What is Nicky Jam's Net Worth?
Nicky Jam is an American singer-songwriter, producer and actor who has a net worth of $25 million. Nicky Jam has had numerous hit singles since first coming onto the scene in 1995, including "Travesuras," "X," "El Amante," and "Hasta el Amanecer." He became especially well-known globally after he sang and performed the song "Live It Up", which was the theme of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Nicky Jam has worked with Daddy Yankee among many other popular artists during his career. The two perform as a duo called Los Cangris. As an actor, Jam has appeared in the films "XXX: Return of Xander Cage" and "Bad Boys for Life," and played himself in the Netflix biographical drama series "Nicky Jam: El Ganador."
Early Life
Nicky Jam, whose real name is Nick Rivera Caminero, was born on March 17, 1981 in Lawrence, Massachusetts to a Puerto Rican father and Dominican mother. When he was 10, he moved with his family to San Juan, Puerto Rico due to his father's attempt to escape a drug-related offense. Although he had never spoken Spanish before and had a hard time adjusting to the culture, Caminero eventually acclimated by getting into reggaeton music and Caribbean hip hop. Originally, he went by the stage name Nick MC, but changed it to Nicky Jam when he was called that by a homeless man.
Career Beginnings
While working at a discount grocery store when he was 11, Jam passed the time by rapping about the items he was bagging. This caught the attention of a customer, who subsequently invited him to record with a local independent record label. Jam went on to release his debut EP, "…Distinto a los demás," at the age of 14 in 1995. As his popularity grew, he met his idol Daddy Yankee, with whom he formed the music duo Los Cangris. In Puerto Rico, the duo had hits with the singles "En la Cama," "Guayando," and "Donde Estan Las Gatas," among others. Meanwhile, Jam released his second EP, "Haciendo escante," in 2001.
Career Struggles
With Jam's newfound popularity came some serious personal struggles, especially in relation to substance addiction. Having used cocaine since he was 15, he fell into a dangerous drug habit that also included the use of percocet. Jam's substance problems caused major tensions between him and Daddy Yankee, resulting in their bitter split in 2004. This led Jam into a deep depression, during which time he gained substantial weight and got into various legal troubles. To make a living, he performed lounge music at a hotel.
Studio Albums and Hit Singles
Jam released his first studio album, "Vida escante," in 2004. Three years later, he moved to Medellín, Colombia to get himself back on track after his struggles with substance abuse and depression. He subsequently released his album "The Black Carpet." After suffering a near-fatal overdose in 2010, Jam swore off drugs entirely. He went on to rehabilitate his career in 2014 with his hit singles "Travesuras" and "Voy a Beber." The next year, he had a smash hit with the song "El Perdón," a collaboration with Enrique Iglesias. Jam had another monster success in 2016 with "Hasta el Amanecer," which became his first song to hit one billion views on YouTube.
In early 2017, Jam released his third studio album, "Fénix." Featuring appearances by J Balvin, Sean Paul, Kid Ink, and El Alfa, among others, the album was an enormous hit, debuting at number one on Billboard's Top Latin Albums chart. In addition to the previously released hit singles "Hasta el Amanecer" and "El Perdón," the album included the new singles "El Amante" and "Si Tú la Ves," both of which charted. Jam continued his success in 2018 with the single "X," a collaboration with J Balvin. The single was featured on his fourth studio album, "Íntimo," which came out in 2019. Two years after that, Jam released the album "Infinity."
Getty Images
Style and Influences
Jam performs in the reggaeton and Latin trap genres. He has been credited with developing the Latin urban movement in the 90s when it was still a fledgling scene in Puerto Rico. Jam's musical influences include Michael Jackson, Prince, Shakira, and Jay-Z. Additionally, he is inspired by Colombian music, such as the vallenato genre.
Acting Career
As an actor, Jam made his debut in the 2017 action sequel film "XXX: Return of Xander Cage," the third film in the "XXX" film series starring Vin Diesel. The following year, he starred as himself in the Netflix biographical series "Nicky Jam: El Ganador," which dramatizes his difficult childhood, struggles with substance addiction, and music career.
In 2020, Jam played Lorenzo "Zway-Lo" Rodríguez in the buddy cop action comedy sequel "Bad Boys for Life," the third film in the "Bad Boys" film series starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. It was a major commercial hit. Jam's next acting credit was Tim Story's 2021 film "Tom & Jerry," based on the titular cartoon characters. He voiced the character Butch Cat.
Personal Life
Jam wed his girlfriend Angélica Cruz in early 2017. The marriage didn't last long, however, as the couple filed for divorce in 2018 on account of irreconcilable differences. On Valentine's Day in 2020, Jam got engaged to model Cydney Moreau; they ended up splitting within a year. Jam's other girlfriends have included Nati Torres, Livia Rici, and Paulina Cruz. From his relationships, Jam has four children.
Real Estate
In 2017 Nicky paid $1.7 million for a starter home in Miami. He sold this home a year later for $2 million. In 2019 Nicky paid $3.4 million for a home on Palm Island in Miami. He listed this home for sale in December 2020 for $3.3 million. He ultimately accepted $3.1 million. In September 2021 Nicky paid $6 million for a condo in downtown Miami.
