Tyga
Micheal Ray Nguyen-Stevenson (born November 19, 1989), known professionally as Tyga, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter of partial Vietnamese descent, raised in Compton and Gardena, California.[1][2] His stage name derives from an acronym for "Thank You God Always," reflecting early personal motivations amid a challenging upbringing marked by frequent moves between California and Vietnam.[3] Tyga rose to prominence in the late 2000s through independent mixtapes and collaborations, signing with Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment, which facilitated mainstream breakthrough via club-oriented tracks emphasizing luxury and bravado.[4] Notable achievements include a Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration on "Deuces" with Chris Brown in 2011, multiple RIAA-certified singles such as the platinum "Rack City" (2012) and diamond-eligible "Taste" featuring Offset (2018), and albums like Careless World: Rise of the Last King (2012) that debuted at number four on the Billboard 200.[5][6] Despite commercial successes generating substantial revenue, Tyga's career has been defined by recurrent financial mismanagement, evidenced by escalating IRS tax liabilities exceeding $8 million as of 2023 due to consistent failures in estimated payments and underreporting, alongside lawsuits for unpaid leases, vehicle financing, and label royalties.[7][8]Early life
Upbringing and family influences
Michael Ray Stevenson, known professionally as Tyga, was born on November 19, 1989, in Compton, California, to a Vietnamese mother, Pasionaye Nguyen, and a Jamaican father.[9][2] His parents separated early in his life, leaving him to be raised primarily by his single mother in a household shaped by her immigrant background and the challenges of blending multicultural influences.[9] This mixed heritage of Vietnamese and Jamaican roots exposed him from a young age to diverse cultural perspectives, though specific details on his father's involvement remain limited in public records. Tyga spent his early childhood in Compton, a neighborhood notorious for gang activity and socioeconomic hardship, before his family relocated to the more affluent San Fernando Valley area around age six or seven.[10] However, in a 2012 leaked video from an unaired TV pilot, he admitted to a relatively comfortable upbringing, stating his parents owned luxury vehicles like a Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz, and describing his childhood as "not too tough," contradicting his public narrative of gritty Compton origins.[10] This revelation sparked debate over the authenticity of his "street" persona, suggesting family stability and relative privilege fostered an entrepreneurial mindset rather than survival-driven resilience, influencing his later motivations toward independence and wealth-building in music.[10] The family dynamics, particularly his mother's role as a primary caregiver amid separation, instilled a sense of self-reliance, while exposure to hip-hop through local West Coast scenes and artists like Lil Wayne—whom he cited as an early idol—began shaping his worldview during high school years in Gardena.[11][9] These elements, combined with the aspirational contrast between his actual suburban comforts and the mythic Compton image, contributed to an early drive for creative expression and financial autonomy, evident in his initial forays into recording freestyles as a teen.[12]Career
2007–2010: No Introduction and early mixtapes
Tyga independently released his debut studio album, No Introduction, on June 10, 2008, via Decaydance Records, a Fueled by Ramen imprint founded by Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz.[13][14] The project featured 15 tracks blending hip-hop with rock influences, including the single "Coconut Juice" with Travie McCoy of Gym Class Heroes, which peaked at number 98 on the Billboard Hot 100 and drew industry notice for its crossover appeal.[15] Another single, "Diamond Life" featuring Patty Crash, highlighted Tyga's early focus on aspirational luxury themes, with its video emphasizing visual flair amid limited radio play.[16] The album debuted at number 112 on the Billboard 200, reflecting modest sales of under 10,000 copies in its first week and underscoring Tyga's nascent underground traction rather than mainstream breakthrough.[17] The album's reception, including praise for Tyga's energetic delivery in reviews from outlets like RapReviews, caught the attention of Lil Wayne, who contacted Tyga following the "Coconut Juice" buzz.[18] This led to Tyga signing a joint venture deal with Young Money Entertainment—a Cash Money Records subsidiary—in late 2008, marking his entry into a major label ecosystem while retaining independent roots.[19] Prior to the deal, Tyga cultivated a grassroots following through MySpace promotions, where tracks like "Diamond Life" amassed streams, and street-level hustling in Compton and Los Angeles, distributing demos to build organic hype without heavy backing.[20] From 2009 onward, Tyga supplemented the album with free mixtapes distributed via platforms like DatPiff, establishing a raw, club-oriented rap style through projects that prioritized freestyles and unpolished production over polished singles. These efforts, including collaborations with emerging West Coast artists, reinforced his self-reliant image amid the Young Money affiliation, though commercial metrics remained secondary to buzz-building in rap circles.[21]2011–2012: Careless World and breakthrough hits
Tyga achieved mainstream breakthrough in 2011 with the single "Rack City," released on December 2 as the lead track from his second studio album, peaking at number 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[22] The song's explicit content and minimalist production, centered on repetitive hooks and slang like "rack city" referring to strip clubs and wealth, resonated in urban radio and clubs, earning platinum certification from the RIAA on April 19, 2012, for over one million digital units sold.[23] Its music video, featuring provocative imagery, amplified viral spread on platforms like YouTube, contributing to Tyga's visibility within Young Money Entertainment.[24] Careless World: Rise of the Last King encountered multiple delays stemming from sample clearance complications, shifting from an initial late 2011 target to February 21, 2012, release through Young Money, Cash Money, and Universal Republic Records.[25] On launch day, physical copies faced a temporary recall due to an uncleared Martin Luther King Jr. speech sample in the title track, though digital distribution proceeded uninterrupted.[26] The album debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200, moving 61,000 units in its first week, bolstered by "Rack City" momentum and features from artists like Lil Wayne and Drake.[27] It later received gold certification from the RIAA on March 19, 2020, reflecting sustained streaming and sales.[6] The follow-up single "Make It Nasty," released in early 2012, debuted at number 91 on the Hot 100, extending Tyga's club-focused sound with sexually explicit themes and a bouncy beat produced by Jess Jackson.[28] This period marked Tyga's navigation of label dynamics, including tours like the 2011 Closer to My Dreams outing with Young Money affiliates and the subsequent Careless World Tour, which solidified his live draw amid rising commercial stakes.[29]2012–2013: Hotel California and commercial peak
Tyga's third studio album, Hotel California, was released on April 9, 2013, through Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records, and Republic Records, debuting at number 7 on the US Billboard 200 chart with first-week sales of 54,000 copies.[30] The project built on the momentum from his 2012 album Careless World: Rise of the Last King, which featured multi-platinum singles like "Rack City" (certified 3× Platinum by the RIAA) that had peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, sustaining Tyga's visibility in mainstream pop-rap circles.[31] Despite delays in production attributed to label disputes, the album's rollout included strategic single releases and music video promotions that leveraged viral social media engagement to drive initial sales.[32] Key singles from Hotel California included "Dope" featuring Rick Ross, released on January 15, 2013, which debuted and peaked at number 19 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and "For the Road" featuring Chris Brown, issued on April 4, 2013, emphasizing melodic hooks and crossover appeal.[33] The album's content prominently showcased luxury motifs, such as opulent lifestyles, high-end fashion, and material excess, mirroring Tyga's personal branding through his documented collections of luxury automobiles—including Ferraris and Lamborghinis—and real estate holdings that symbolized his commercial ascent.[34] These themes resonated with audiences via targeted marketing, contributing to the record's eventual RIAA Gold certification in March 2020, reflecting ongoing streaming residuals from platforms like Spotify and YouTube that extended beyond initial physical and digital sales.[35] During 2012–2013, Tyga's commercial viability was evidenced by headlining tours such as the Closer to My Dreams Tour in fall 2012, featuring supporting acts like Kirko Bangz and Iggy Azalea, alongside international performances including a 2013 show in Lebanon as part of the NRJ Music Tour.[36][37] While critical reception was mixed, with outlets like HipHopDX critiquing the album's reliance on formulaic beats and guest features over substantive lyricism, the period marked Tyga's peak in media exposure and chart presence, driven by causal factors like prior hit residual plays and label-backed viral campaigns rather than isolated hype.[38] This sustained demand underscored a pattern of enduring fan engagement, countering perceptions of transient popularity through verifiable long-tail revenue from catalog streams.[39]2013–2015: The Gold Album and shifting label dynamics
Following the release of Hotel California in April 2013, Tyga encountered escalating tensions with Cash Money Records, publicly stating in April 2013 that he had never received a royalty check from the label despite commercial successes.[40] These disputes contributed to a slowdown in major studio album output, prompting Tyga to focus on mixtapes distributed independently through his Last Kings imprint, including 187 in October 2013 and Well Done 4 on December 9, 2013.[41][42] The Gold Album: 18th Dynasty, initially planned under Young Money/Cash Money, faced repeated delays due to contractual holdups and label politics, as Tyga noted in October 2014 that the project was complete but stalled.[43] In December 2014, Tyga announced his intent to release the album independently via Last Kings Records to circumvent these issues.[44] The album premiered exclusively on Spotify on June 23, 2015, marking a pivot toward self-managed distribution amid ongoing royalty and advance disputes with Cash Money, where Tyga alleged receiving no payments since signing in 2008.[45][46] Despite intentions for tracks like "Hookah" featuring Young Thug—which had previously peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2014—the final album featured singles such as "Hollywood N***z" and "Pleazer," both of which failed to chart. The Gold Album sold approximately 2,200 copies in its first week and did not enter the Billboard 200, reflecting diminished commercial momentum tied to the label conflicts.[47] Critics offered mixed assessments, with some highlighting a shift toward more introspective content but critiquing repetitive production formulas that echoed prior party-oriented tracks, though fan interest sustained streams for select cuts.[48]
2016–2017: GOOD Music affiliation and independent moves
In September 2016, following his contentious exit from Cash Money Records amid disputes over withheld royalties and creative control, Tyga signed a recording deal with Kanye West's GOOD Music imprint. The agreement was announced by West during his Yeezy Season 4 fashion show in New York City on September 7, 2016, positioning Tyga alongside roster artists like Pusha T and Desiigner for potential collaborative output, including a rumored appearance on the delayed GOOD Music compilation Cruel Winter.[49][50] The GOOD Music affiliation proved short-lived, yielding no dedicated solo releases or significant label-backed projects during the subsequent year, as Tyga encountered ongoing industry hurdles including label politics and personal distractions that limited collaborative momentum. West's own health issues and GOOD Music's internal delays further stalled initiatives, leading Tyga to revert to independent operations by mid-2017 without formal acknowledgment of a departure.[51] On July 21, 2017, Tyga independently released BitchImTheShit2, a 15-track project through his own Last Kings Records, serving as a direct sequel to his 2011 mixtape #BitchImTheShit and marking a deliberate pivot to self-produced, fan-direct distribution models. The album featured Kanye West on the track "Feel Me" and leaned into trap-influenced beats with boastful lyrics emphasizing Tyga's resilience and autonomy, such as on "Teterboro Flow" and "Ducati," which highlighted private-jet excess and West Coast bravado to recapture underground appeal.[52][53] This independent strategy underscored Tyga's emphasis on self-funding tours, merchandise, and digital platforms over major-label dependency, allowing rapid release cycles unhindered by clearance delays that had plagued prior efforts. While mainstream outlets often framed his career as waning due to tabloid entanglements, BitchImTheShit2 sustained engagement in urban streaming demographics, building on prior digital sales exceeding 12 million singles by early 2017 and reinforcing a core fanbase less swayed by elite media critiques of his authenticity.[54]2018–2023: Kyoto, resurgence attempts, and Legendary
In 2018, Tyga released his sixth studio album, Kyoto, on February 16 through his independent imprint Last Kings Records in partnership with Empire Distribution.[55] The project shifted toward melodic R&B-infused tracks with heavy reliance on auto-tune for vocals, drawing criticism for lacking originality and prioritizing singing over rapping strengths, as noted in reviews highlighting monotonous delivery and generic production despite experimental beats.[56] [57] Commercial performance was modest, with the album achieving limited chart traction amid a saturated hip-hop market favoring more established or viral acts, though specific Billboard 200 entry reflected lower sales compared to prior major-label peaks.[58] That year, Tyga achieved a notable single success with "Taste" featuring Offset, released in May and peaking at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, eventually earning platinum certification by July before later reaching diamond status.[4] [59] The track's remix and promotion aligned with Tyga's growing involvement in platforms like OnlyFans, which he joined in 2020 to share exclusive content for a $20 monthly fee, boosting visibility through social media teasers amid his independent pivot.[60] Follow-up singles such as "Dip" with Nicki Minaj in late 2018 maintained momentum but underperformed relative to earlier hits, underscoring inconsistent output tied to fragmented releases rather than outright commercial collapse.[61] Tyga continued resurgence efforts through collaborations, including features on YG's "Go Loko" (peaking at number 49 on the Hot 100 in 2019), Doja Cat's "Juicy" (number 41), and DJ Snake's "Loco Contigo" with J Balvin (number 95), which sustained streaming presence without recapturing album-level breakthroughs.[62] In June 2019, he dropped Legendary, his seventh album via the same Last Kings-Empire setup, positioning it as a return to rap roots with guests like Lil Wayne, though projections indicated first-week units around 21,000-24,000, signaling persistent dips from market competition and prior label shifts.[63] [64] By 2021, Tyga exited OnlyFans to launch rival Myystar, aiming for creator-friendly alternatives, but musical releases remained sporadic, with visibility propped by features rather than dominant solo projects through 2023.[65]2024–present: NSFW album and ongoing collaborations
In January 2025, Tyga released his eighth studio album, NSFW (Not Safe For Work), independently through EMPIRE, marking his first full-length project in six years and emphasizing explicit lyrical content over trap-influenced production.[66][67] The album, promoted via singles such as "It Ain't Safe," features Tyga's characteristic West Coast bravado with bold, raunchy themes centered on nightlife and sensuality, as evidenced by tracks produced with heavy bass and minimalistic beats.[68][69] Throughout 2025, Tyga expanded his collaborations, including a feature on Ciara's track "Dance with Me" from her eighth studio album CiCi, released on August 22, which blends his rap verses with upbeat R&B to showcase rhythmic versatility beyond trap.[70] This period also saw sustained live performances via the Red Light Tour, his first headline outing in a decade, commencing in March with dates across U.S. venues like The Van Buren in Phoenix and House of Blues in San Diego, drawing crowds through high-energy sets of recent and catalog material.[71][72] Tyga adapted to digital revenue streams amid evolving music economics, leveraging platforms like OnlyFans for direct fan monetization—reportedly earning $8 million in one year—and streaming services for ongoing royalties, contributing to a net worth estimated at $8 million as of 2025 despite prior financial challenges.[73][74] These efforts reflect a shift toward independent distribution and diversified income, sustaining fan engagement as indicated by Spotify follower growth exceeding 1,800 in early October alone.[75]Musical style and artistry
Influences and evolution
Tyga's early stylistic roots were shaped by West Coast gangsta rap icons, including N.W.A., Eazy-E, Ice Cube, and Tupac Shakur, whom he cited as key influences in a 2011 interview while on tour, emphasizing their impact on his fashion and musical aesthetics.[76] This foundation manifested in the raw, street-oriented aggression of his initial mixtapes like No Introduction (2008), featuring hard-hitting beats and boastful flows reminiscent of Compton-era rap.[9] By the early 2010s, Tyga transitioned toward melodic trap elements, incorporating auto-tune-heavy vocals and party-anthem structures, as observed in breakout singles that prioritized catchy hooks over dense lyricism.[77] This evolution aligned with broader hip-hop trends but was facilitated by consistent collaboration with producers and engineers like Jess Jackson, who handled vocal production, mixing, and engineering on multiple projects, including contributions to tracks like "Rack City" (2011) and later albums, lending a commercial polish through refined layering and effects.[78] Empirical analysis of production credits shows this shift correlated with increased sample flips and beat selections from hitmakers, moving from mixtape-era minimalism—often self-produced or DIY—to studio-engineered accessibility post-signing with Young Money in 2008.[9] Critics have noted Tyga's adaptability as both a strength in entrepreneurial beat curation, enabling chart longevity, and a point of contention for trend-following, with observable patterns in auto-tune adoption mirroring contemporaries like Travis Scott rather than pioneering new forms.[79] Data from track breakdowns, such as repeated use of exotic synth loops and trap percussion in his discography, underscores this prioritization of market-driven evolution over rigid adherence to early West Coast grit.[80]Criticisms of authenticity and production
Critics have questioned Tyga's authenticity in hip-hop, particularly regarding allegations of ghostwriting. In 2013, rapper Mistah F.A.B. publicly acknowledged writing for Tyga, alongside other artists like B.o.B., during an interview on Sway's Universe, highlighting a practice common in commercial rap but at odds with the genre's emphasis on personal authorship.[81] Such claims persist in online discussions, with observers noting Tyga's reliance on uncredited contributors for mainstream appeal, though Tyga has maintained that his core creative process involves in-house collaboration and verifiable co-writing credits on tracks like those from his Young Money era.[82] Accusations of flow-biting have also surfaced, with detractors pointing to stylistic similarities between Tyga's delivery and influences like Lil Wayne, his early mentor, as potentially crossing into imitation rather than homage. For instance, early mixtape flows drew comparisons to Wayne's cadence, fueling debates on originality in trap-influenced rap where shared elements like melodic hooks and repetitive phrasing are prevalent. Tyga has countered such critiques by emphasizing evolution through adaptation, arguing that hip-hop's iterative nature rewards timing and market fit over rigid innovation, as evidenced by his sustained chart presence despite stylistic overlaps.[83] Production quality has drawn scrutiny, particularly for albums like Kyoto (2018), which received poor critical reception for its shift to quasi-introspective R&B-trap hybrids marred by uninspired beats and filler-like execution reminiscent of dated Drake outtakes. Pitchfork awarded it 3.3/10, criticizing the project's lack of cohesion and lyrical depth, while HipHopDX scored it 2.7/5, faulting the beats for failing to elevate weak writing.[55][56] This contrasts with Tyga's commercial resilience, as singles like "Taste" (2018) achieved platinum status and topped charts through promotion and club-friendly hooks, underscoring a causal gap between critic preferences for novelty and consumer demand for escapist, formulaic rap that prioritizes vibe over complexity. Independent releases post-label shifts have shown rebounds, debunking narratives of fleeting success by leveraging direct-to-fan distribution for hits amid ongoing production debates.[84]Personal life
High-profile relationships
Tyga's longest early high-profile relationship was with model Angela Renée White, known professionally as Blac Chyna, which began in late 2011 after she appeared in his music video for "Rack City."[85] The couple welcomed a son, King Cairo Stevenson, on October 16, 2012, and their partnership, spanning until mid-2015, garnered attention for its visibility in hip-hop and modeling circles.[85] Post-2015, the relationship turned on-and-off amid public feuds, with White later alleging in a 2023 interview that Tyga had initiated contact with Kylie Jenner while they were still involved.[86] In parallel, Tyga began a widely publicized romance with Kylie Jenner in 2014, initially as friends when he hosted her 17th birthday party, evolving into dating by early 2015 despite his ongoing ties to White.[87] The pairing, spanning on-and-off until their final split in April 2017, faced intense tabloid coverage due to Jenner's youth (she was 17 at the outset) and the 10-year age gap, alongside rumors of infidelity and financial entanglements like Tyga's leased Ferrari linked to Jenner's credit card.[88][87] Following the Jenner breakup, Tyga dated Instagram influencer Camaryn Swanson publicly from January to October 2021, with the couple sharing social media posts of outings including a February 2021 Disney World trip.[89][90] In March 2023, he entered a brief relationship with Avril Lavigne, confirmed by a public kiss at Paris Fashion Week, which ended mutually in June after four months, though sources described them as remaining amicable.[85][91] These associations, often involving influencers and celebrities with large social media followings, sustained tabloid interest and amplified Tyga's visibility in entertainment news cycles.[92]Fatherhood and family responsibilities
Tyga is the father of one confirmed child, son King Cairo Stevenson, born on October 16, 2012, to him and his former partner Blac Chyna (Angela White).[93] Their co-parenting relationship has involved multiple legal disputes over custody and financial support, reflecting inconsistent engagement amid public and court-documented tensions. In earlier years, Tyga faced obligations for substantial monthly child support payments, though he has publicly asserted covering extensive expenses for his son beyond formal requirements, including claims of overpayment relative to court orders.[94] Tensions escalated in August 2023 when Blac Chyna filed a petition to formally establish parentage, seek child support, and request joint custody, citing Tyga's alleged failure to provide consistent financial aid.[95] Tyga countered by filing for sole physical and legal custody, arguing Blac Chyna's instability and past behaviors made her unfit, while emphasizing his role in the child's daily needs.[96] The dispute concluded in December 2023 with a settlement granting shared joint custody, requiring mutual non-disparagement in the child's presence, and stipulating no child support payments from Tyga to Blac Chyna or vice versa, based on equal time-sharing and independent financial provisions for King Cairo.[97][98] Tyga has periodically demonstrated paternal involvement through social media, posting images and videos of outings with his son, such as attending Los Angeles FC soccer matches, visiting Disneyland, and family photos highlighting their physical resemblance and shared activities like sports.[99][100] These displays contrast with the legal acrimony, indicating sporadic but verifiable direct interaction rather than full-time custody. No other children have been verifiably confirmed as Tyga's, despite occasional rumors dismissed by the artist.[101]Controversies
Domestic violence allegations
In October 2021, Tyga's ex-girlfriend Camaryn Swanson publicly accused him of physical assault following an altercation at his Los Angeles-area home on October 11. Swanson claimed she had arrived uninvited amid a recent breakup, as Tyga had been ignoring her communications, and that he subsequently struck her, causing a black eye that she displayed in Instagram Story posts alongside captions alleging domestic battery.[102][103] Swanson reported the incident to the Los Angeles Police Department shortly afterward.[104] Tyga voluntarily surrendered to the LAPD on October 12, 2021, and was booked on a felony charge of corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant before posting $50,000 bail and being released the same day.[105][106] Through representatives, Tyga denied striking Swanson, asserting that she had forced entry into his residence without permission, acted aggressively toward him and his security, and that any physical contact stemmed from self-defense.[107] No immediate arrests occurred at the scene, and police reports noted Swanson's visible injury but lacked independent witnesses corroborating her account of unprovoked violence.[103] The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office ultimately declined to file charges against Tyga in November 2021, citing insufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.[108] By February 2022, the case was resolved without prosecution, conditional on Tyga maintaining a clean record, reflecting the absence of prosecutable evidence such as video footage or third-party testimony supporting assault claims over mutual combat or self-defense narratives.[109][110] Swanson later indicated in 2022 that external pressures, including media reports, influenced her initial decision to pursue charges, though no conviction resulted and the pair were observed interacting amicably on social media thereafter.[111] This incident remains the primary domestic violence allegation against Tyga, with no prior or subsequent convictions documented in public records.Home invasion and security incidents
In February 2015, Tyga's residence in Calabasas, California, was targeted in a burglary. Law enforcement sources reported that the intruder approached neighbors to identify the rapper's home before forcing entry and stealing valuables in Tyga's absence, then fleeing the scene without detection.[112] No arrests were made public in connection with the incident.[112] Such targeted break-ins reflect the heightened vulnerability of high-profile individuals whose wealth and possessions are often publicized through social media, providing potential burglars with reconnaissance on valuable targets without physical risk during the act. Police reports from similar celebrity burglaries in the area during this period indicate patterns where public flaunting of luxury goods correlates with increased incidence rates, as perpetrators exploit visible displays of affluence to select victims efficiently.[112] Tyga did not file publicized insurance claims specific to this event, though standard procedures for high-value thefts typically involve law enforcement documentation to facilitate recovery or reimbursement.Legal and financial issues
Civil lawsuits and debts
In 2013, two women who appeared as extras in the explicit version of Tyga's "Make It Nasty" music video filed a civil lawsuit against him and his management, alleging unauthorized use of their images in nude scenes without consent or compensation; they sought $10 million each, totaling $20 million in damages.[113] The court ultimately ordered Tyga's organization to pay $186,275.89 in damages related to the dispute.[8] Tyga has faced multiple civil suits from jewelers over unpaid debts for luxury items. In 2013, celebrity jeweler Jason Arasheben filed a lawsuit claiming Tyga owed approximately $200,000 for custom pieces, including a diamond-encrusted watch and bracelet, after repeated failed payment attempts.[114] By late 2016, Tyga had settled half the amount, though the full resolution details remain undisclosed. This pattern continued into 2024, when Miami jeweler Leonard Sulaymanov filed a federal civil lawsuit under RICO statutes against Tyga and Floyd Mayweather, alleging they owed nearly $4 million for unpaid luxury watches and diamond jewelry acquired between 2021 and 2023, including a $79,000 Rolex purchased by Tyga in 2022.[115] The suit accuses the defendants of fraud and unjust enrichment through a scheme of acquiring high-value items without intent to pay, with Sulaymanov claiming repeated partial payments followed by defaults.[116] The case, filed in Miami federal court, remains ongoing as of late 2024.[117]Tax and property disputes
In 2014, the IRS filed a federal tax lien against Tyga for approximately $100,000 in unpaid income taxes from 2009, 2010, and 2011.[118] By 2018, California Franchise Tax Board records indicated he owed $890,183.57 in state taxes for the period 2011 through 2016.[119] Tyga's federal tax liabilities escalated significantly in 2019, when the IRS issued a notice of intent to levy for over $2 million in unpaid income taxes for that year, a figure that grew to $2,329,678 including penalties and interest.[120] The U.S. Tax Court upheld the levy in September 2023, rejecting Tyga's request for an installment agreement of $13,000 per month due to his history of chronic non-payment, repeated failures to file returns, and accumulation of liabilities exceeding $8 million overall, which demonstrated a lack of financial responsibility. These disputes stemmed from inconsistent withholding and estimated tax payments, common in variable-income entertainment fields, though Tyga's pattern of accruing debts without resolution efforts undermined collection alternatives.[121] Regarding property matters, Tyga encountered multiple eviction proceedings tied to rental non-payments on luxury homes. In July 2015, his landlord for a Calabasas mansion initiated eviction for $500,000 in unpaid rent, following two months of missed $25,000 monthly payments, with daily penalties accruing thereafter if unresolved.[122] That same year, he failed to close escrow on a $10 million Hidden Hills property near Kylie Jenner's residence, attributed to insufficient funds despite prior claims of purchasing it outright.[123] In 2016, a Santa Monica court issued an arrest warrant for Tyga after he failed to appear regarding $480,000 owed for back rent and property damage at a Malibu mansion rental; the case was later settled out of court, averting jail time.[124] Additional eviction threats arose in 2022 over unpaid rent for another Calabasas property previously shared with Blac Chyna.[125] These incidents reflect over-reliance on high-end leases exceeding stable cash flows from music and ventures, as public records show resolutions often via partial payments or negotiations rather than full upfront satisfaction, contrasting Tyga's projected affluence.[126]Business ventures
Last Kings brand and fashion
Last Kings is a streetwear apparel brand founded by Tyga in the early 2010s, initially focusing on items such as hats, T-shirts, and other casual clothing inspired by hip-hop culture and Tyga's self-proclaimed "king" persona.[127] The brand gained visibility through Tyga's personal endorsements and social media promotion, aligning with his music career's rise during that period. In February 2014, Tyga opened a 2,800-square-foot flagship store in Los Angeles at 7829 Melrose Avenue, previously occupied by designer Christian Audigier, after investing approximately $120,000 in an Egyptian-themed interior featuring gold accents and custom fixtures.[128][127] The line expanded beyond core streetwear to include accessories and lifestyle products, though specific extensions like sneakers or fragrances remain unverified in primary retail announcements. Distribution occurred through select retailers and online platforms, with Tyga leveraging his celebrity for visibility rather than formal partnerships with major chains like PacSun, despite occasional retail collaborations in sportswear-adjacent categories. Peak commercial activity coincided with the 2014 store launch, supported by Tyga's active promotion, but lacked publicly disclosed revenue figures in the millions; broader entrepreneurial ventures contributed to his overall income streams without isolated brand metrics.[129] By 2016, the brand faced setbacks, including a landlord lawsuit over the abandoned Melrose store amid Tyga's financial disputes, signaling a decline tied to shifting streetwear market trends and Tyga's legal issues.[130] Despite this, Last Kings persists as a side income source, with intermittent drops available via retailers like Culture Kings and active Instagram promotion of Tyga-inspired collections as recently as 2021.[131] The brand's trajectory reflects challenges common to celebrity-driven fashion lines, where initial hype yields to sustained market competition without consistent innovation.Digital media and OnlyFans involvement
In 2020, Tyga began posting explicit content on OnlyFans, including nude photographs and videos, as a means to generate revenue outside traditional music channels amid ongoing disputes with his record label.[132] His account, charging a $20 monthly subscription fee, quickly gained traction, positioning him as one of the platform's top earners by mid-2021, with reported annual earnings of approximately $7.69 million for that year according to data from Influencer Marketing Hub.[133] These figures, derived from platform analytics and third-party estimates, reflected subscriber interest in his celebrity status and adult-oriented material, though exact subscriber counts were not publicly disclosed.[134] Tyga's OnlyFans activity drew mixed responses, with some critics questioning the artistic merit of the content while subscribers sustained high engagement levels indicative of market demand.[132] In August 2021, he deleted his account after earning several million dollars, citing dissatisfaction with OnlyFans' 20% commission fee and platform policies, and launched a competing site called Myystar that promised creators a higher 90% revenue share.[132] [135] This move exemplified his shift toward the creator economy, prioritizing direct monetization over intermediary platforms. Parallel to his OnlyFans efforts, Tyga ventured into non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in 2021, partnering on projects that leveraged his brand for digital collectibles. In 2022, he faced a $500,000 breach-of-contract lawsuit from Kreation Technologies, which alleged he failed to promote and fulfill obligations for an NFT collection using his name, likeness, and image, leading to the project's abandonment after initial hype.[136] [137] Tyga countered the suit, accusing the company of fraud and seeking dismissal, arguing the claims lacked merit and that he had not received the full advance payment.[138] [139] These NFT endeavors, while aligning with broader cryptocurrency trends, highlighted risks in celebrity-endorsed digital assets, where promotional commitments often outpaced sustained delivery.[140]Other pursuits
Acting roles and film appearances
Tyga's forays into acting have been limited, consisting primarily of cameo appearances and minor supporting roles that often align with his rapper persona, reflecting a secondary pursuit to his primary music career. These roles typically involve brief on-screen time as streetwise or hip-hop-influenced characters, with no leading parts in major productions.[141][19] Early credits include a student role in the 2012 stoner comedy Mac & Devin Go to High School, directed by Dylan C. Brown, where he appeared alongside Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa in a film centered on high school marijuana advocacy.[19] In 2015, he played De'Andre, a minor character in the coming-of-age film Dope, which follows geeky teenagers navigating a drug-fueled adventure in a tough Los Angeles neighborhood; the role underscored Tyga's typecasting in urban youth narratives.[19] That same year, reports confirmed his casting in Barbershop: The Next Cut, the third installment in the franchise, where he portrayed Yummy, a customer in the ensemble comedy-drama about a Chicago barbershop community.[142] Tyga's television appearances include a guest role as Jamal in the horror series Scream: The TV Series (2015), contributing to its slasher storyline amid a cast of young actors.[141] In the 2016 horror-comedy Boo! A Madea Halloween, he appeared as a rapper character in Tyler Perry's franchise entry, which satirizes suburban fears and earned mixed reviews for its formulaic humor.[141] His final notable film credit to date is Salvatore in the 2017 action-comedy Once Upon a Time in Venice, a low-budget thriller starring John Malkovich, where Tyga's role was a brief gang member part in a plot involving a private investigator retrieving a kidnapped dog.[141]| Year | Title | Role | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Mac & Devin Go to High School | Student | Film |
| 2015 | Dope | De'Andre | Film |
| 2015 | Scream: The TV Series | Jamal | Television |
| 2015 | Barbershop: The Next Cut | Yummy | Film |
| 2016 | Boo! A Madea Halloween | Rap Artist | Film |
| 2017 | Once Upon a Time in Venice | Salvatore | Film |
Concert tours and live performances
Tyga's early live performances were tied to his affiliation with Young Money Entertainment, where he served as an opening act on multi-artist tours from 2011 to 2013. Notable among these was the Closer to My Dreams Tour, organized by BET's 106 & Park, which launched on July 7, 2011, in Los Angeles and featured Tyga alongside acts like Mindless Behavior and Diggy Simmons across 18 U.S. cities.[144] These outings helped build his fanbase amid hits like "Rack City," with shows often drawing crowds in mid-sized venues such as the Vogue Theatre in Vancouver.[145] Transitioning to headlining, Tyga launched the Hotel California Tour in 2013 to support his third studio album of the same name, released on April 9. The tour included a European leg with dates in Germany, France, and other countries, highlighted by sold-out crowds in Marseille, France, where he performed tracks like "For the Road."[146] [147] A summer edition extended the run into July, covering cities like Munich and Essen.[148] Post-2020, Tyga shifted toward independent bookings and festival appearances, adapting to reduced large-scale touring amid the streaming era's emphasis on direct fan engagement. He delivered multiple high-energy sets at Rolling Loud festivals, including full performances at the California edition in 2023 and joint shows with YG in 2024, as well as Miami in 2024, sustaining draw in hip-hop's premier event series.[149] [150] [151] In Las Vegas, Tyga established recurring residency gigs as a DJ and performer at nightlife venues under Tao Group Hospitality, such as Hakkasan Nightclub, Omnia, and Wet Republic, with dates extending through 2025.[152] These intimate, club-focused shows contrast earlier arena efforts, focusing on nightlife integration over traditional concert formats.[153] For 2025, Tyga announced the Red Light Tour, a headlining run promoting his album NSFW, set to kick off on March 20 in Phoenix, Arizona, with subsequent U.S. dates emphasizing recent material and fan favorites.[154] The tour aligns with his pivot to independent promotion, including Vegas residencies at Omnia, Tao Beach, and Hakkasan throughout the year.[155] Specific attendance figures for Tyga's tours remain limited in public data, though sold-out instances like his 2013 European stops indicate strong regional demand countering perceptions of diminished live draw.[146]Discography
Studio albums
Tyga's debut studio album, No Introduction, was released independently on June 10, 2008, through Decaydance Records. It featured production from Kanye West and did not chart on the Billboard 200, with estimated sales remaining low at under 10,000 units.[156] His major-label debut, Careless World: Rise of the Last King, arrived on February 21, 2012, via Cash Money Records, Young Money Entertainment, and Republic Records. The album peaked at number 4 on the US Billboard 200, selling 61,000 album-equivalent units in its first week. It later received RIAA gold certification for 500,000 units shipped in March 2020.[4][35] Hotel California, Tyga's third studio album, was issued on April 9, 2013, under the same major labels. It debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200 with 58,000 first-week units and earned RIAA gold certification in 2020.[35] The fourth album, The Gold Album: 18th Dynasty, marked a shift to independent release on June 23, 2015, through Last Kings Records. It peaked at number 4 on the Billboard 200 but lacked RIAA album certification.[157] Kyoto, released independently on February 16, 2018, via Last Kings and Empire Distribution, debuted at number 24 on the Billboard 200 with approximately 18,000 equivalent units in its opening week. No RIAA certification was awarded.[158] Legendary, the seventh studio album, came out on June 7, 2019, also through Last Kings and Empire. It entered the Billboard 200 at number 18, moving 24,000 album-equivalent units in its debut week, and received immediate RIAA gold status.[64] Tyga's most recent studio album, NSFW, was independently released on January 31, 2025, via Last Kings and Empire Distribution. As of early 2025, it has not yet received RIAA certification, with initial sales data pending full reporting.[67]| Title | Release Date | Label Type | US Billboard 200 Peak | RIAA Certification | First-Week Units (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Introduction | June 10, 2008 | Independent (Decaydance) | Did not chart | None | <10,000 |
| Careless World: Rise of the Last King | February 21, 2012 | Major (Cash Money/Young Money/Republic) | 4 | Gold (2020) | 61,000 |
| Hotel California | April 9, 2013 | Major (Cash Money/Young Money/Republic) | 4 | Gold (2020) | 58,000 |
| The Gold Album: 18th Dynasty | June 23, 2015 | Independent (Last Kings) | 4 | None | 20,000 |
| Kyoto | February 16, 2018 | Independent (Last Kings/Empire) | 24 | None | 18,000 |
| Legendary | June 7, 2019 | Independent (Last Kings/Empire) | 18 | Gold (2019) | 24,000 |
| NSFW | January 31, 2025 | Independent (Last Kings/Empire) | TBD | None | Pending |
Mixtapes and extended plays
Tyga began releasing mixtapes in the mid-2000s as a means of building his independent fanbase through free digital distribution on platforms like DatPiff and LiveMixtapes, which enabled rapid dissemination without traditional label backing. These projects often interpolated popular beats and included guest features from emerging West Coast artists, fostering grassroots support during periods when studio album production was delayed by contractual disputes or creative shifts. By prioritizing accessibility, Tyga's mixtapes bridged gaps in his commercial output, sustaining listener interest amid infrequent full-length releases.[159] One of his pivotal early mixtapes, Well Done, arrived on November 7, 2010, comprising 14 tracks with freestyles over contemporary hits such as Waka Flocka Flame's "Hard in the Paint" and Trey Songz's "Can't Be Friends." Hosted by DJ Ill Will and DJ Rockstar, it highlighted Tyga's affinity for high-energy remixes and included originals like the title track "Well Done," which sampled Fabolous' "Imma Do It." The project garnered over 9,000 downloads on MixtapeMonkey alone shortly after release, underscoring its role in amplifying his buzz post-No Introduction era.[160][161][162] The Well Done series continued as a staple for fan retention, with Well Done 3 dropping on August 19, 2012, via Young Money Entertainment. This installment featured 17 tracks, including "Wish," "Designer," and "Riot" with Honey Cocaine, emphasizing Tyga's shift toward more polished production amid his Cash Money affiliation. Subsequent entries like Well Done 4 (December 8, 2013) added collaborations with Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Meek Mill, and Fabolous across 14 tracks, maintaining momentum during delays for The Gold Album. The series culminated in Well Done Fever on December 24, 2020, hosted by DJ Drama and exclusively on DatPiff, with tracks blending trap influences to re-engage audiences post-Legendary.[163][164][165] BitchImTheShit2, released July 21, 2017, served as a sequel to his 2011 mixtape, featuring 14 tracks with guests like Kurupt and YG on "Bitch Betta Have My Money." Distributed freely initially, it addressed fan demand during a lull following Kyoto's underperformance, with individual tracks like "Bitch Im The Shit" accumulating over 26,000 plays on SoundCloud. This project exemplified Tyga's strategy of leveraging mixtape formats for creative experimentation outside major label constraints.[166][167]| Title | Release Date | Key Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Well Done | November 7, 2010 | 14 tracks; freestyles over "Hard in the Paint," "Teach Me How to Dougie"; hosted by DJ Ill Will.[160] |
| Well Done 3 | August 19, 2012 | 17 tracks; features Honey Cocaine; Young Money release.[163] |
| Well Done 4 | December 8, 2013 | 14 tracks; guests Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Meek Mill.[164] |
| BitchImTheShit2 | July 21, 2017 | 14 tracks; sequel to 2011 original; features YG, Kurupt.[166] |
| Well Done Fever | December 24, 2020 | DJ Drama-hosted; DatPiff exclusive; trap-focused revival.[165] |
Awards and nominations
Key recognitions
Tyga has secured few formal award wins from major industry ceremonies, underscoring a career marked more by commercial milestones than widespread critical accolades. His notable victory includes sharing the win for "Loyal" (with Chris Brown and Lil Wayne) at the 2014 Soul Train Awards, recognized in a hip-hop/R&B category for its cultural impact.[168] Other recognitions, such as nominations at the Ozone Awards in 2008 for categories like Best Rap/R&B Collaboration, highlight early niche appeal within underground and regional hip-hop circuits but did not result in wins.[169] This pattern reflects Tyga's stronger resonance in fan-driven and sales-based metrics over peer-voted honors from bodies like the Recording Academy, where he holds a single nomination without a win.[5]Chart achievements and certifications
Tyga has released over 74 singles as lead or featured artist, with numerous entries charting on the Billboard Hot 100 and accumulating RIAA certifications for more than 24 million equivalent units across singles and albums as of October 2025, incorporating sales and streaming data where 150 on-demand streams equal one unit.[170][171] His certifications reflect sustained commercial viability in the streaming-dominated era, where equivalent units have driven multi-platinum status for tracks originally released over a decade ago, outperforming many contemporaries in longevity-adjusted metrics despite inconsistent album peaks.[172]| Single | Billboard Hot 100 Peak | RIAA Certification | Certified Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Rack City" (2012) | No. 7 | 5× Platinum | 5,000,000 |
| "Loyal" (Chris Brown feat. Tyga & Lil Wayne, 2014) | No. 1 | 8× Platinum | 8,000,000 |
| "Taste" (feat. Offset, 2018) | No. 8 | Diamond (10× Platinum) | 10,000,000 |