How Tyga built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Micheal Ray Stevenson (Tyga) is an American rapper who gained prominence after signing with Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment in 2008. His major label debut, "Careless World: Rise of the Last King" (2012), was commercially successful, reaching number four on the Billboard 200 and earning platinum certification. The album featured the hit singles "Rack City" and "Faded." Subsequent releases, including "Hotel California" (2013) and the collaborative album "Fan of a Fan: The Album" (2015) with Chris Brown, received less critical and commercial acclaim.
In 2007, Tyga's career began with the release of his debut mixtape, Young On Probation, which garnered the attention of Travie McCoy.
On June 10, 2008, Tyga released his debut studio album, No Introduction, through Decaydance Records and BatSquad Records.
In 2009, Tyga shifts towards the gangsta rap style first heard in his collaborative album with Young Money, We Are Young Money.
In 2009, the song "Diamond Life" from the album, "No Introduction" was used in video games and film.
On May 17, 2011, Tyga released "Far Away" (featuring Chris Richardson) as the first single from Careless World: Rise of the Last King.
On October 4, 2011, Tyga released "Still Got It" (featuring Drake) as the second single from Careless World: Rise of the Last King.
On December 6, 2011, Tyga released "Rack City" as the third single from Careless World: Rise of the Last King.
In 2011, "Deuces" was included on Chris Brown's fourth studio album, F.A.M.E.
On January 13, 2012, Tyga released "Faded" (featuring Lil Wayne) as the fourth single from Careless World: Rise of the Last King.
On February 21, 2012, Tyga's second studio album, Careless World: Rise of the Last King, was released.
On November 30, 2012, Tyga released a nine-track mixtape, "187", featuring remixes and new material.
In 2012, Tyga's second album, Careless World: Rise of the Last King, was released, peaking at number four on the Billboard 200 and achieving platinum certification.
On April 9, 2013, Tyga's third studio album, Hotel California, was released.
On August 27, 2013, Tyga released a new single with DJ Mustard, "Throw It Up".
On October 21, 2013, Tyga premiered "Wait for a Minute" featuring Justin Bieber.
In 2013, Tyga released his third album, Hotel California, which received a mixed critical and commercial response.
On April 9, 2014, Tyga released the song "Hookah" featuring Young Thug.
On May 1, 2014, Tyga tweeted about The Gold Album, referring to Kanye West, Mike Dean, and Jess Jackson.
On May 28, 2014, Tyga released a new song entitled "Real Deal" via SoundCloud.
On August 1, 2014, "Real Deal" was released on iTunes.
On September 12, 2014, Tyga announced his new single titled "40 Mill" would be produced by Kanye West, Mike Dean, Dupri and Jess Jackson.
November 18, 2014, was the slated release date for "The Gold Album".
On December 4, 2014, Tyga announced that The Gold Album: 18th Dynasty would be released independently due to issues with Cash Money Records.
In February 2015, Tyga released a collaborative album with Chris Brown, titled Fan of a Fan: The Album.
On July 24, 2015, Tyga's reality show Kingin' with Tyga premiered on MTV2.
In 2015, Tyga made his last appearance on the Hot 100 chart.
In 2015, Tyga released Fan of a Fan: The Album, a collaborative album with Chris Brown.
In 2015, Tyga's fourth album, The Gold Album: 18th Dynasty, executive-produced by Kanye West, was released independently due to disagreements with Young Money.
On September 7, 2016, Tyga signed to Kanye West's GOOD Music imprint, under Def Jam Recordings.
On July 17, 2017, Tyga was announced as a series regular in the third season of the VH1 slasher television series Scream.
On July 21, 2017, Tyga released his fifth studio album, BitchImTheShit2, the sequel to his 2011 mixtape #BitchImTheShit.
In 2017, Tyga released his fifth album, BitchImTheShit2, which was met with continued stagnation.
On February 16, 2018, Tyga released his sixth studio album, Kyoto, which was panned by critics and sold poorly.
In May 2018, Tyga released "Taste" (featuring Offset), marking a commercial resurgence. It peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and received diamond certification.
On May 16, 2018, Tyga released the single "Taste" featuring Offset of Migos, marking his comeback to the mainstream music scene.
Throughout the latter of 2018, following the success of "Taste", Tyga released "Swish" and "Dip", and was featured on Iggy Azalea's "Kream".
In June 2019, Tyga's seventh album, Legendary, was released.
In 2019, Tyga released his seventh album, Legendary, following the success of "Taste".
In 2019, YG released the single "Go Loko", which featured Tyga, aiming to unite Latin cultures.
In July 2020, Tyga partnered with Robert Earl to launch a virtual kitchen brand called Tyga Bites.
In 2021, Tyga competed on the sixth season of The Masked Singer as "Dalmatian" and was the first of Group B to be eliminated.
In 2024, Tyga announced his eighth studio album, titled NSFW.
Tyga's eighth studio album, NSFW, was released on February 7, 2025.