U God, born Lamont Jody Hawkins on November 10, 1970, is an American rapper best known as a core member of the legendary hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan. Also known by aliases such as Golden Arms and Universal God, U-God has been active in the music industry since 1991 and has contributed to a catalog that has sold 12+ million records worldwide.
As of 2025, U-God’s estimated net worth is approximately $5 million, built through music sales, touring, royalties, solo projects, publishing, and independent ventures.
U God’s Quick Profile
- Real Name: Lamont Jody Hawkins
- Stage Name: U-God (aka Golden Arms, Universal God)
- Date of Birth: November 10, 1970
- Birthplace: Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York City
- Profession: Rapper, Author
- Years Active: 1991–present
- Estimated Net Worth: ~$5 million
Early Life & Background
U God was born in Brownsville, Brooklyn, and later moved to Staten Island, where his musical journey began to take shape. Early on, he worked as a beatboxer for Cappadonna, a relationship that helped him sharpen his performance skills and connect with future collaborators.
During this period, he formed close friendships with Method Man, Inspectah Deck, and Raekwon. Mentored by Cappadonna and influenced by Staten Island’s burgeoning scene, Hawkins initially performed under the alias Golden Arms before adopting the name U-God.
Career Overview
Breakthrough with Wu-Tang Clan
U-God’s recorded debut with Wu-Tang Clan came on the iconic track “Da Mystery of Chessboxin’”, where his opening verse became instantly recognizable. While his presence on the group’s debut was limited, his role expanded significantly on Wu-Tang Forever, a four-times-platinum album that cemented the group’s legacy.
He is widely recognized for standout contributions to tracks such as:
- Winter Warz
- Knuckleheads
- Investigative Reports
- Black Jesus
Notably, U-God was the only Wu-Tang member with a solo track (“Black Shampoo”) on Wu-Tang Forever, underscoring his distinct voice within the collective.
Solo Albums & Independent Path
Golden Arms Redemption (1999)
Released on Priority Records, this album made U-God the eighth Wu-Tang member to drop a solo project. Singles like Dat’s Gangsta and Bizarre gained traction, with “Bizarre” reaching #7 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart. The track Rumble was also featured in the video game Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style.
Mr. Xcitement (2005)
U-God’s second studio album followed his move toward independence and deeper creative control.
Dopium (2009)
Led by the single Wu-Tang featuring Method Man, the album included guest appearances from Ghostface Killah, GZA, Cappadonna, Killah Priest, and others—expanding his reach beyond core fans.
The Keynote Speaker (2013)
Released via RZA’s label, Soul Temple Records, this album featured collaborations with RZA, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, Styles P, Kool Keith, and GZA.
Venom (2018)
Released through Babygrande Records, Venom charted at #34 on the U.S. Rap Albums chart, reaffirming U-God’s longevity.
Mixtapes, Writing & Other Projects
- Bring Back God II (2018) – Free mixtape released via DatPiff
- Autobiography: Raw: My Journey into The Wu-Tang (announced 2017)
- A candid account of his life, career, and experiences within Wu-Tang Clan
U-God also founded his own label, Suppa Nigga Productions, reflecting his commitment to artistic independence.
Net Worth of U God
Universal God of U God’s Estimated Net Worth (2025): ~$5 million
U-God’s wealth has accumulated steadily over decades, driven by both group and solo success. While not the most commercially visible member, his catalog participation and royalties from Wu-Tang’s enduring popularity continue to generate income.
U God’s Income Sources
Golden Arms or U God’s earnings primarily come from:
- Music sales & streaming royalties
- Touring and live performances
- Wu-Tang Clan royalties
- Solo album releases
- Publishing and songwriting credits
- Book sales (Raw: My Journey into The Wu-Tang)
Collectively, these streams have supported a stable, long-term career in hip-hop.
Discography Highlights
- Golden Arms Redemption (1999)
- Mr. Xcitement (2005)
- Dopium (2009)
- The Keynote Speaker (2013)
- Venom (2018)
Final Thoughts
U-God’s career is a testament to longevity, resilience, and independence. As a founding member of Wu-Tang Clan and a solo artist with multiple charting projects, he has carved out a respected place in hip-hop history. With an estimated net worth of $5 million, U-God remains an influential figure whose impact extends beyond hit records—into culture, storytelling, and the preservation of Wu-Tang’s legacy.
