Yo Gotti is an American rapper and entrepreneur known for founding Collective Music Group (CMG). He is also known for albums such as The Art of Hustle and hit singles including “Down in the DM” and “Rake It Up.”
Personal life
Yo Gotti has a son and a daughter. His son helped introduce him to soccer, an interest that later contributed to his involvement with D.C. United.
He began dating Angela Simmons in December 2022 after referencing her in his music. The relationship ended in mid-2025.
From Lil Yo to *Live from the Kitchen*
Yo Gotti grew up in the Ridgecrest Apartments in Memphis's Frayser neighborhood. He began rapping around age 14 under the name Lil Yo and was affiliated with DJ Sound and his crew.
He released his debut album, Youngsta's on a Come Up, in 1996, followed by the independent albums From da Dope Game 2 da Rap Game in 2000, Self-Explanatory in 2001, Life in 2003, and Back 2 da Basics in 2006. He also developed the Cocaine Muzik mixtape series.
After signing with J Records in 2009, he released “5 Star” and “Women Lie, Men Lie,” featuring Lil Wayne. Both singles entered the Billboard Hot 100 and received gold certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America. His major-label debut album, Live from the Kitchen, was released in 2012 and reached number 12 on the Billboard 200.
The Art of Hustle and mainstream success
Yo Gotti released I Am in 2013 and The Art of Hustle in 2016 through Epic Records. Both albums reached the top ten of the Billboard 200. The Art of Hustle included “Down in the DM,” which became one of his signature songs and topped the Billboard Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop chart.
His 2017 collaboration with Mike Will Made-It, Gotti Made-It, produced “Rake It Up,” featuring Nicki Minaj. The single reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Yo Gotti's highest-charting song on that chart. He later released I Still Am in 2017, Untrapped in 2020, and CM10: Free Game in 2022.
Yo Gotti has also collaborated with artists including Lil Wayne, Jeezy, YG, T.I., J. Cole, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Uzi Vert, and Moneybagg Yo. His work with Meghan Trainor on “Better” appeared on her album Thank You.
Collective Music Group and D.C. United
Yo Gotti founded Collective Music Group, also known as CMG, in 2012. The label has signed artists including Moneybagg Yo, 42 Dugg, Blac Youngsta, GloRilla, EST Gee, and Mozzy. CMG secured a distribution partnership with Epic Records, and Yo Gotti later partnered with Jay-Z's Roc Nation.
In 2021, Yo Gotti became a co-owner of Major League Soccer club D.C. United. The investment expanded his entrepreneurial activities beyond music and record-label management.
Quick facts
- Yo Gotti began rapping around age 14 under the name Lil Yo while affiliated with DJ Sound and his crew.
- He released his debut album, Youngsta's on a Come Up, in 1996.
- He released four additional independent albums before signing with J Records in 2009.
- His singles “5 Star” and “Women Lie, Men Lie,” featuring Lil Wayne, entered the Billboard Hot 100 and received RIAA gold certifications.
- Live from the Kitchen reached number 12 on the Billboard 200 in 2012.
- I Am and The Art of Hustle both reached the top ten of the Billboard 200.
- “Down in the DM” topped the Billboard Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop chart.
- “Rake It Up,” made with Mike Will Made-It and featuring Nicki Minaj, reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Yo Gotti founded Collective Music Group, or CMG, in 2012.
- CMG has signed artists including Moneybagg Yo, 42 Dugg, Blac Youngsta, GloRilla, EST Gee, and Mozzy.
- Yo Gotti became a co-owner of D.C. United in 2021.
- CM10: Free Game is a double-disc album released in 2022.
FAQs about Yo Gotti
How many children does Yo Gotti have?
Yo Gotti has two children, a son and a daughter.
What nationality is Yo Gotti?
Yo Gotti is American.
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