Introduction: From YouTube Grind to Global Fame
Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr., better known as DDG, is the epitome of a 21st-century success story. At 27, this Michigan-born rapper, YouTuber, and entrepreneur has amassed a net worth estimated between $2 million and $8 million, depending on the source . From viral YouTube pranks to chart-topping rap hits and a high-profile relationship with Disney star Halle Bailey, DDG’s journey is a masterclass in leveraging digital platforms to achieve mainstream success. In this 4,500-word deep dive, we’ll explore his finances, career milestones, personal life, and the controversies that shaped his rise.
DDG: Comprehensive Profile Table
All details as of February 2025
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr. |
| Stage Name | DDG (PontiacMadeDDG) |
| Age | 27 years old (Born October 10, 1997) |
| Height & Weight | Height: 5’8” (173 cm) • Weight: 143–165 lbs (65–75 kg) • Body Measurements: Chest 42″, Waist 32″, Hips 38″ |
| Net Worth | $2 million – $8 million (Sources vary: YouTube, music, endorsements, real estate) |
| Family | Parents: Darryl Granberry Sr. (auto worker), Tonya Yvette (retail) • Siblings: Darion (deceased, 2014), Tawanna, Dajaun, Tiarra (sister/YouTuber “Tee Tee”) |
| Love Life | Current Partner: Halle Bailey (singer/actress, dating since 2022) • Children: Son Halo (born January 2024) • Exes: Kennedy Cymone (engaged 2018), Rubi Rose (2020–2021) |
| Career Highlights | • YouTube: 10M+ subscribers across 4 channels (vlogs, pranks, music) • Music: Platinum-certified “Moonwalking in Calabasas” (Billboard #82), Zooted Ent. label founder • Boxing: Defeated Nate Wyatt (2021) |
| Education | • Valedictorian at International Tech Academy • Dropped out of Central Michigan University (broadcasting) to pursue YouTube |
| Social Media | • Instagram: @pontiacmadeddg (6M+ followers) • YouTube: PontiacMadeDDG VLOGS (3M+ subs) • TikTok: @pontiacmadeddg • Twitter/X: @PontiacMadeDDG |
| Philanthropy | Donated $100K to Pontiac schools (2023) |
| Investments | • Real estate ($2.4M LA mansion) • Crypto (Bitcoin) |
| Notable Songs | “Moonwalking in Calabasas,” “Elon Musk,” “Arguments,” “Givenchy” |
Key Insights & Controversies
- Net Worth Debate: Estimates range from $2M (conservative) to $8M (accounts for crypto, real estate, and brand deals) .
- Brother’s Legacy: DDG’s brother Darion’s 2014 murder deeply influenced his career shift from “street life” to music .
- Fatherhood: Embraces co-parenting with Halle Bailey; son Halo’s birth was announced via Instagram in 2024 .
- Height Meme: Often jokes about his 5’8” stature in lyrics (“I’m 5’8” but my money tall”) .
Early Life: The Making of a Hustler
Born on October 10, 1997, in Pontiac, Michigan, DDG’s upbringing was steeped in resilience. His father, Darryl Granberry Sr., worked at Ford Motor Company, while his mother, Tonya Yvette, balanced retail jobs . Tragedy struck in 2014 when his older brother, Darion, was killed in a shooting—a loss that DDG credits as the catalyst for his relentless drive .
Education & Early Ambitions:
- Graduated as valedictorian from International Tech Academy .
- Briefly studied broadcasting at Central Michigan University before dropping out in 2016 when his YouTube earnings hit $30,000/month .
Career Breakdown: YouTube, Music, and Mogul Moves
1. The YouTube Empire
DDG’s first upload in 2011—a dorm-room vlog—marked the start of a digital revolution. By 2025, his four channels (PontiacMadeDDG VLOGS, DDG, The DDG Family, and Zooted Music) collectively boast 10 million+ subscribers and 1.2 billion+ views .
| YouTube Milestones | Details |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Earned $20,000/month from ads and sponsorships . |
| 2020 | Diversified into reaction videos, pranks, and family vlogs . |
| 2025 | Estimated annual YouTube revenue: $1.5 million . |
2. Music: From Diss Tracks to Billboard Hits
DDG’s music career began with a Lil Yachty diss track titled “Big Boat” in his father’s studio . Key highlights:
- 2018: Signed with Epic Records after viral success of “Lettuce” and “Givenchy” .
- 2020: “Moonwalking in Calabasas” peaked at #82 on Billboard Hot 100 and went platinum .
- 2022: Released “Elon Musk” featuring Gunna, filmed in collaboration with NASA .
Top DDG Tracks
| Song | Streams | Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Moonwalking in Calabasas | 200M+ | Platinum |
| Arguments | 150M+ | Gold |
| Elon Musk | 100M+ | Gold |
3. Entrepreneurship & Investments
- Zooted Ent.: Founded in 2020, his record label nurtures emerging artists .
- Real Estate: Owns a $2.4M LA mansion with a private studio and cinema .
- Fashion & Crypto: Launched a streetwear line and invested in Bitcoin .
DDG’s Net Worth: Decoding the $2M–$8M Range
The rapper’s net worth is hotly debated. Here’s why estimates vary:
| Source | Estimate | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Wealth Rector | $2M | Focuses on conservative music royalties and YouTube ad volatility . |
| Forbesreleased | $4M | Includes crypto gains and brand deals . |
| Legit.ng | $8M | Accounts for real estate, Zooted Ent., and merch sales . |
Income Breakdown (2025)
| Source | Contribution | Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube | 30% | $1.5M |
| Music | 25% | $1.2M |
| Sponsorships | 20% | $1M |
| Businesses | 15% | $750K |
| Real Estate | 10% | $500K |
Why the gap? Older sources undervalue his crypto holdings and label revenue, while newer analyses highlight diversified ventures .
Personal Life: Love, Parenthood, and Breakup
DDG & Halle Bailey: A Timeline
- January 2022: Met at Usher’s Las Vegas residency; romance rumors sparked .
- March 2022: DDG’s Instagram birthday tribute made their relationship official .
- January 2024: Welcomed son Halo; Bailey shared a photo of his hand on Instagram .
- October 2024: Announced breakup but vowed to co-parent amicably .
Key Moments:
- Red Carpets: BET Awards 2022, Vanity Fair Oscars Party 2023 .
- Collaborations: Halle starred in DDG’s “If I Want You” music video .
- Controversy: DDG’s song “Famous” referenced insecurity about Halle’s Little Mermaid role .
Parenthood: Meet Halo
- Born January 2024; name inspired by “halo effect” and Beyoncé’s song .
- DDG called Halle a “professional mom” in a YouTube vlog .
- Note: Some sources mention a daughter, Danequa Granberry (2021), but this is unconfirmed .
Physical Stats: Height and Persona
- Height: 5’8” (173 cm); weight: 154 lbs (70 kg) .
- Cultural Impact: Embraces his stature with lines like “I’m 5’8” but my money tall” .
The “DDG Ship”: Navigating Fame and Controversy
The term “DDG ship” often refers to his relationship with Halle, but it also mirrors his career trajectory:
- Relationship “Ship”: Fans rooted for #HalleG, though the couple faced scrutiny over their 2024 split .
- Career “Ship”: From YouTube to music, DDG’s ability to pivot defines his brand. His “ship” sails on adaptability .
Legacy: Redefining Digital-Era Success
DDG’s impact extends beyond numbers:
- Youth Empowerment: Advocates for self-made success through YouTube tutorials .
- Philanthropy: Donated $100K to Pontiac schools in 2023 .
- Cultural Blueprint: Proves creators can dominate multiple industries without traditional gatekeepers .
FAQs: Burning Questions Answered
- Is DDG signed to a label?
Yes—Epic Records (2018–2021); now runs independent label Zooted Ent. . - What’s DDG’s most-streamed song?
“Moonwalking in Calabasas” (200M+ streams) . - How tall is DDG?
5’8” (173 cm)—a detail he humorously references in lyrics . - Are DDG and Halle married?
No; they split in 2024 but remain co-parents .
Conclusion: The Hustle Never Stops
DDG’s story isn’t just about wealth—it’s about ownership. By controlling his narrative across YouTube, music, and business, he’s redefined modern fame. Whether he’s worth $2M or $8M, one thing’s clear: DDG bets on himself, and the world is watching.
