Lil Yachty, born Miles Parks McCollum on August 23, 1997, in Mableton, Georgia, is a key figure in modern hip-hop, known for his distinctive “bubblegum trap” style. At 26 years old, Yachty has amassed a net worth of $8 million, thanks to his successful music career and various ventures. He is also a father to a daughter, though he has kept the identity of her mother private.
Early Influences
Growing up in Georgia, Lil Yachty was influenced by artists like Canadian rapper Drake, which helped shape his musical direction. He leveraged social media to build his career, a strategy that paid off when his song “One Night” went viral. After a brief stint at Alabama State University, Yachty moved to New York City, where he worked at McDonald’s while networking within the streetwear scene and expanding his Instagram following.
Breakthrough
Lil Yachty’s big break came unexpectedly when “One Night” gained widespread attention from a viral video. This exposure propelled him into the limelight, showcasing his catchy, simple style that resonated with many. In 2016, he released his debut mixtape, Lil Boat, which included “One Night” and highlighted his unique sound, blending pop, trap, and quirky lyrical themes.
Major Collaborations
Yachty’s career gained further traction through collaborations, notably with DRAM on the hit song “Broccoli,” which peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. He also collaborated with high-profile artists like Chance the Rapper and was featured in Kanye West’s Yeezy fashion line. In 2017, Yachty released his debut studio album, Teenage Emotions, which reached number five on the Billboard Top 200, featuring collaborations with Migos, Diplo, and YG.
Continued Success
His second studio album, Lil Boat 2, released in 2018, debuted at number two on the Billboard Top 200, further solidifying his presence in the music industry. Despite mixed reviews, the album’s commercial success underscored his appeal. Yachty has since explored new areas, including joining the E-Sports team FaZe Clan and collaborating with the pop band Ocean Park Standoff.
Legal Challenges
Yachty’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. He faced legal issues, including an arrest for credit card fraud in 2015, which was later expunged. In 2022 and 2023, he dealt with legal matters related to misleading cryptocurrency promotions, resulting in a settlement of over $400,000. Despite these setbacks, Yachty has maintained his career momentum, continuing to release new music and engage in various ventures.
Recent Developments
In 2021, Lil Yachty announced the birth of his daughter, choosing to keep details about her mother private. In 2022 and 2023, he released the single “Poland” and his fifth studio album, Let’s Start Here, which marked a stylistic shift towards psychedelic rock influences. This exploration of new musical territories showcases Yachty’s willingness to evolve as an artist.
2 Chainz’s Rise
2 Chainz, born Tauheed Epps on September 12, 1977, in College Park, Georgia, is another prominent rapper with a net worth of $12 million. Known for hits like “No Lie” and “Duffle Bag Boy,” 2 Chainz has made significant contributions to hip-hop. He is married to Kesha Ward, with whom he has three children.
Early Life and Career
Growing up in a challenging environment, 2 Chainz excelled academically, graduating second in his high school class. Despite an early arrest for cocaine possession, he pursued music, forming the duo Playaz Circle with childhood friend Dolla Boy. Their work caught the attention of Ludacris, leading to a record deal with Disturbing Tha Peace.
Rebranding and Success
In 2011, 2 Chainz rebranded himself from Tity Boi and released the mixtape T.R.U. REALigion. His debut studio album, Based on a T.R.U. Story, released in 2012, debuted at number one on the Billboard Top 200, featuring collaborations with Drake and others. His subsequent albums, including B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time and Pretty Girls Like Trap Music, solidified his position in the industry.
Diversifying Ventures
Beyond music, 2 Chainz has diversified his career with business ventures, including clothing lines and endorsements with brands like Adidas and Beats By Dre. He also hosts the popular Viceland TV/web series “Most Expensivist,” exploring luxury items worldwide. In 2016, he purchased a property in LA’s Beachwood Canyon neighborhood, featuring a professional recording studio.
Legacy and Influence
Both Lil Yachty and 2 Chainz have made significant impacts on the hip-hop landscape. Yachty, known for his playful, genre-blending music, continues to evolve and explore new artistic avenues. 2 Chainz, with his distinct style and entrepreneurial spirit, has established himself as a significant figure in hip-hop. Their careers highlight the diverse ways artists can influence and shape the music industry.