How does a viral hit song, a major record deal, and a criminal conviction shape someone’s financial story?
That’s exactly what we’re diving into with Tay K. Best known for his explosive track “The Race”, Tay K became a name everyone was talking about—but not just for the music.
With millions of streams, lawsuits, and time behind bars, his financial journey is anything but ordinary.
Let’s break down what really happened to his money, salary, and career.
Tay K Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Taymor Travon McIntyre |
| Popular Name | Tay-K |
| Birth Date | June 16, 2000 |
| Age | 24 (as of March 27, 2025) |
| Birthplace | Long Beach, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Education | James Martin High School |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse | N/A |
| Children | N/A |
| Dating | Not publicly disclosed |
| Siblings | One sister (unnamed) |
| Parents | Mother (unnamed), Father (previously incarcerated) |
| Height (meters) | N/A |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Source of Wealth | Music sales, record deal, streaming revenue |
What is the Net Worth Of Tay K in 2025?
As of 2025, Tay K’s net worth remains undisclosed, with no confirmed public records detailing his exact financial standing. However, court documents and media reports revealed that Tay K earned an estimated $600,000 to $700,000 from a record deal with 88 Classic and RCA Records before his legal troubles intensified.
Comparatively, artists like Soulja Boy and BlocBoy JB—who were either collaborators or industry peers—continued growing their brands and financial portfolios, while Tay K’s earning potential stagnated behind bars. The combination of incarceration, lawsuits, and revoked streaming opportunities dramatically impacted his financial growth.
Relevant individuals and companies connected to Tay K’s financial journey include:
- RCA Records
- 88 Classic
- Spotify
- Soulja Boy
- BlocBoy JB
- RIAA
- Billboard
- No Jumper
- Ezra Averill
- YouTube
If you’re curious about how his situation compares to others in the spotlight, check out this guide on today’s most successful stars for perspective.
Tay K Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How He Earned His Money Through Music and Record Deals
Tay K’s financial rise started in the underground rap scene. He formed the rap group Daytona Boyz, performing at house parties and local shows before launching a solo career. His earliest releases, like “Megaman” and “Sly Cooper”, began attracting attention, but it was “The Race” that catapulted him to fame—and income.
At the height of his buzz in 2017, Tay K signed with RCA Records via 88 Classic, a pivotal moment where Tay K signed with RCA Records, solidifying his entry into the mainstream industry. The deal brought an estimated $600,000–$700,000. The timing was controversial—he was already facing murder charges—but the buzz around his music was undeniable. “The Race” debuted at #70 and peaked at #44 on Billboard, later receiving Platinum certification from the RIAA.
This created multiple revenue streams for Tay K—streaming royalties, digital sales, and YouTube monetization, particularly from the viral success of “The Race”, which exceeded 246 million views.
How His Legal Troubles Affected His Financial Life
Tay K’s rapid rise was interrupted by serious legal charges. He was convicted of murdering Ethan Walker during a 2016 home invasion and is also awaiting trial for allegedly killing Mark Saldivar while on the run. His 55-year sentence stripped him of the ability to tour, record freely, or manage his finances independently.
As expected, legal fees piled up, and victims’ families sued Tay K and his record labels, demanding a share of his music revenue for damages. The court fined him $21,000 for murder and robbery charges. In one legal case, plaintiffs argued that “these defendants chose to financially profit from McIntyre’s violent crimes”, referencing both Tay K and RCA Records. This raises ethical and financial questions about revenue ownership.
Moreover, Tay K’s incarceration limited his digital footprint. Spotify removed his music from curated playlists as part of its “Hateful Conduct” policy. Although some artists like XXXTentacion saw reversals, Tay K’s removal remained permanent, cutting off a vital stream of exposure and royalties.
Breakdown of His Sources of Wealth and Royalties
Tay K’s income came primarily from:
- YouTube monetization of “The Race”
- SoundCloud plays and early independent releases
- Label advance from RCA Records
- Royalties from digital platforms
- Performance rights and publishing (if applicable)
However, with lawsuits targeting all his primary income streams, the potential to benefit from these sources is in jeopardy. The families of victims sought control over earnings, which sparked debate over whether someone convicted of serious crimes should profit from content describing those very actions.
Meanwhile, Tay K’s relationship with RCA Records and 88 Classic became increasingly strained. His Twitter, managed by a relative, shared frustrations with the way management handled his narrative and income, claiming the media “spread lies” and that his voice had been silenced.
How Much He Made From “The Race” and Other Songs
“The Race” wasn’t just a viral anthem; it became a defining moment in Tay K’s short-lived career. The song was recorded while he was a fugitive, and the lyrics made direct references to his legal situation. Its success was massive—peaking at #44 on Billboard, going Platinum, and becoming a staple in hip-hop conversations in 2017.
Multiple artists—including Tyga, Fetty Wap, Lil Yachty, and YBN Nahmir—remixed the track, amplifying its reach. Still, while the song generated significant revenue, the legal aftermath likely prevented Tay K from receiving full benefits.
During the trial, prosecutors even introduced “The Race” as evidence, arguing it glorified his criminal activity. This move may have contributed to his harsh sentencing and public backlash. RIAA – certified – “The Race” as platinum, but most of that success remains overshadowed by the context in which it was made.
The Role of Record Labels in His Finances
Tay K’s association with 88 Classic and RCA Records was crucial for propelling him into national fame. The label released and re-released his mixtape Santana World, helping it chart and giving Tay K a platform he couldn’t have built alone. But that relationship has been anything but smooth.
Internal issues erupted, with Tay K’s family accusing Ezra Averill (his manager) and the label of suppressing his voice. Tweets from Tay K’s account suggested that his management didn’t allow him to share the “truth” about his life and that they had “convinced him not to speak out”. These conflicts hint at possible disputes over royalty payments, creative control, and contractual transparency.
In addition, lawsuits targeted the labels alongside Tay K, indicating that profits from criminal-themed content could become legally and ethically problematic for labels going forward.
How His Time in Prison Influenced His Earning Ability
Being incarcerated drastically limited Tay K’s ability to maintain or grow his finances. He spent most of his time in solitary confinement, had limited access to communication, and even faced additional charges for possessing a phone in jail.
Despite these restrictions, he released songs from jail, including After You, and collaborated with No Jumper and BlocBoy JB. However, without the ability to promote or perform, those efforts had little financial payoff. The rapper’s team hinted at more unreleased content, but any future release depends on legal access and public interest.
Interestingly, while in jail, Tay K was accused of trying to form a gang called “Rug Ratz”, further complicating his record and public perception. Though unconfirmed, such incidents reflect ongoing behavioral concerns that can impact how fans and platforms view his brand.
What Legal Disputes Say About Ownership of His Income
At the heart of Tay K’s financial troubles are the lawsuits that aim to redirect his music profits toward his victims. Families of Ethan Walker, Mark Saldivar, and Zachary Beloate all filed suits claiming damages from Tay K and his associated labels.
These disputes emphasize a growing legal trend: can artists keep earnings if their music is linked to real-life crimes? Courts are still weighing this question, but in Tay K’s case, plaintiffs made strong arguments about shared responsibility among the artist and his corporate backers.
Because of this, Tay K’s future earnings, if any, will likely be entangled in lengthy legal proceedings. In essence, the money from “The Race,” his mixtape, and label deal could end up in the hands of victims and legal entities rather than Tay K or his family.
How His Music Career May Continue Financially in the Future
Despite all the setbacks, it’s not impossible for Tay K to maintain a digital presence and income stream. Artists like Shyne and Gucci Mane released music during incarceration, though their legal cases differed significantly.
Tay K still has a loyal online following, and interest in his music hasn’t disappeared entirely. If his management can navigate legal barriers, release unreleased tracks, and maintain label partnerships, there is potential for future streaming income. That said, his earning power is currently constrained by his conviction, court rulings, and parole ineligibility.
Whether the public will support new music remains uncertain. But if content is released posthumously or independently, there’s a possibility it could add to his legacy—and estate value.
Conclusion
Whether you’re intrigued, inspired, or critical of Tay K’s story, his journey blends fame, fallout, and finance like few others.
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