Kevin Federline is "almost broke" but refuses to take money from wife Britney Spears.

The wannabe rapper made a reported $US1 million from the reality TV show Britney and Kevin: Chaotic, but blew it all on Britney's engagement ring and a recording studio in their Malibu home.

Kevin told GQ magazine: "I don't get any money from my wife. I'm almost broke. As a man, as a male figure and a father, I wouldn't be happy sitting back and living off my wife's fortune.

"I have to provide for my family. People have to understand that I'm working too. She's not the only one that's got things to do."

The 28-year-old has also slammed rumours he has a wild party lifestyle funded by Britney, and insists it was he who had to tame his wife.

He said: "Britney thought she could play me. She was playing games and testing me to see where my head is at, see if she could get away with going out and partying.

"We talked and got over it and that was that."

Kevin - who has two children from a previous relationship and is currently expecting his second child with Britney - has also defended the Toxic singer's mothering skills.

He said: "Britney plays mamma real well. She's a very good mother. It's one of those things that comes naturally.

"People don't know what it's like being chased by all those cars. If Britney feels like she has got to take the baby and put him on her lap and get out of there then so be it."