
Gunplay is an American rapper and reality television personality known for his work as a member of Rick Ross's Southern hip-hop group Triple C's. He is also recognized for his solo debut studio album Living Legend and his regular appearances on the VH1 reality series Love & Hip Hop: Miami.
Personal life
Gunplay was married to his first wife until their divorce in 2008, with whom he shares a son. He later married Von'Shae Taylor-Morales, and the couple had a daughter.
He is an active practitioner of Santeria, explaining that he felt a deeper spiritual connection after adopting the faith.
Early life and Triple C's
Born Richard Morales Jr. in El Paso, Texas, to a Puerto Rican father and a Jamaican mother, he spent his early childhood in Opa-locka, Florida. When his parents divorced when he was ten years old, his father returned to Puerto Rico, and Gunplay relocated with his mother and younger brother to Carol City in Miami-Dade County. At age fifteen, he left high school after being informed he would have to repeat the ninth grade, and he began using and dealing cocaine at age sixteen.
In 1997, he connected with fellow Miami artist Rick Ross. Bonding over music, they formed the hip-hop group Triple C's, short for Carol City Cartel, with rappers Torch and Young Breed. The group released their debut studio album, Custom Cars & Cycles, in 2009 through Maybach Music Group, reaching the Billboard 200 chart.
Solo career and Living Legend
Gunplay made his debut as a solo artist on the track "Gunplay" from Rick Ross's 2009 album Deeper Than Rap. He released several mixtapes under Maybach Music Group and secured a solo contract with Def Jam Recordings in July 2012. His September 2012 mixtape 601 & Snort drew critical acclaim, being named one of the year's top hip-hop releases by Spin magazine. That same year, he collaborated with Kendrick Lamar on the widely praised track "Cartoon & Cereal".
In July 2015, Gunplay released his major-label debut album, Living Legend, featuring guest contributions from Rick Ross, Yo Gotti, YG, and Currensy. He continued releasing independent solo albums, including The Plug, Haram, ACTIVE, and All Bullshit Aside, as well as collaborative projects with Sacramento rapper Mozzy such as Dreadlocks & Headshots and Chop Stixx and Banana Clips.
Television appearances and Love & Hip Hop
Gunplay expanded into reality television in 2017, first appearing as a supporting cast member on season six of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta. In 2018, he became one of the original eight main cast members on Love & Hip Hop: Miami.
The series followed his return to South Florida, documenting his personal relationships, creative projects, and long-running battles with substance abuse.
Legal issues and controversies
In October 2012, Gunplay turned himself in to Miami authorities after an arrest warrant was issued for armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon stemming from an altercation involving his accountant. He was placed on house arrest after posting a $150,000 bond. In February 2013, the case was dismissed when the victim declined to authenticate video footage or cooperate with prosecutors.
Gunplay has generated public controversy over a swastika tattoo, offering varying explanations in interviews regarding his interpretation of the symbol. In 2012, he was also involved in a backstage altercation with affiliates of 50 Cent's G-Unit during the BET Hip Hop Awards.
Quick facts
- He co-founded the hip-hop group Triple C's alongside Rick Ross, Torch, and Young Breed in Miami-Dade County.
- He left high school at age 15 after being told he would have to repeat the ninth grade.
- His 2012 mixtape '601 & Snort' was named the tenth best hip-hop album of that year by Spin magazine.
- He was featured alongside Kendrick Lamar on the 2012 track 'Cartoon & Cereal', which Complex ranked as the second-best song of the year.
- His debut solo studio album, 'Living Legend', was released in July 2015 on Def Jam Recordings.
- He was an original main cast member of the reality television series Love & Hip Hop: Miami.
- An armed robbery case that carried a potential life sentence was dismissed against him in 2013 after the victim refused to cooperate with authorities.
- He released two full-length collaborative albums with West Coast rapper Mozzy: 'Dreadlocks & Headshots' and 'Chop Stixx and Banana Clips'.
- He is an adherent of the Santeria religion.
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