While nobody was paying attention, Papoose finally showed the world what he looks like without the hat… and he has several pics up, too #LHHNY [PHOTOS]
Papoose Takes His Hat Off: Instagram Photos Finally Reveal the Truth
For over a decade, rapper Papoose has been known not just for his lyrical prowess, but for one consistent style choice: his ever-present hat. Whether in mixtape covers, red carpet appearances, or his run on Love & Hip Hop: New York, Papoose never seemed to be seen without it. That all changed earlier this month. Finally, he appeared publicly—without his hat—in a series of Instagram photos. In addition, Pap showed his hair in his “Underrated” music video.
The Internet Reacts to Papoose’s Hatless Photos
Papoose’s Instagram posts quickly drew attention. In one image, he’s seen posing alongside boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. In another, he’s enjoying a warm moment with his wife, rapper Remy Ma. In both photos, one thing stands out: Papoose is not wearing a hat. For many fans, this was the first time they had ever seen him bareheaded. As a result, the reveal sent shockwaves across social media.
Twitter lit up with reactions. On May 6, @YoungGizzleDB tweeted, “Papoose really out here breaking the internet just by showing his damn head. Salute.” Another user, @bleepthabastard, said, “Seeing #Papoose without a hat is like seeing a unicorn.” Many of the gossip forums joined the conversation with comments such as, “He looks younger without the hat,” and “I was expecting to see much worse.”
Clearing Up the 2017 Photoshop Hoax
This moment followed a viral controversy from a year ago in May 2017, when a doctored image began circulating online that appeared to show Papoose balding. The image turned out to be a photoshopped combination of Papoose’s face and DMX’s head. Papoose responded with humor, telling fans to “give X his head back,” and put the rumors to rest. Still, the fake image fueled curiosity, setting the stage for this real reveal now in 2018.
A Style Mystery Since Summer Jam 2013
Papoose’s consistent hat-wearing became a pop culture mystery after his surprise appearance at Summer Jam 2013, where he performed “Get At Me” in an unannounced set. That moment launched widespread speculation about his refusal to remove his hat. Articles and message boards noted that even during his 2016 wedding to Remy Ma, Papoose kept the cap on.
As his celebrity profile rose through mixtapes and television, the “Papoose without hat” curiosity only grew stronger. The hat became part of his identity—until earlier this month.
Tied to His Music: The “Underrated” Visuals
While the Instagram photos served as the real reveal, the timing coincided with promotional efforts around his single “Underrated.” In the music video, Papoose also appears hatless for a few scenes, reinforcing the notion that he’s stepping into his full self—without gimmicks or filters. The song itself calls for recognition based on merit, which made the visual reveal even more symbolic.
Fans took the moment as a bold and refreshing gesture. One forum user wrote, “It’s like he waited until he had nothing to prove, then said, ‘Here you go, world.’
A Look at Papoose’s Career and Image Control
Born Shamele Mackie, Papoose emerged in the late 1990s with an appearance on Kool G Rap’s Roots of Evil. He gained traction in the 2000s with an avalanche of mixtapes and a reputation for high-caliber lyricism. After a short-lived $1.5 million deal with Jive Records, he returned to the independent grind, eventually releasing The Nacirema Dream in 2013.
In the years that followed, he expanded his audience through VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: New York alongside his wife Remy Ma, solidifying his place in hip-hop culture. His refusal to show his head became part of his signature—but it also made fans more curious.
The Moment Fans Didn’t Know They Needed
In an era of calculated image management, the simple act of showing his head was refreshingly honest. Fans praised him for “aging well,” “keeping it real,” and “not being afraid to drop the mystery.” On May 5, 2018, @BarzFan tweeted, “I can’t recall that I’ve ever seen Papoose without a hat in my life.” Now, that mystery is solved.
The overwhelming response was admiration—not just for his appearance, but for his willingness to change the narrative on his own terms. The reveal wasn’t a scandal, a viral stunt, or a gimmick. It was a grown man quietly posting a picture of himself.
Why Papoose Without a Hat Resonates
This moment matters because it captures something rare in today’s media cycle: authenticity. In a landscape where rappers often craft entire personas around artificial mystique, Papoose dismantled his own myth with a few candid photos. The response proved that fans value honesty—and that even long-running jokes can be ended gracefully.
It also aligned with the message behind “Underrated”—that real talent and real people shouldn’t have to rely on gimmicks. Papoose reminded everyone that while some artists build their image to hide something, his consistency was never about fear—it was simply part of who he was.
Prior to his reality TV stardom and his relationship with Remy Ma winning audiences, Papoose was a hardcore rapper. He was what they say “your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper.” Despite his transition into mainstream fame, even daytime TV, he remains a lyricist. It was here, in his music, where Pap showed his hair for the first time.
Final Thoughts: The Hat Is Off, The Respect Remains
In showing his hair, Papoose didn’t just end an internet mystery—he made a subtle but powerful statement. He has nothing to hide. His fans responded not with memes or mockery, but with respect and admiration.
Whether you’ve followed his career since the early mixtape days or discovered him through Love & Hip Hop, one thing is clear: Papoose is more than just his hat. And now that we’ve seen what’s underneath, we’re reminded that true authenticity always cuts through.
It turns out, Papoose without a hat looks exactly like what you’d expect from one of hip-hop’s most consistent voices: confident, cool, and completely comfortable in his own skin.
