Tyga, born Micheal Ray Nguyen-Stevenson on November 19, 1989, has built a career as a rapper, singer, songwriter, and television personality. At 35, his net worth is estimated to be $8 million in 2025. Despite his success in the music industry, Tyga’s financial history has been marked by lawsuits, unpaid taxes, and repossessions. How did he rise to fame, and what challenges has he faced in managing his fortune?
How Did Tyga Begin His Career in Music?
Tyga’s journey in music began with his debut independent album No Introduction in 2008. The album included the single “Coconut Juice,” featuring his cousin, Travie McCoy. However, his big break came when he signed with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment in 2009. He quickly gained mainstream attention with the song “Deuces,” a collaboration with Chris Brown, which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
Over the years, Tyga released multiple albums, including Careless World: Rise of the Last King (2012), which featured his most successful single, “Rack City.” This song propelled him into the limelight, and he continued his success with other tracks such as “Faded,” “Make It Nasty,” and “Far Away.”
What Are Tyga’s Biggest Career Achievements?
Tyga’s music career has seen a mix of highs and lows. He has sold over 600,000 albums and 12 million digital singles worldwide. His hit song “Taste” (2018), featuring Offset, marked a significant comeback, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. This success led to the release of his album Legendary in 2019, which was certified Gold by the RIAA.
In addition to music, Tyga has explored other ventures, including acting and social media. He has appeared in reality television and has been a highly successful content creator on OnlyFans, reportedly earning $8 million in just one year.
How Has Tyga’s Financial Situation Evolved Over Time?
Despite earning millions from music, endorsements, and social media, Tyga has faced several financial difficulties. In 2011, he rented a $16,000-per-month mansion in Malibu but stopped paying rent after a few months, leading to a lawsuit from the landlord for $480,000 in damages and unpaid rent.
Tyga has also faced multiple tax issues. In 2014, the IRS hit him with a $120,000 unpaid tax bill, and in 2015, the state of California demanded an additional $19,000 in back taxes.
His troubles extended to car repossessions. In 2016, his Lamborghini Aventador and Bentley Mulsanne were taken back due to unpaid debts. His Mercedes Maybach was also repossessed in 2019, and he was sued by a rental car company for $130,000 over unpaid leases on a Ferrari 458 Spider and a Rolls-Royce Ghost.
What Legal Issues Has Tyga Faced in His Career?
Tyga has been involved in multiple lawsuits throughout his career. In 2018, he sued Cash Money Records and Young Money Entertainment for $10 million, alleging they owed him unpaid royalties for his albums Careless World: Rise of the Last King and Hotel California. He claimed that despite renegotiating his contract, the labels failed to pay him.
In another case, Tyga was sued in 2015 by business partner Chuon Guen Lee, who alleged he stole $500,000 worth of merchandise and breached their contract for the clothing line Last Kings. She sued for $1.6 million, claiming he started a competing brand, Egypt Kings, without her.
How Has Tyga’s Personal Life Influenced His Public Image?
Tyga’s personal life has been widely publicized, particularly his relationships. He was engaged to model Blac Chyna, with whom he shares a son, King Cairo Stevenson. Their relationship ended in 2014, and shortly afterward, he began dating Kylie Jenner. The relationship sparked controversy due to Jenner being underage when they allegedly started dating. They officially went public after her 18th birthday and dated until 2017.
Despite his high-profile romances, Tyga has often faced criticism for his financial management and lifestyle choices, which have led to legal and financial disputes.
What Real Estate Investments Has Tyga Made?
Tyga has lived in multiple luxury homes, but many were rented rather than owned. He faced lawsuits from landlords for unpaid rent on multiple occasions, including a lawsuit in 2015 for $80,000 in unpaid rent on a Calabasas property.
In 2020, Tyga finally purchased a home, spending $3.9 million on a 5,700-square-foot lakefront mansion in Indio, California. However, in 2023, he sold the property for $5.1 million after listing it for $5.9 million. The sale came amid reports that the home was in “pre-foreclosure” due to missed mortgage payments.
What Is Next for Tyga in 2025?
As of 2025, Tyga continues to release new music and remains active in the entertainment industry. While he has experienced financial struggles, his ability to rebound—whether through music, social media, or OnlyFans—demonstrates his resilience.
Tyga’s career is a testament to both his talent and his challenges. Despite multiple legal and financial setbacks, he has maintained relevance in the entertainment industry. Whether he can secure long-term financial stability remains to be seen, but his ability to navigate setbacks and reinvent himself suggests that he is far from done.
