Yelawolf, born Michael Wayne Atha, is an American rapper from Gadsden, Alabama. He started his music career in 2005 and gained recognition with his mixtape Trunk Muzik in 2010. Yelawolf signed with Interscope Records and later joined Eminem’s Shady Records. His second album, Radioactive, debuted at number 27 on the Billboard 200 in November 2011.
Profile Summary
| Full Name: | Michael Wayne Atha |
| Date Of Birth: | December 30, 1979 |
| Place Of Birth: | Gadsden, Alabama, U.S |
| Children: | 3 |
| Nationality: | American |
| Occupation(s): | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer |
| Labels: | Slumerican, Interscope, DGC |
| Net Worth: | $4 Million |
Early Life And Education
Born on December 30, 1979, Michael Wayne Atha grew up in Gadsden, Alabama. Yelawolf, as he is known, was inspired by his father for his stage name. Moving frequently throughout his childhood, he found a cultural connection to hip hop during his time in Tennessee. Yelawolf, who describes himself as representing the core of America, created his stage name from Cherokee and English words to represent the duality of his personality.
Career
Yelawolf first appeared on The Road to Stardom with Missy Elliott in 2005. After the show, he released his debut album Creekwater and mixtape Pissin’ in a Barrel of Beez. He later signed with Columbia Records but was dropped before releasing an album. Yelawolf then dropped two mixtapes before signing with Ghet-O-Vision Entertainment in 2009 and releasing his EP Arena Rap.
In 2009, Yelawolf’s mixtape Trunk Muzik caught the attention of Interscope Records, leading to a major record deal. He re-released it as Trunk Muzik 0-60 in 2010 to critical acclaim. Yelawolf then signed with Eminem’s Shady Records in 2011 and released his album Radioactive in November, featuring collaborations with artists like Eminem and Kid Rock. Yelawolf also worked with artists like Ed Sheeran and Travis Barker on successful projects.
Yelawolf started recording his third studio album, “Love Story,” in June 2012 but faced delays due to a stage diving incident. He planned to release a sequel to “Trunk Muzik” titled “Trunk Muzik Returns” in August 2012, but it was postponed. Yelawolf aimed to make “Love Story” different from his debut album, “Radioactive,” stating he wanted more creative control.
He released the first single from “Trunk Muzik Returns,” “Way Out,” in February 2013, with the mixtape set for release in March. Additionally, in October 2013, Yelawolf announced the release of his mixtape “Black Fall,” produced by DJ Paul of Three 6 Mafia, on October 31, 2013.
Yelawolf released his album “Love Story” in April 2015, featuring Eminem as the only guest and executive producer. The album debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 with the hit single “Till It’s Gone.” Despite mixed reviews, it gained platinum certifications.
In 2016 and 2017, Yelawolf faced backlash over his stance on the Confederate flag but later renounced it in a song. He then announced his fourth album, “Trial by Fire,” which he described as darker and self-produced. After releasing an EP called “Hotel,” Yelawolf went on tour but encountered challenges like disputes with band members and a mental breakdown. He returned to music in 2017 with the single “Row Your Boat,” followed by the release of “Trial by Fire” in October 2017.
Yelawolf’s creative journey took unexpected turns with multiple releases. In early 2021, he dropped “Yelawolf Blacksheep” with Caskey and announced “April Onslaught,” a series of weekly releases. The albums ranged from solo projects like “Mud Mouth” to collaborations with artists like Riff Raff and DJ Muggs.
In a surprising move in 2022, Yelawolf experimented with rock music on “Sometimes Y” with Shooter Jennings. Despite stating “Mud Mouth” would be his final rap album, he returned with a double album, “War Story,” in 2024.
Personal Life
Yelawolf has three children named Phoenix, Tariq, and N’Deyah from his previous relationship with Sonora Rosario. He got engaged to recording artist Fefe Dobson in July 2013 and the couple tied the knot on September 27, 2019, in a wedding ceremony at The Rhinestone Wedding Chapel in Nashville, Tennessee.
Yelawolf Net Worth
Yelawolf, the American rapper known for his unique style and energetic performances, has garnered a net worth estimated at $4 million through his successful music career.