Moneybagg Yo

Biography

DeMario DeWayne White Jr., known professionally as Moneybagg Yo, was born on September 22, 1991, in Memphis, Tennessee. Raised by a single mother in the Walker Homes neighborhood of South Memphis, he was the oldest of three siblings and experienced financial hardships during his childhood. He developed a love for hip hop at a young age, influenced by artists like Yo Gotti, Boosie, and Future. To escape the struggles of his environment, he began his rap career in 2011.

Career Beginnings and Mixtapes

Moneybagg Yo started his career by releasing several mixtapes, with his first, "From Da Block 2 Da Booth," dropping in 2012. He gained significant local attention, and his 2016 mixtape "Federal Reloaded" featured artists like Young Dolph and OG Boo Dirty. That same year, he released "ELO (Everybody Lives On)," which included collaborations with Quavo and Yo Gotti. His work caught the attention of fellow Memphis rapper Yo Gotti, who signed him to his record label, Collective Music Group (CMG), in 2016. Their collaborative mixtape, "2 Federal," was also released in 2016 and marked his first appearance on the Billboard 200 chart.

Rise to Mainstream Success

In 2017, Moneybagg Yo signed a joint venture deal with Interscope Records. His mixtapes "Federal 3X" (2017) and "2 Heartless" (2018) were his mainstream breakthrough, peaking at number five and sixteen on the Billboard 200, respectively. He continued his prolific output with his debut studio album "Reset" in November 2018, which peaked at number 13 on the Billboard 200. His second studio album, "43va Heartless," followed in May 2019, reaching number four on the chart.

Chart-Topping Albums and Singles

Moneybagg Yo's third studio album, "Time Served," released in January 2020, debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 and featured his first Hot 100-charting singles, "All Dat" and "U Played". The album was later certified gold. His biggest commercial success came with his fourth studio album, "A Gangsta's Pain," released in April 2021. It became his first album to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 and included the hit single "Wockesha," which peaked in the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100. His fifth studio album, "Speak Now," was released in 2024.

Musical Style and Recognition

Moneybagg Yo is known for his melodic trap and Southern hip hop style, with lyrics that often touch on street life, resilience, and ambition. His delivery is often described as mellow yet sharp. He has received numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award nomination and nominations for the American Music Awards and MTV Music Video Awards. In 2021, he was named "Trapper of the Year" by T.I.