The rap artist, widely recognized for his iconic Carter series of albums, has made a massive impact on the music industry. He took home four Grammy Awards in 2009, one of which was for Best Rap Song thanks to his hit track “Lollipop.” As a powerful figure in hip-hop, he also serves as the CEO of Young Money Entertainment, a label he founded back in 2005, showcasing his business savvy alongside his musical talent.
Before fame came knocking, the rap artist faced several life-altering moments. When he was just 12 years old, he accidentally shot himself in the chest while handling his mother’s 9mm handgun—an incident that could have ended everything before it began. Despite being an honor student, he made the bold decision to leave school at age 14 to fully dedicate himself to a career in music, a move that ultimately paid off.
On the personal front, the rap artist married Antonia Carter on Valentine’s Day in 2004, but their marriage ended in divorce by January 2006. Together, they welcomed a daughter named Reginae. Over the years, he became a father to several children with different partners: a son named Dwayne III with Sarah Vivian, another son named Kameron with actress Lauren London, and a son named Neal with singer Nivea.
In more recent years, the rap artist was linked to model Denise Bidot, and the couple began dating in 2020. However, their relationship came to an end in 2021. Through highs and lows, the rap artist continues to be a central figure in both music and pop culture.
He became a part of the group Hot Boys back in 1997, which really marked a turning point in his career. During that time, he helped drop the hit song “Lollipop,” which ended up gaining massive popularity and put him further into the spotlight. Now, fast forward to 2010, while he was serving a year-long prison sentence—due to being in possession of his manager’s .40 caliber handgun—he still managed to stay active in the music scene. That same year, he released the album I Am Not a Human Being, showcasing his resilience and dedication to his craft despite the circumstances. He definitely proved that even behind bars, his influence in the industry couldn’t be silenced.