAT much money? Kelis is no Beyonce, but she’s no Brooke Valentine either. I’m sure she’s still getting “Milkshake” checks. But here’s what set me off. A few months ago, MTV reported that Kelis testified that she “has been having difficulty earning money because she is a new mother and doesn’t have a lot of job options outside of the music business. “

Oh really? Check out Kelis’ new video for “Acapella.” Pretty fancy video for a starving artist. Erykah Badu’s new video cost $5.50 – $3 for bus fare and $2.50 for that raggedy wave cap she wears.

I’m not saying Kelis should get nothing, but why should a woman with a viable career needlessly bleed a man dry? Maybe she’s just working the legal system but that’s doesn’t justify the situation. Unless Illmatic secretly made Nas a billionaire, I think he’s getting a raw deal.

Do you think Kelis is due so much spousal support? What are your thoughts on the spousal support system?

javacia April 15, 2010 at 2:39 am

I think Kelis is being ridiculous, which makes me sad because I’m a fan. I really don’t understand why a person would even want spousal support. Child support? Yes, of course. But spousal support? Why would you want to be dependent on anyone, let alone your ex?! Sure, spousal support should be given to people who were homemakers while they adjust and if you, let’s say, helped your spouse build a business I think you deserve a share of the profits, but spousal support just because; I don’t get that.

Maisy April 16, 2010 at 1:25 am

It’s totally ridiculous.
I can’t even say anything else about it because it makes me feel barfy.

Edd’s MANtra: Baby I Got Your Money

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