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What Is Derrick Milano’s Net Worth?
Derrick Milano, an American songwriter, rapper, and singer, has carved a significant niche for himself in the music industry. As of 2025, his estimated net worth stands at $10 million. This substantial wealth is primarily attributed to his successful songwriting career, along with income from his own music releases and performances.
Derrick Milano’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Derrick Carrington Gray on December 24, 1993, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Derrick Milano’s journey into music began in his childhood. He is the son of Jeff and Virginia Gray, who raised him with a strong foundation. He actively participated in the church choir during his formative years, nurturing his early musical talents. In seventh grade, his family relocated to Brandywine Hundred, Delaware. During his academic journey, Derrick attended Hanby Middle School, followed by Brandywine High School, Red Lion Christian Academy, and Concord High School. His teenage years involved engaging in rap battles with friends and joining the Concord High choir, indicating his early passion and engagement in music. After graduating in 2012, Milano furthered his education by attending Valencia College and Full Sail University in Florida. At Full Sail, he actively participated in the Business Professionals of America, expanding his professional skills.
Derrick launched his music career during his college years, distributing mixtapes of his songs to gain recognition. In 2013, he released the mixtape “Casanova,” showcasing his early rapping abilities. In 2014, he released the single “#ThatAintYaBitch” on SoundCloud, which gained traction and increased his visibility. His early successes led to opportunities to open for established artists such as Future and Young Thug at venues in Orlando.
A dispute with his management team temporarily halted his music releases for two years. According to his bio on the Hapilos Entertainment Group website, this dispute restricted him from recording in a professional studio, leading him to create music in a home studio. During this period, he recorded the song “Cellular,” which gained popularity and further solidified his determination to continue his music career. This early phase of his career showcases his resilience and resourcefulness in overcoming obstacles to pursue his passion for music.
Derrick Milano’s Songwriting Career and Grammy Wins
In 2019, Derrick Milano transitioned his primary focus to songwriting, a move that significantly boosted his career and net worth. His talent quickly gained recognition, leading to collaborations with prominent artists such as Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber, and Megan Thee Stallion.
One of his early songwriting successes was his involvement in Kevin Gates’ 2019 album “I’m Him,” where he co-wrote the songs “Facts,” “Say It Twice,” and “Push It.” The album performed well commercially, reaching #4 on the “Billboard” 200 chart and #2 on the Top Rap Albums and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. This marked a significant milestone in his songwriting career and helped establish his reputation in the industry.
Also in 2019, Juicy J enlisted Milano’s help on Megan Thee Stallion’s song “Simon Says,” which subsequently led to an opportunity as an uncredited songwriter on her hit song “Hot Girl Summer.” “Hot Girl Summer” reached #1 on the “Billboard” Rhythmic chart and landed in “Rolling Stone” magazine’s Top 100. This early success highlighted his ability to create catchy and popular songs that resonated with a wide audience.
Derrick Milano co-wrote Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage Remix” (featuring Beyoncé), released in 2020. The song not only became a massive hit but also earned him a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song in 2021. This Grammy win was a pivotal moment in his career, enhancing his credibility and opening doors to more high-profile collaborations.
Continuing his streak of successful collaborations, Derrick worked as a songwriter on Beyoncé’s 2022 album “Renaissance.” The album reached #1 in over a dozen countries and received a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. Although it did not win, the nomination further solidified his status as a sought-after songwriter in the music industry.
These songwriting achievements significantly contribute to Derrick Milano’s estimated $10 million net worth. The royalties and fees from writing hit songs for top artists account for a substantial portion of his earnings.
Derrick Milano’s Recording Career and Recent Projects
In addition to his successful songwriting career, Derrick Milano continues to pursue his own music as a recording artist. In 2021, he signed with Epic Records, signaling a new phase in his career focused on releasing his own material.
After signing with Epic Records, Derrick released the singles “Control” and “die4iT” in 2021. These releases marked his return to the forefront as a performer, showcasing his versatility as both a songwriter and an artist.
In 2023, Milano collaborated with Ciara, performing on the remix of her song “Da Girls.” This collaboration expanded his reach and appeal, demonstrating his ability to work with diverse artists across different genres.
Furthermore, Derrick is credited as a composer on several music videos, including “Bhad Bhabie Feat. Kodak Black: Bestie” (2019), “DaniLeigh: Old Me” (2019), “Justin Bieber Feat. Post Malone, Clever: Forever” (2020), “Megan Thee Stallion Feat. Beyoncé: Savage (Remix)” (2020), “Wiz Khalifa Feat. Rubi Rose: POV” (2020), “French Montana & Fivio Foreign: Panicking” (2021), and “GloRilla: Lick or Sum” (2023). His involvement in these projects highlights his multifaceted skills and his contributions to various aspects of music production.
While specific financial details regarding his record deals, royalties, and performance fees are not publicly available, it’s evident that his recording career and collaborations contribute significantly to his overall net worth. The revenue generated from streaming platforms, digital downloads, and potential touring opportunities further supplement his income.
Derrick Milano’s Personal Life and Public Appearances
Derrick Milano’s personal life gained public attention in September 2023 when he announced his relationship with rapper/model Blac Chyna (Angela Gray) on Instagram. The post, featuring a photo of the couple, was captioned, “It hits different when you find your best friend & lover at the same time. Love you Angela.” This public acknowledgment provided fans with a glimpse into his personal life and relationships.
Details regarding Derrick Milano’s specific lifestyle, including his residences, vehicles, and personal investments, are not widely available in public records. Celebrities often maintain privacy regarding their personal assets and financial decisions.
Derrick Milano’s Awards, Nominations, and Recognition
Derrick Milano’s career has been marked by significant accolades, reflecting his talent and impact on the music industry.
In 2021, he won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song for his work on Megan Thee Stallion and Beyoncé’s “Savage Remix.” This was a career-defining moment, bringing widespread recognition and elevating his status in the industry.
In 2023, he received a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year for his contributions to Beyoncé’s “Renaissance.” Although he did not win, the nomination underscored his reputation as a top-tier songwriter and collaborator.
These awards and nominations not only highlight his artistic achievements but also enhance his marketability, leading to increased opportunities and higher compensation for his work. The recognition from prestigious awards such as the Grammys contributes to his overall brand value and net worth.
