Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tyga

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.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

2007: Debut Mixtape Release

In 2007, Tyga's career began with the release of his debut mixtape, Young On Probation, which garnered the attention of Travie McCoy.

June 10, 2008: No Introduction Album Release

On June 10, 2008, Tyga released his debut studio album, No Introduction, through Decaydance Records and BatSquad Records.

2008: Signing with Young Money Entertainment

In 2008, Tyga signed a recording contract with Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment, an imprint of Cash Money Records and Republic Records.

2008: Signing with Young Money and VMA Performance

In late 2008, Tyga signed with Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment and performed at the VMAs, remixing Fall Out Boy's "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race".

2009: We Are Young Money

In 2009, Tyga shifts towards the gangsta rap style first heard in his collaborative album with Young Money, We Are Young Money.

2009: "Diamond Life" Inclusion in Media

In 2009, the song "Diamond Life" from the album, "No Introduction" was used in video games and film.

May 17, 2011: "Far Away" Single Release

On May 17, 2011, Tyga released "Far Away" (featuring Chris Richardson) as the first single from Careless World: Rise of the Last King.

October 4, 2011: "Still Got It" Single Release

On October 4, 2011, Tyga released "Still Got It" (featuring Drake) as the second single from Careless World: Rise of the Last King.

December 6, 2011: "Rack City" Single Release

On December 6, 2011, Tyga released "Rack City" as the third single from Careless World: Rise of the Last King.

2011: "Deuces" on F.A.M.E Album

In 2011, "Deuces" was included on Chris Brown's fourth studio album, F.A.M.E.

January 13, 2012: "Faded" Single Release

On January 13, 2012, Tyga released "Faded" (featuring Lil Wayne) as the fourth single from Careless World: Rise of the Last King.

February 21, 2012: Careless World: Rise of the Last King Album Release

On February 21, 2012, Tyga's second studio album, Careless World: Rise of the Last King, was released.

November 30, 2012: Release of "187" mixtape

On November 30, 2012, Tyga released a nine-track mixtape, "187", featuring remixes and new material.

2012: Careless World: Rise of the Last King Album Release

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.

April 9, 2013: Hotel California Album Release

On April 9, 2013, Tyga's third studio album, Hotel California, was released.

August 27, 2013: "Throw It Up" Single Release

On August 27, 2013, Tyga released a new single with DJ Mustard, "Throw It Up".

October 21, 2013: "Wait for a Minute" Premiere

On October 21, 2013, Tyga premiered "Wait for a Minute" featuring Justin Bieber.

2013: Hotel California Album Release

In 2013, Tyga released his third album, Hotel California, which received a mixed critical and commercial response.

April 9, 2014: "Hookah" Song Release

On April 9, 2014, Tyga released the song "Hookah" featuring Young Thug.

May 1, 2014: Announcement of The Gold Album

On May 1, 2014, Tyga tweeted about The Gold Album, referring to Kanye West, Mike Dean, and Jess Jackson.

May 28, 2014: "Real Deal" Song Release

On May 28, 2014, Tyga released a new song entitled "Real Deal" via SoundCloud.

August 1, 2014: "Real Deal" Release on iTunes

On August 1, 2014, "Real Deal" was released on iTunes.

September 12, 2014: "40 Mill" Single Announcement

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: Planned Release of The Gold Album

November 18, 2014, was the slated release date for "The Gold Album".

December 4, 2014: Announcement of Independent Album Release

On December 4, 2014, Tyga announced that The Gold Album: 18th Dynasty would be released independently due to issues with Cash Money Records.

February 2015: Fan of a Fan: The Album Release

In February 2015, Tyga released a collaborative album with Chris Brown, titled Fan of a Fan: The Album.

June 23, 2015: The Gold Album Streaming Release

On June 23, 2015, Tyga released The Gold Album for streaming exclusively on Spotify, then later on Apple Music.

July 24, 2015: Kingin' with Tyga Premiere

On July 24, 2015, Tyga's reality show Kingin' with Tyga premiered on MTV2.

2015: Last entry to the Hot 100

In 2015, Tyga made his last appearance on the Hot 100 chart.

2015: Fan of a Fan: The Album Release

In 2015, Tyga released Fan of a Fan: The Album, a collaborative album with Chris Brown.

2015: Independent Album Release

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.

September 7, 2016: Signing with GOOD Music

On September 7, 2016, Tyga signed to Kanye West's GOOD Music imprint, under Def Jam Recordings.

July 17, 2017: Joining Scream TV Series

On July 17, 2017, Tyga was announced as a series regular in the third season of the VH1 slasher television series Scream.

July 21, 2017: BitchImTheShit2 Album Release

On July 21, 2017, Tyga released his fifth studio album, BitchImTheShit2, the sequel to his 2011 mixtape #BitchImTheShit.

2017: BitchImTheShit2 Album Release

In 2017, Tyga released his fifth album, BitchImTheShit2, which was met with continued stagnation.

February 16, 2018: Kyoto Album Release

On February 16, 2018, Tyga released his sixth studio album, Kyoto, which was panned by critics and sold poorly.

May 2018: "Taste" Single Release and Resurgence

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.