Biography
Tory Lanez is a Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter known for his versatile music style that blends hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall influences. He gained recognition with his 2015 mixtape Lost Cause and the hit single “Say It.” His debut studio album, I Told You (2016), featured the chart-topping track “Luv,” which earned him a Grammy nomination.
Tory Lanez continued his success with albums like Memories Don’t Die (2018) and Chixtape 5 (2019), solidifying his place in the music industry. However, controversy surrounded his career in 2020 when a court convicted him of shooting fellow artist Megan Thee Stallion, sentencing him to 10 years in prison. Despite legal troubles, he remains influential in the music scene, with a dedicated fan base and a legacy of genre-blending hits.
Profile
- Name: Tory Lanez
- Birth name: Daystar Shemuel Shua Peterson
- Birthday: July 27, 1992
- Zodiac Sign: Leo
- Height: 170 cm
- Instagram: @torylanez
- Twitter: @torylanez
Career
Tory Lanez began his music career in 2009 with the release of his debut mixtape, T.L 2 T.O. While living in South Florida, he started directing his own music videos and uploading them to YouTube. His talent caught the attention of rapper Sean Kingston, who invited him to perform during a tour with Justin Bieber. After this opportunity, Lanez signed with Kingston’s label, Time is Money Entertainment, in 2011. He later released several mixtapes, including Mr. Peterson, Chixtape, and Swavey. However, he later decided to pursue his career independently.
Between 2012 and 2014, Lanez released more mixtapes, such as Sincerely Tory, Conflicts of My Soul: The 416 Story, and Chixtape II. In 2014, he launched his “Fargo Fridays” series, consistently releasing new music on Fridays. His popularity grew, leading to his first headlining tour, the Lost Cause Tour, and the release of the mixtape Lost Cause in 2014. Around this time, he also claimed to have ghostwritten songs for artists like Akon, August Alsina, and Travis Scott.
In 2015, Lanez signed with Benny Blanco’s Mad Love Records under Interscope Records and released his breakout single, “Say It.” This track, along with “Luv,” became major hits, leading up to the release of his debut studio album, I Told You, in 2016. He continued to rise in the industry with albums like Memories Don’t Die (2018), Love Me Now? (2018), and Chixtape 5 (2019). By 2020, he released The New Toronto 3, marking his final project with Interscope Records before transitioning to full independence.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lanez gained further popularity through his viral “Quarantine Radio” sessions on Instagram Live. In September 2020, he independently released Daystar, an album that controversially addressed his alleged involvement in the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. Despite ongoing legal troubles, he continued releasing music, including the 80s-inspired album Alone at Prom (2021) and Sorry 4 What (2022).
Lanez’s career took a major hit after being convicted in 2022 for shooting Megan Thee Stallion, leading to a 10-year prison sentence in 2023. While incarcerated, his song “The Color Violet” gained traction on TikTok, and he released a deluxe version of Alone at Prom in 2023. In 2024, previously unreleased songs surfaced under the names Lost Tapes and Prison Tapes, followed by Twitch Tapes, featuring recordings from live streams before his imprisonment.
Beyond his own music, Lanez founded the record label One Umbrella in 2014, initially as a clothing brand before expanding into artist management. The label has worked with artists like Mansa, Mariah the Scientist, and Kaash Paige. Lanez has frequently emphasized his independence in the industry, celebrating ownership of his masters and publishing rights.
Personal Life
Early Life
Tory Lanez was born in Brampton, Ontario, was raised by his Bajan father, Sonstar, and his mother, Luella, who was from Curaçao. His family initially lived in Montreal before relocating to Miami, Florida. After his mother’s passing, his father became a minister, leading them to move frequently across the U.S. Eventually, they settled in Atlanta, Georgia, where Lanez received the nickname “Lanez” from a friend due to his reckless behavior.
In 2006, he was sent to live with relatives in Jamaica, Queens, but due to behavioral issues, he moved to Toronto to live with his grandmother. When she refused to take care of him, he was left to fend for himself at 15. He lived with strangers and had to learn to survive on his own. During this time, he resumed rapping, naming himself “Notorious” after his idol, Notorious B.I.G., before adopting the stage name Tory Lanez. At 16, he dropped out of school and began performing at outdoor concerts. A year later, he also developed an interest in singing, despite never receiving any formal vocal training.
Dating History
Tory Lanez has been linked to several high-profile celebrities over the years. His rumored relationships include reality TV star and entrepreneur Kylie Jenner, as well as fellow musicians such as Megan Thee Stallion and Trina. His connection with Megan Thee Stallion gained widespread media attention due to the 2020 shooting incident, which later resulted in legal consequences for Lanez.
In addition to these relationships, Lanez has also been linked to Joseline Hernández, the Puerto Rican reality TV personality known for “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta,” and Masika Kalysha, a model and singer who also appeared on the show. Although Lanez has kept much of his personal life private, his romantic connections have often made headlines, adding to the controversies surrounding him.
Family
Tory Lanez is a father to a son, though he has kept details about his child largely private. He has also used the alias “Argentina Fargo.” He explained that the name symbolizes “foreign money,” reflecting his identity as a Canadian artist making his mark in the U.S.
In June 2024, Lanez’s wife, Raina Chassagne, filed for divorce after nearly a year of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences. She also requested legal and physical custody of their son.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Tory Lanez’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $4 million. This wealth primarily stems from his successful music career, which includes chart-topping albums and mixtapes that have resonated with a global audience. In addition to his musical endeavors, Lanez has ventured into entrepreneurship, further bolstering his financial standing. Despite facing legal challenges, his dedication to his craft has remained evident, contributing to his sustained presence in the industry.
Feuds
Drake
In 2010, a video surfaced on YouTube suggesting that Tory Lanez was Drake’s younger brother. Lanez quickly responded with a video denying any relation and challenged Drake to listen to his mixtape Playing for Keeps, offering $10,000 if the rapper didn’t like it. In 2015, Lanez took a jab at Drake during a radio freestyle and criticized the widespread use of “the 6” as a nickname for Toronto, a term popularized by Drake. The tension escalated in 2016 when Drake dissed Lanez in his single “Summer Sixteen.”
However, Lanez initially downplayed the feud, stating in an interview that he had no intention of responding negatively. Despite this, both artists continued trading subliminal shots through their music over the next two years. Lanez dissed Drake in tracks like “Drive You Crazy,” “For Real,” and his “Uber Everywhere” remix, while Drake responded with lines in “Still Here,” “Do Not Disturb,” and a live version of “Summer Sixteen.” The rivalry finally ended on May 19, 2017, when the two posted pictures together on Instagram, signaling their reconciliation.
Joyner Lucas and Don Q
In November 2018, Lanez claimed during an Instagram Live session that he was a better rapper than Joyner Lucas. This led to a rap battle challenge, resulting in several diss tracks, including the “Lucky You Freestyle” and “Zeze Freestyle.” Though short-lived, the feud sparked debates, with Lanez criticizing those who sided with Lucas.
Around the same time, New York rapper Don Q accused Lanez of stealing his lyrics, dropping the diss track “I’m Not Joyner.” Lanez responded with “Dom Queen,” prompting another rebuttal from Don Q. The back-and-forth was praised by hip-hop media, with HotNewHipHop’s Karlton Jahmal commending Lanez for bringing back the competitive spirit of battle rap.
August Alsina
In 2022, Tory Lanez and August Alsina crossed paths backstage at Rip Micheals’ “Fall Back In Love Comedy & Music Jam” tour in Chicago. Alsina claimed that Lanez attacked him in an unprovoked “sneak attack.” He said the incident left him with visible injuries, including a gash on his lip and cuts on his elbow and knee. Alsina later shared photos of his injuries on Instagram. Lanez, however, denied the allegations.
Legal Issues
Midland Concert Incident
On March 26, 2016, during a performance in Midland, Texas, a violent altercation broke out between security personnel and concertgoers. Lanez reportedly encouraged the crowd to “fuck shit up,” inciting a riot that led police to shut down the show. Multiple arrests were made, and both the venue and concert promoters considered taking legal action against Lanez.
Shooting of Megan Thee Stallion
On July 12, 2020, Lanez was arrested in Hollywood Hills for carrying a concealed weapon in his vehicle. His arrest followed an argument at a house party that had escalated into violence. Megan Thee Stallion, who was also in the car, initially claimed she had suffered a foot injury from broken glass. However, she later revealed on Instagram that she had surgery for gunshot wounds intended to harm her.
In August 2020, Megan publicly accused Lanez of shooting her, calling out his publicity team for spreading false narratives. In response, Lanez released his album Daystar in September 2020, denying the allegations and claiming he was being framed. His lyrics questioned Megan’s injury, while her attorney accused Lanez’s team of orchestrating a smear campaign against her. Lanez’s representatives denied the claims, stating they were investigating the alleged misinformation.
Following the controversy, Lanez alleged that media outlets were running a coordinated attack against him. By October 2020, he was officially charged with felony assault with a semiautomatic firearm. He was also charged with carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle and inflicting great bodily injury. A protective order was issued, requiring him to stay at least 100 yards away from Megan. He was also ordered to surrender any firearms he owned.
In an October 2020 New York Times op-ed, Megan addressed the shooting and highlighted the broader issue of violence against Black women. She stated that she was shot twice while walking away from Lanez. She also emphasized that they were not in a relationship.
Lanez was arrested again in April 2022 for violating the protective order. However, he was released on an increased bond of $350,000.
On December 23, 2022, a jury found Lanez guilty of three felony charges related to the shooting. These included assault with a semiautomatic firearm, possession of a loaded and unregistered firearm, and gross negligence in discharging a firearm. He was immediately taken into custody and later sentenced to 10 years in prison on August 8, 2023.
As of October 25, 2024, a California appeals court has acknowledged a new petition from Lanez’s legal team. The court is reviewing it alongside his other appeals.
Facts
- His remix of Drake’s ‘Controlla’ has over 8.3 million plays on Soundcloud. Ironically, the original track belongs to one of his long-time rivals.
- His mother Luella died of a rare disease when he was just 11 years-old.
- He was once booed off stage mid-performance.
- ‘Luv’ samples ‘Everyone Falls In Love’ by Jamaican dancehall duo Tanto Metro and Devonte.
- He is good friends with Meek Mill.
- His debut album ‘I Told You’ has no features.
- Tory Lanez’s Snapchat name is ‘TheArgyFargo’.
