Faith Evans is a renowned American artist known for her contributions to R&B, songwriting, acting, and literature. She grew up in New Jersey and began her musical journey in 1991 after moving to Los Angeles.
Her catalog includes standouts such as “I’ll Be Missing You,” “Soon as I Get Home,” and “Alone in This World.” Her discography spans 13 albums, most notably loyal, Beliefand Keep the FaithEvans has been nominated for seven Grammy Awards.
contour
- Full name: Faith Renée Evans
- Date of Birth: June 10, 1973
- Age: 50
- Gender: Female
- Birthplace: Lakeland, Florida, USA
- Country: United States
- Occupation: singer, songwriter, record producer, actor
- Height: 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)
- Parents: Helen Evans (mother)
- Siblings: Two brothers
- Spouse: Todd Russaw (married 1997, divorced 2011), Stevie J (married 2018)
- Children: Joshua Russaw and Ryder Evan Russaw
- Marital status: Married
- Net worth: $13 million
Early life and education
Faith Renée Evans, 50, was born on June 10, 1973 in Lakeland, Florida. She was raised by her mother, Helene Evans. Her father was not around when she was growing up, having left before she was born.
A few months later, 19-year-old Helen returned to Newark, New Jersey, and gave Faith to her cousin Johnny Mae and her husband, Orvelt Kennedy, who adopted more than 100 children, including Faith, who she considered her grandparents.
Raised in a family with strong Christian values, Evans began singing in church at age two, and at age four she charmed the congregation at Newark’s Emmanuel Baptist Church with her rendition of “Let the Sunshine In” by The 5th Dimension.
During her time at University High, with Helen’s encouragement, she showcased her vocal talents in various jazz bands and participated in pageants and competitions.
After graduating from high school in 1991, Evans enrolled at Fordham University in New York City to study marketing, but dropped out after a year to give birth to daughter Chyna with music producer Kiyamma Griffin.
personal life
Faith Evans tied the knot with music executive Todd Russo in 1997. The couple had two sons before divorcing in 2011. In 2018, Evans surprised her fans by tying the knot with producer and reality TV star Steve J. Their relationship had its ups and downs, but they always stayed loyal to each other.
In addition to her marriage, Evans also faced personal difficulties, including legal issues and the tragic death of her ex-husband, rapper Christopher “The Notorious Big” Wallace in 1997. Despite these challenges, Faith remained strong, finding strength in her faith and family.
Profession
Faith Renee Evans’s music career began in Los Angeles in 1991. Initially, she sang backup for R&B singers such as Al B. Sure! and Christopher Williams. At the age of 20, she signed with Puff Daddy’s Bad Boy Records and became the company’s first female singer in 1994.
Faith’s debut album, BeliefThe album I’ll Be Missing You, released in 1995, received critical acclaim and moderate commercial success. She gained further recognition in 1997 when she co-wrote Puff Daddy’s hit single “I’ll Be Missing You” with 112, which won a Grammy Award. Her subsequent albums, Keep the Faith (1998) and loyal (2001), which also received positive reviews.
After parting ways with Bad Boy Records in 2003, Evans joined Capitol Records. Her fourth album the first lady (2005) was a commercial success, and her fifth album A devout Christmas (2005), which was her last major label release. Despite the hiatus, she continued her independent music career, releasing the following albums: About Faith (2010) and Unrivaled (2014).
Outside of music, Evans is known for her involvement in the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop rivalry, particularly due to her marriage to rapper Christopher “Notorious Big” Wallace.
She has also ventured into acting, appearing in the following films: Turn up the volume (2000) and Resist temptation (2003). In addition, Evans has published an autobiography, Keeping Faith: A Memoirin 2008.
Awards
- Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group (1998) – “I’ll Be Missing You” (with Puff Daddy and 112)
- Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Album – Female (1999) – Keep the Faith
- Best R&B Duo or Group Performance (2002)
- Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group (1998)
net worth
Faith Evans has an estimated net worth of $13 million, which she has accumulated through her successful music career, acting career, and business ventures.
dispute
Faith Evans has faced a number of controversies and scandals throughout her career, including legal troubles over drug-related charges in the early 2000s.
Additionally, her tumultuous relationship with rapper The Notorious BIG and his untimely death were often the subject of tabloid speculation. Yet, despite these challenges, Faith remained focused on her music and family, persevering through adversity.
social media
- Instagram: @therealfaithevans
- Twitter: @faithevans
Filmography
- Turn up the volume
- Resist temptation
Discography
- Belief
- Keep the Faith
- loyal
- the first lady
- About Faith
- Unrivaled
- The King and I
books
- Keeping Faith: A Memoir (2008)
