How DDG Turned A YouTube Channel Into An $8 Million Net Worth
Darryle Dwayne Granberry Jr, best known by his rap pseudonym DDG, first appeared on the YouTube platform in 2014, while he was still in high school. In the decade since he first pressed upload on the video-sharing site, the 26-year-old performer has managed to amass a fortune of over $8 million, through his various YouTube, music, and extracurricular ventures.
While $8 million may not seem like much compared to other YouTubers who have been on the platform since its inception, DDG managed to create generational wealth from the ground up, without major backing by the entertainment industry machine. Here’s a look into DDG’s many creative ventures which contribute to his growing net worth, and a history of how he came to be the artist we all know and love.
DDG Got His Start On YouTube
Before DDG was a double platinum selling rapper, he was a class valedictorian growing up in Pontiac, Michigan. After graduating from high school with excellent grades, DDG dropped out of Central Michigan University, citing his massive YouTube income as reason enough to cease paying for his expensive higher education.
According to DDG, he was pulling in roughly $30,000 in YouTube revenue per month at this time. Shortly after dropping out of college to pursue content creation as a full-time career, the up-and-coming creator uprooted and moved to Los Angeles, where he formed lasting connections that helped him properly launch his career in rap.
DDG’s Rap Career
DDG has famously gone on record to say his YouTube channel makes significantly more income than his rap career, though his net worth is no doubt boosted by music streams and downloads. His father was an audio engineer, meaning DDG had access to studio equipment from a young age, allowing him to hone his craft throughout his childhood before ever formally releasing a song to the public. DDG’s first published tracks began hitting the web in 2016 and 2017, with tracks such as “Lettuce” with Famous Dex bringing in tons of views from his existing YouTube viewership. “Lettuce” reportedly surpassed 500,000 YouTube views in under an hour, prompting the popular site WorldstarHipHop to request exclusive rights to the video for their platform.
Since then, DDG has gone multi-platinum, signed to Epic Records, and released numerous singles and EPs, alongside featured guests such as Blueface, YG, and 42 Dugg. DDG has the distinct honor of being the first rapper to ever shoot a music video using the Zero Gravity Training emulator utilized by NASA to train astronauts. In 2022, DDG was listed on the Forbes 30 for 30 list in the music category, alongside popular acts like 24kGoldn, Sudan Archives, Saucy Santana, and others. Since blowing up, DDG has launched his own record label, titled Zooted Ent., which houses rapper Paidway T.O, producer Devislit, and R&B singer Autum Corin. The rapper has also expanded his merch line into a clothing brand, under the banner PontiacMade.
DDG’s Net Worth in 2024
These days, with an estimated income of over $50,000 per month, DDG has ameliorated his net worth with a wide array of outside interests, including a recent foray into boxing. With a penchant for purchasing expensive cars, jewelry, and luxurious items, the money is certainly being put to use.
Despite his spending habits, it seems clear that DDG has successfully managed to carve out a lane where he can save money while doing what he loves. While little is known about his investment portfolio at this time, it seems clear that the young YouTuber-turned-rapper should at least consider investing in real estate in the near future. For now, DDG seems content to enjoy his lavish lifestyle, and continue to lay low with his young child, whom he shared with actress Halle Bailey.
