Tory Lanez, born Daystar Shemuel Shua Peterson on July 27, 1992, in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, is a multi-talented rapper, singer, music producer, and video director. Known for hit singles like “Say It” and “Luv,” Lanez quickly rose to fame in the late 2010s. As of 2025, Tory Lanez’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million, a figure that reflects both his musical success and the legal troubles that have drastically altered the trajectory of his career.
Early Life and Family Background
Tory Lanez is currently 32 years old. His mother, Luella, who was from Curaçao, passed away from a rare disease when he was just 11 years old. This loss deeply affected him, leading to behavioral issues during his teenage years. His father, Sonstar, a Bajan missionary and minister, moved the family frequently throughout the U.S. after Luella’s death. Lanez lived in multiple cities, including Montreal, Miami, Atlanta, and Queens, experiencing a turbulent youth.
Lanez eventually returned to Toronto, but his grandmother declined to care for him. He spent his late teens largely fending for himself, a time he credits for shaping his self-reliance. Lanez has a son named Kai, born in April 2017, and often expresses his desire to be a better father than the one he never had growing up.
Music Career and Rise to Fame
Lanez began rapping seriously in his teens and released his first mixtape, “T.L 2 T.O,” in 2009. His breakthrough came in 2010 after rapper Sean Kingston saw a YouTube freestyle and signed him to his label, Time is Money Entertainment. Over the next few years, Lanez dropped several mixtapes, including “Chixtape,” “Sincerely Tory,” and “Lost Cause.”
In 2016, Lanez released his debut studio album, “I Told You,” through Interscope and Mad Love Records. The album reached #4 on the Billboard 200 and featured the 3x Platinum single “Say It” and the 2x Platinum hit “Luv.” This album marked his entry into the mainstream, and his blend of rap, R&B, and dancehall influences quickly set him apart.
He followed up with a string of successful albums:
- “Memories Don’t Die” (2018) – Reached #3 on the Billboard 200
- “Love Me Now?” (2018) – Topped the Billboard Rap Albums Chart
- “Chixtape 5” (2019) – A fan-favorite with early 2000s R&B samples
- “Daystar” (2020) – Released independently on his One Umbrella label
- “Alone at Prom” (2021) – Inspired by ’80s synth-pop
- “Sorry 4 What” (2022) – Released shortly before his conviction
Despite facing setbacks, Lanez was also known for his energetic live performances and creative use of social media, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when he hosted “Quarantine Radio” on Instagram Live.
Legal Troubles and the Megan Thee Stallion Case
Lanez’s career took a major hit after a July 2020 incident involving fellow artist Megan Thee Stallion. Following a house party, Megan was shot in the foot, and Lanez was arrested after a concealed firearm was found in his vehicle. Initially, there were conflicting reports, but Megan later confirmed that Tory was the shooter.
In October 2020, he was charged with three felonies, including assault with a semiautomatic weapon. A protective order was issued to prevent him from contacting Megan. In August 2021, Lanez violated the order, resulting in a bail increase from $190,000 to $250,000.
The case concluded in December 2022, when Lanez was convicted on all charges. On August 8, 2023, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. As of 2025, he remains incarcerated, with legal appeals reportedly ongoing.
Impact on His Net Worth and Brand
Before the shooting incident, Tory Lanez’s net worth was estimated to be much higher, possibly $8–10 million, considering his streaming revenue, touring income, and record sales. However, legal fees, loss of brand deals, and being dropped from high-profile collaborations have reduced his assets significantly.
As of 2025, his net worth stands at approximately $2 million, according to recent industry estimates. While he still earns royalties from past releases, his ability to perform, promote, and profit from new music has been severely limited due to incarceration.
His label One Umbrella, which began as a clothing brand named Forever Umbrella, is still active but no longer the major entrepreneurial force it once aimed to be.
Artistic Style and Contributions
Tory Lanez’s music often blends elements of R&B, trap, hip-hop, and reggae. He is known for his versatility and melodic hooks, with many critics praising his ability to switch effortlessly between rapping and singing. He has collaborated with top artists such as:
- Meek Mill
- Yo Gotti
- Ty Dolla $ign
- YG
- Soulja Boy
- Bow Wow
- Paul Wall
- Busta Rhymes
- G-Eazy
- Alicia Keys
As a songwriter, he’s also contributed to tracks by Fifth Harmony and Jeezy. His song “Luv” earned him a Grammy nomination in 2017 for Best R&B Song.
Awards and Nominations
Lanez has received critical recognition throughout his career:
- Juno Awards: Multiple wins, including Rap Recording of the Year
- BET Awards: Nominated for Best New Artist (2016)
- Soul Train Awards: Nominated for Best New Artist (2016)
- NAACP Image Awards: Best New Artist (Nominee, 2019)
- MOBO Awards: Best International Act (Nominee)
Despite his criminal record, fans continue to stream his older music, and songs like “The Color Violet” gained traction on TikTok in 2023, keeping his name relevant even behind bars.
Final Thoughts
Tory Lanez’s story is one of talent overshadowed by tragedy. From humble beginnings and independent mixtapes to chart-topping albums and viral moments, he climbed to the peak of fame. However, his downfall serves as a stark reminder of how quickly success can unravel.
While Tory Lanez’s net worth of $2 million in 2025 still places him among notable hip-hop earners, his current legal situation prevents any near-future comeback. Whether he rebuilds his career upon release remains to be seen. For now, Lanez’s legacy hangs in the balance—tangled between musical brilliance and legal infamy.
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