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Keith Sweat, born on July 22, 1961, in Harlem, New York, is a renowned R&B singer and soul artist. Known for his pioneering work in the New Jack Swing genre, he rose to fame with hits like “I Want Her” and “Make It Last Forever.”
Over his career, Keith has released multiple platinum albums, collaborated with bands like Silk and Kut Klose, and joined the supergroup LSG. In addition to music, he hosts The Sweat Hotel, a syndicated radio show. Although his net worth is reported at $250,000, Keith remains an influential figure in American R&B. He has four children and attended City College of New York.
Personal Summary
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Keith Douglas Sweat |
| Net Worth | $250,000 |
| Birth Date | July 22, 1961 |
| Birthplace | Harlem, New York City, U.S. |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 5′ 10″ (178 cm) |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Radio Host, Actor, Film Score Composer |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Juanita Thompson (Mother), Charles Sweat (Father) |
| Education | The City College of New York |
| Genres | R&B, New Jack Swing, Soul |
| Children | Justin Sweat, Keyshia Sweat, Keia Sweat, Jordan Sweat |
| Famous Albums | Make It Last Forever, Keith Sweat, Rebirth, Playing For Keeps |
| Hit Singles | I Want Her, Make You Sweat, Twisted, Nobody, Come and Get with Me |
| Total Albums Sold | Over 25 million |
| Awards | Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award (2013), American Music Awards nominations |
| Notable Bands | Jamilah, Silk, Kut Klose |
| Famous Collaborations | Dru Hill, The Isley Brothers, Immature, The O’Jays, Chantay Savage |
| Radio Show | The Sweat Hotel |
| Books | Make It Last Forever: The Dos and Don’ts (2013) |
| Marriage | Previously married to Lisa Wu |
| Financial Issues | Faced mortgage foreclosure issues, PMI Mortgage lawsuit, Detroit foreclosure |
| Verzuz Battle | Competed with Bobby Brown in a Verzuz showdown |
| Associated Labels | Vintertainment Records |
| Acting Appearances | Appeared on Martin, The Wayans Bros. |
| Most Iconic Hit | Twisted |
| Key Influence | Pioneer of the New Jack Swing movement |
Early Life and Background
Keith Sweat was born on July 22, 1961, to Juanita Thompson and Charles Sweat in Harlem, New York City. Growing up in one of New York’s most culturally rich neighborhoods, Sweat was exposed to American music early on.
His passion for music emerged as he attended City College of New York, balancing his education with a deepening interest in performing. His career, however, didn’t start in the music industry.
Instead, he worked at Paine Webber, the New York Stock Exchange, and the New York Mercantile Exchange. These jobs helped him understand business and finance, though his true calling was in music.
Family and Personal Life
Keith Sweat’s family and personal life reveal a dedicated father and an influential figure in R&B. He was born in Harlem, New York, to parents Juanita Thompson and Charles Sweat, and he later attended The City College of New York.
Keith was married to Lisa Wu, a TV personality and actress, with whom he shares two children, Justin and Jordan. He has four children in total, including Keyshia and Keia. Known for his deep, soulful songs about love and relationships.
Keith’s personal experiences often inspire his music. Despite facing financial challenges, his commitment to family and music remains strong.
Breaking into Music with “Make It Last Forever”
Keith Sweat’s entry into the music world came with his work in the band Jamilah. His solo career began with a record deal at Vintertainment Records, and in 1987, he released his debut album, “Make It Last Forever”.
This album was a massive success, going 3x Platinum and featuring hit singles like “I Want Her” and “Make It Last Forever”. These tracks not only topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart but also introduced a fresh music style called New Jack Swing, which blended R&B with hip-hop rhythms.
Sweat’s unique music style made him a soul artist admired by fans and peers alike. “Make It Last Forever” became one of the highest-selling R&B albums of its time, cementing Keith Sweat’s place as a music industry figure.
| Album | Certification | Notable Tracks |
| Make It Last Forever | 3x Platinum | “I Want Her,” “Make It Last Forever” |
| I’ll Give All My Love to You | Platinum | “Merry Go Round,” “Your Love” |
| Keith Sweat | 4x Platinum | “Twisted,” “Nobody” |
Career Highlights and Hit Albums
Throughout the 1990s, Keith Sweat released a series of successful albums. Standout titles like “I’ll Give All My Love to You”, “Keith Sweat”, and “Rebirth”. His album Keith Sweat achieved 4x Platinum status, featuring songs like “Twisted” and “Nobody” that became R&B hits. These albums consistently ranked high on hit charts, showcasing his ongoing appeal in the R&B genre.
Sweat’s discography also includes collaborations with artists such as Dru Hill, The Isley Brothers, and Chantay Savage, further broadening his influence in American R&B.
In the late 1990s, Sweat formed the supergroup LSG with Gerald Levert and Johnny Gill.
The group released a hit album that brought together their fan bases, pushing their collaboration to the top of R&B music rankings. The success of LSG proved Keith Sweat’s adaptability and talent as both a solo artist and a group performer.
Financial Struggles and Setbacks
Despite his success, Keith Sweat faced serious financial troubles over the years. By 2012, Sweat’s finances had been severely affected by a series of setbacks, including a mortgage foreclosure. PMI Mortgage filed a lawsuit for over $250,000, accusing him of defaulting on a Detroit property.
This lawsuit brought to light some of Sweat’s monetary problems and fiscal issues, which he has been working to resolve.These financial issues reflect the difficulties even successful artists can face in an industry filled with changing trends and economic pressures.
While his music career was flourishing. A combination of asset liens, foreclosure challenges, and lawsuits led to his current net worth of $250,000. This figure may surprise some, given his extensive contributions to R&B music. But it illustrates the reality of an artist whose earnings did not always keep up with financial obligations.
Current Income Sources and The Sweat Hotel
In recent years, Keith Sweat has remained active in the music industry through his syndicated radio show, The Sweat Hotel. This radio program allows him to connect with his audience as a radio host. Featuring live calls, music discussions, and classic R&B hits.
The Sweat Hotel has become a stable income source for Keith Sweat. Broadcasting across several states and attracting listeners who appreciate soul music. Sweat also continues to perform and release new music, though on a smaller scale than during his peak.
His recent albums, “Ridin’ Solo” and “Playing For Keeps”, demonstrate his commitment to music despite the challenges he has faced. In 2021, he participated in a Verzuz battle with Bobby Brown, reminding fans of his legacy in American R&B.
Awards and Recognition
Keith Sweat’s impact on the R&B genre has not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous music awards and was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Soul Train Awards in 2013. This recognition celebrates his contributions to soul music and his role as a pioneer of New Jack Swing. In addition to his American Music Awards, these accolades have solidified Keith Sweat’s status as an R&B icon.
His career honors underscore the lasting impression he has made. Not only through his hit albums but also through his influence on younger artists in the R&B genre.
How Much is Keith Sweat Net Worth forbes 2023
With a net worth of $250,000, Keith Sweat stands as an example of how financial ups and downs can affect even high-profile artists. His journey highlights the need for financial planning, especially in a volatile industry like music. Compared to other American R&B singers, Sweat’s net worth is lower, but his influence and legacy are undeniable.
FAQ’s
How much does Keith Sweat charge?
Keith Sweat’s appearance fees vary based on the type of event and location. Typically ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 per performance, though prices can fluctuate depending on the event specifics.
How much is Keith’s net worth?
Keith Sweat’s current net worth is estimated to be around $250,000. Reflecting his successful career in R&B music along with some financial challenges over the years.
How many albums has Keith Sweat sold?
Keith Sweat has sold over 25 million albums worldwide since his career began. Thanks to hits that made him a standout artist in the R&B genre.
Has Keith Sweat ever been married?
Yes, Keith Sweat was previously married to Lisa Wu, an actress and TV personality best known for her role on The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
What is Keith Sweat’s biggest hit?
Keith Sweat’s biggest hit is often considered to be “Twisted,” which topped the R&B charts in the 1990s and remains one of his most iconic songs.
Where did Keith meet his wife?
Keith met Lisa Wu in the early 1990s, but specific details of how they met are generally private and not widely disclosed in public records.
Did Keith and Karen have a baby?
There’s no public record of Keith Sweat and a person named Karen having a child together; however, he shares children with his former spouse, Lisa Wu.
How old was Nicole when she married Keith?
Keith Sweat did not marry someone named Nicole; he was married to Lisa Wu. Details on other relationships are generally private.
What are some of Keith Sweat’s notable awards?
Keith Sweat has received several accolades, including a Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013, which honored his significant contributions to soul and R&B music.
Does Keith Sweat have his own radio show?
Yes, Keith Sweat hosts a popular syndicated radio show called The Sweat Hotel, where he plays classic R&B and engages with listeners, sharing insights from his career.
Has Keith Sweat ever written a book?
Keith Sweat is the author of “Make It Last Forever: The Dos and Don’ts”, a book offering advice on relationships, inspired by his personal experiences.
What genre is Keith Sweat most associated with?
Keith Sweat is closely associated with New Jack Swing and R&B, and is considered one of the pioneers of the New Jack Swing movement in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Conclusion
Keith Sweat, born on July 22, 1961, in Harlem, New York, is a celebrated R&B singer, songwriter, and radio personality. Known for pioneering the New Jack Swing genre, Keith gained fame with hits like “I Want Her” and “Make It Last Forever.” His career spans several platinum albums, collaborations with bands like Silk and Kut Klose, and membership in the supergroup LSG.
Beyond music, Keith hosts The Sweat Hotel, a popular radio show, and has authored a relationship advice book. Although his net worth is estimated at $250,000, his influence remains strong in American R&B. He has four children, attended City College of New York, and was honored with the Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.
