Lil Yachty is a prominent American hip-hop recording artist, with a net worth estimated at $25 million. He gained significant recognition through his hit songs, including “One Night.” Lil Yachty represents an evolution in the hip-hop genre, often linked to the rise of what some refer to as “mumble rap.” However, Lil Yachty himself prefers to describe his style as a “bubblegum trap.” His music often includes playful sound bites from cartoons and video games, making his work unique and appealing. Critics have described his sound as catchy and fun. He was also nominated for a Grammy Award for his work on the hit song “Broccoli.”
Early Life
Lil Yachty was born Miles Parks McCollum on August 23, 1997, in Mableton, Georgia. Growing up, he was heavily influenced by Canadian rapper Drake, who would later impact his musical career. In 2015, Yachty attended Alabama State University but dropped out shortly after to pursue his passion for music full-time. He then moved to New York, where he began networking and building relationships within the streetwear scene. Yachty also focused on growing his Instagram presence, and understanding the importance of social media for modern musicians. During this period, he worked at McDonald’s to support himself.
Career Breakthrough
Lil Yachty’s big break came in a rather unexpected way. His song “One Night” went viral after being featured in a funny viral video. The video generated immense curiosity about the song, and viewers quickly sought out the track and its artist. “One Night” gained significant traction on YouTube, amassing over 126 million views. This viral success catapulted Yachty into the spotlight.
In 2016, Lil Yachty’s career gained even more momentum when he became a model for Kanye West’s Yeezy fashion line. That same year, Yachty released his mixtape “Lil Boat,” which featured the song “One Night” and marked the beginning of his successful musical journey. His collaborations with popular artists, such as DRAM on the track “Broccoli,” helped him gain further recognition. “Broccoli” debuted at number five on the Billboard Hot 100.
Continued Success and Collaboration
2016 also saw Lil Yachty collaborate with Chance the Rapper, further solidifying his place in the music industry. By mid-2016, Yachty released his second mixtape, “Summer Songs 2,” which capitalized on his rising fame and helped maintain his visibility in the music scene. He continued to collaborate with other notable artists, including Kyle and Tee Grizzley, expanding his musical reach.
First Studio Album and Breakthrough Success
In 2017, Lil Yachty took a significant step forward in his career by releasing his debut studio album, “Teenage Emotions.” The album debuted at number five on the Billboard 200, showcasing his growing popularity within the music industry. Yachty’s established reputation allowed him to attract high-profile collaborators like Migos, Diplo, and YG for his debut project.
The following year, 2018, was another major year for Lil Yachty. He released his second studio album, “Lil Boat 2.” While the album received mixed reviews, it performed well commercially, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 and selling 64,000 units. Many critics viewed it as an improvement over his debut album, “Teenage Emotions.” During this time, Lil Yachty also joined the popular E-Sports team FaZe Clan, sparking speculations about potential future merchandise collaborations. He also expanded his musical style by working with the pop band Ocean Park Standoff on the track “If You Were Mine.”
2020 and New Collaborations
After a quieter 2019, Lil Yachty made a strong comeback in 2020 with the announcement of his third studio album, “Lil Boat 3.” He released the lead single, “Oprah’s Bank Account,” which featured his childhood idol, Drake. In addition to this, Yachty collaborated with several other artists during the year, notably with the group project A-Team, which also featured artists like Lil Gotit and Lil Kreed.
Viral Hit and New Directions
In October 2022, Lil Yachty released a non-album single titled “Poland,” which quickly went viral on the internet. His fifth studio album, “Let’s Start Here,” was released in January 2023. This album marked a departure from Yachty’s signature trap sound, as it was heavily influenced by psychedelic rock, showcasing his evolving musical style.
Legal Issues
Before achieving fame, Lil Yachty was involved in a credit card fraud scheme in Florida in 2015. He was arrested at a mall in Palm Beach alongside another individual but was soon released on an $11,000 bail bond. In 2016, Yachty revealed that his criminal record had been expunged, likely due to his young age at the time of the incident.
Other Ventures and Brand Endorsements
Beyond his music career, Lil Yachty has participated in several other ventures. One of his most notable collaborations outside of music was his appearance in a Sprite commercial alongside NBA star LeBron James. Additionally, he has maintained an active presence in the fashion and modeling industries, particularly after his involvement with Yeezy. Yachty became the face of several clothing lines, including Nautica and Urban Outfitters. He also starred in a promotional music video for Target, alongside Carly Rae Jepsen.
In 2018, Lil Yachty teamed up with Donny Osmond to create a new theme song for Chef Boyardee called “Start the Par-dee.” His unusual brand partnerships also included endorsing Bernie Sanders during the 2016 election, citing the senator’s dedication to civil rights. Yachty also expanded his acting career, playing the role of Cole Hudson in the ABC sitcom “Grown-ish.”
Personal Life and Recent Controversies
In October 2021, Lil Yachty announced the birth of his daughter, though the identity of the child’s mother has not been publicly disclosed. In 2022 and 2023, Lil Yachty found himself involved in legal issues again, as he was named in the SafeMoon lawsuit and the SEC lawsuit. These legal cases related to his involvement in promoting cryptocurrency without disclosing that he had been paid to do so. He settled the charges for over $400,000, without admitting or denying the claims related to misleading investor actions.
Through his various career milestones, legal hurdles, and ventures, Lil Yachty has firmly established himself as one of the most distinctive and influential figures in modern hip-hop. His ability to continuously evolve, both musically and in his branding, ensures his lasting presence in the entertainment industry.
