Tory Lanez, whose birth name is Daystar Shemuel Shua Peterson, was born on July 27, 1992, in Brampton, Ontario. He gained prominence in the music industry as a versatile Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter.
His initial recognition came with the release of the mixtape titled “Conflicts of My Soul: The 416 Story” in August 2013.
A significant turning point arrived in 2015 when Tory Lanez inked a deal with Mad Love Records, under the umbrella of Interscope Records, guided by renowned record producer Benny Blanco.
Tory Lanez’s musical journey took a remarkable step forward with the release of his debut studio album, “I Told You,” in 2016. This album showcased hit singles such as “Say It” and “Luv,” both of which secured spots on the Billboard Hot 100 at numbers 23 and 19, respectively. Building on this success, he released his second and third studio albums, “Memories Don’t Die” and “Love Me Now?” in 2018.
Notably, his fourth studio album, “Chixtape 5,” reached an impressive second position on the US Billboard 200 in 2019. Tory Lanez’s creative prowess garnered widespread recognition, culminating in a Grammy Award nomination for his 2016 hit “Luv” and the accumulation of four Juno Awards over his career.
In the year 2020, Tory Lanez unveiled his fifth studio album, “Daystar,” which made its entry on the Billboard 200 at an impressive number 10.
However, beyond his musical achievements, Tory Lanez’s story took a controversial turn. On December 23, 2022, Peterson faced a significant legal setback as he was convicted on three felony charges related to the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. This led to a momentous courtroom decision, and on August 8, 2023, he was sentenced to a 10-year prison term.
Early Life and Struggles
Daystar Shemuel Shua Peterson’s upbringing was marked by various challenges. Born to a Bajan father named Sonstar and a mother from Curaçao named Luella, he spent his early life in Montreal before relocating to Miami, Florida. The family’s dynamics shifted with his mother’s passing, which prompted his father’s career transition into an ordained minister and missionary. This change led to frequent relocations across the United States.
Daystar’s path intertwined with adversity when he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he met his friend Hakeem, who was a janitor at the time. It was Hakeem who bestowed the moniker “Lanez” upon him, a nod to Daystar’s penchant for thrill-seeking escapades, even sometimes venturing onto the streets without concern for traffic, effectively playing in the lanes.
In 2006, due to behavioral issues, Daystar was sent to live with his cousin Dahir Abib, Orane Forrest, in Jamaica, Queens, New York. Later, he moved to Toronto to live with his grandmother. However, as she couldn’t care for him, Daystar found himself fending for himself from the age of 15. These experiences were formative, forcing him to grow and adapt independently.
Navigating Challenges and Finding Identity
During this period, Daystar found solace and expression in music. Adopting the alias “Notorious,” paying homage to the legendary rapper Notorious B.I.G., he eventually evolved his identity into “Tory Lanez.” His journey as an artist gained traction as he began performing at outdoor concerts after dropping out of the tenth grade at the age of 16. At 17, he embarked on a new avenue, discovering his interest in singing.
Despite lacking formal vocal training, his passion for music remained unwavering. The challenges he faced, including absence of parental guidance, propelled him to strive independently and shape the person he is today. This resilience became a defining aspect of his character.