Nas & Kelis: $51,000 a Month, Domestic Violence Claims, and a Decade of Hip-Hop's Ugliest Co-Parenting War
She was seven months pregnant when he filed. He owed $300K in back support. Their son became the battlefield.
Key Facts
What Happened
Rapper Nas (Nasir Jones) and singer Kelis (Kelis Rogers) married in 2005, combining two of hip-hop's biggest personalities. The marriage was turbulent from the start, with both parties later making serious allegations against each other. They separated in 2009 while Kelis was seven months pregnant with their son Knight. Kelis filed for divorce in April 2009, and the divorce was finalized in May 2010.
The financial battle was staggering. A judge ordered Nas to pay $51,101 per month — $41,000 in child support and $10,000 in spousal support. But Nas consistently fell behind on payments, accumulating $299,015 in back spousal support and over $87,000 in back child support. In 2012, he was held in contempt of court for non-payment. Nas claimed he couldn't afford the payments despite his substantial catalog and touring income, telling the court his expenses exceeded his earnings.
The custody battle over Knight was equally bitter and stretched over eight years. Kelis made allegations of domestic violence, claiming she 'had bruises all over her body' during the marriage. Nas denied the allegations. The public feuding extended to social media, with both parties making accusations about parenting. Kelis accused Nas of being a part-time parent who showed up only when it was convenient, while Nas posted about being denied access to his son.
Eventually, a judge ordered joint legal and physical custody of Knight. But the damage was evident: years of public accusations, financial warfare, and courtroom battles that consumed both parents' energy and resources. The case illustrates how celebrity divorces involving child support can spiral out of control when neither party is willing to negotiate privately, and how social media feuding can harm both parents' credibility in court.
Legal Breakdown: Child Custody
Contempt of Court for Non-Payment
When Nas failed to pay court-ordered support, he was held in contempt of court. This is a serious legal consequence that can result in fines, wage garnishment, and even jail time. Courts take a dim view of high-earning individuals who claim they cannot afford payments. If your income drops, you must formally request a modification — you cannot simply stop paying.
Domestic Violence Allegations in Custody Cases
Kelis's claims of physical abuse became a factor in custody negotiations. In most states, domestic violence allegations trigger additional scrutiny in custody decisions. Courts may order supervised visitation, require anger management programs, or deny custody to the accused parent. However, allegations must be supported by evidence — police reports, medical records, witness statements, or photographs.
Social Media as Evidence
Both Nas and Kelis made public statements about each other's parenting on social media. Family court judges routinely review social media posts, and anything posted publicly can be entered as evidence. Hostile posts about your co-parent can hurt your custody case, even if the statements are true.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →If you cannot afford court-ordered support payments, file a modification request immediately. Ignoring the order leads to contempt charges, not sympathy.
- →Never discuss custody disputes on social media. Everything you post can and will be used in court. Vent to your therapist, not your followers.
- →Document domestic violence with evidence — photographs, medical records, police reports — not just social media posts. Courts need proof, not allegations.
- →An 8-year custody battle benefits no one, especially not the child. Mediation, even when it feels impossible, is almost always better than prolonged litigation.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
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