Tyga, born Micheal Ray Nguyen-Stevenson on November 19, 1989, in Los Angeles, California, has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry as a rapper, songwriter, actor, television personality, and social media star. Despite experiencing significant success in his music career, Tyga’s financial journey has been marked by legal troubles, financial struggles, and investment missteps. As of 2024, his estimated net worth is $8 million.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Tyga was born to Vietnamese and Jamaican parents and spent his early years in Compton, California before moving to Gardena. His childhood and upbringing have been a topic of debate, particularly after a leaked 2002 television show clip showed him describing his upbringing in a more affluent area, which contradicted previous claims of growing up in a rough neighborhood.
His first major step into the music industry came in 2008 when he released his debut album, No Introduction, featuring the single “Coconut Juice”, which gained some traction. His big break came in 2009 when he signed with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment, collaborating on the hit “Bedrock” alongside Drake, Nicki Minaj, and other Young Money artists.
Music Career and Success
Tyga’s career skyrocketed in 2011 and 2012 with the release of his second studio album, Careless World: Rise of the Last King. The album featured chart-topping singles such as “Rack City,” “Faded,” and “Make It Nasty”. Rack City became a cultural phenomenon, solidifying his place in mainstream hip-hop.
Over the years, Tyga released several albums, including:
- Hotel California (2013) – Featuring collaborations with Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, and Chris Brown.
- The Gold Album: 18th Dynasty (2015) – Despite being highly anticipated, it only sold 5,000 copies, marking a downturn in his commercial success.
- Legendary (2019) – Featuring the hit “Taste” with Offset, which revived his career after years of declining sales.
Despite experiencing fluctuations in album sales, Tyga remains a well-known figure in hip-hop, accumulating over 600,000 album sales and 12 million digital single downloads throughout his career.
Financial Success and OnlyFans Earnings
Tyga has diversified his income beyond music, earning significant revenue from social media platforms. His OnlyFans account became one of the highest-earning pages on the platform, reportedly generating $8 million in a single year, making him the fifth highest-paid personality on the site.
Legal and Financial Issues
While Tyga has made millions, he has also faced several financial challenges over the years, leading to lawsuits, repossessions, and unpaid debts.
Unpaid Rent and Legal Disputes
- 2011: Tyga rented a Malibu mansion for $16,000 per month but allegedly stopped paying rent after a few months. His landlord sued him for $480,000, citing damages and unpaid rent.
- 2016: A bench warrant was issued for his arrest after he failed to appear in court regarding a Santa Monica landlord dispute.
- 2015-2019: He was hit with multiple unpaid tax bills, including $120,000 from the IRS.
Car Repossessions
Tyga’s luxury car collection has also been at the center of financial trouble:
- 2016: His Mercedes G-Wagon was repossessed.
- 2016: His Lamborghini Aventador and Bentley Mulsanne were repossessed due to $357,350 in unpaid debts.
- 2019: His Maybach was taken back by lenders.
- 2019: He was sued for $130,000 over a 2012 Ferrari 458 Spider and a Rolls-Royce Ghost, both of which were repossessed.
Royalties Lawsuit Against Young Money
In 2018, Tyga sued Cash Money Records and Young Money Entertainment for $10 million, claiming he was owed unpaid royalties from his albums Hotel California and Careless World: Rise of the Last King. The lawsuit was later settled, but the financial details were not disclosed.
Last Kings Clothing Line Lawsuit
Tyga’s attempt at fashion entrepreneurship also led to legal troubles. In 2015, Chuon Guen Lee sued him for $1.6 million, claiming he failed to uphold his business commitments for their joint clothing brand, Last Kings. She alleged that Tyga took merchandise and started a competing brand, Egypt Kings, with another business partner.
Personal Life and Relationships
Tyga’s personal life has been a source of public fascination, mainly due to his high-profile relationships:
- Blac Chyna: The pair began dating in 2011 and welcomed their son, King Cairo Stevenson, in 2012. They were engaged but split in 2014.
- Kylie Jenner: Tyga’s relationship with Kylie Jenner, which reportedly began when she was 17, drew widespread media attention and controversy. They dated on and off from 2014 to 2017.
Current Ventures and Future Plans
Despite his financial ups and downs, Tyga continues to remain active in the music and entertainment industry. He frequently collaborates with top artists and leverages his social media presence to maintain relevance.
Recent Developments:
- New Music Projects: He continues to release singles, tapping into streaming revenue as a primary source of income.
- Business Investments: While his past business ventures have faced setbacks, he continues to explore opportunities in fashion, real estate, and social media monetization.
- Touring: Live performances remain a lucrative revenue stream for Tyga, with international tours keeping his brand alive.