Net Worth Ranker
What Is DJ Paul’s Net Worth?
DJ Paul, a prominent figure in the hip hop scene as a DJ, rapper, and record producer, has accumulated a net worth of $10 million. This valuation reflects his extensive career, significantly marked by his role as a founding member of the influential hip hop group Three 6 Mafia. His financial standing is a result of diverse income streams including music sales, royalties, live performances, and strategic business ventures.
Early Career and the Formation of Three 6 Mafia
Paul Duane Beauregard, professionally known as DJ Paul, embarked on his journey in the music industry at the young age of 11, DJing at Club 380 Beale in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. Born on January 12, 1977, Paul’s early exposure to the music scene laid a solid foundation for his future endeavors. In 1989, he partnered with his brother, Ricky T. Dunigan, also known as Lord Infamous, to form the duo the Serial Killaz. Initially lacking resources, they rented studio time from local DJ Just Born, which allowed them to produce and distribute their music. By 1992, the Serial Killaz had released their first self-recorded tape, “Portrait of a Serial Killa,” marking the beginning of their discography.
As the Serial Killaz, Paul and Lord Infamous released a self-titled tape and the “Come with Me 2 Hell” series, which further solidified their presence in the local music circuit. Paul’s acquisition of his own studio equipment was a turning point, enabling him to produce mixtapes and sell them at his high school, expanding his reach and influence. His reputation as a skilled DJ and producer in Memphis eventually led to his introduction to Juicy J, another aspiring producer. Together, along with Lord Infamous, they formed the Backyard Posse, which later evolved into Triple Six Mafia, a precursor to the renowned Three 6 Mafia. The addition of Koopsta Knicca in 1994 led to the release of the album “Smoked Out Loced Out,” setting the stage for further expansion and transformation. With the inclusion of Crunchy Black and Gangsta Boo, the group rebranded as Three 6 Mafia in 1995, marking a significant milestone in their collective career. This formation laid the groundwork for their subsequent commercial success and critical acclaim.
Three 6 Mafia’s Rise to Prominence
The year 1995 marked a pivotal moment for Three 6 Mafia with the release of their debut studio album, “Mystic Stylez.” This album not only captured the raw energy and unique sound of the group but also led to a significant record deal with Relativity Records. While their initial albums under this deal experienced varying degrees of success, the group’s breakthrough came in 2000 with the release of “When the Smoke Clears: Sixty 6, Sixty 1.” This album debuted impressively at number six on the Billboard 200, a clear indication of their growing mainstream appeal and the increasing popularity of their distinctive style. Following this initial success, Three 6 Mafia continued to solidify their position in the music industry with the release of subsequent hit albums. “Da Unbreakables” in 2003 and “Most Known Unknown” in 2005 both cracked the top five of the Billboard 200, showcasing their sustained relevance and consistent ability to produce commercially successful music. These albums played a crucial role in elevating DJ Paul’s net worth, further demonstrating his contribution to the group’s overall financial achievements.
In addition to their studio albums, Three 6 Mafia also contributed to the film industry by creating soundtracks for “Choices” and “Choices II: The Setup.” However, one of the most significant milestones in the group’s career occurred in 2006 when they won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “It’s Hard out Here for a Pimp,” which was featured in the film “Hustle & Flow.” This award not only brought them international recognition but also significantly boosted their reputation within the entertainment industry. Following this achievement, Crunchy Black’s departure from the group left DJ Paul and Juicy J as the remaining members. They continued to release music, including the album “Last 2 Walk” in 2008, maintaining their presence in the hip hop landscape.
Solo Career and Independent Ventures
Parallel to his work with Three 6 Mafia, DJ Paul pursued a solo career, showcasing his individual artistic talents and business acumen. His debut solo album, “Underground Volume 16: For da Summa,” was released in 2002. It primarily featured tracks from his 1994 mixtape, “Underground Volume 16: 4 Da Summa of ’94,” catering to his established fanbase. This release marked a significant step in his development as a solo artist and contributed to expanding his financial portfolio.
In 2009, DJ Paul released his first mixtape since the early 1990s, titled “The Weigh In,” signaling his renewed focus on solo projects. Shortly after, he launched his second solo album, “Scale-A-Thon,” through his own record label, Scale-A-Thon Entertainment. This move allowed him greater creative control and a larger share of the profits, further enhancing his income streams. Subsequently, he released another mixtape, “Too Kill Again,” and collaborated with rapper Ya Boy and producer Lil Lody on “Pray For Forgiveness,” continuing to diversify his musical output and appeal to a broader audience. In 2012, DJ Paul released his third solo album, “A Person of Interest,” which included a bonus DVD featuring a short movie, music videos, and behind-the-scenes footage, providing fans with a comprehensive package. Subsequent albums such as “Volume 16: The Original Masters,” “Master of Evil,” “YOTS: Year of the Six,” “Underground Volume 17: For da Summa,” and “Power, Pleasure & Painful Things” have continued to showcase his versatility and commitment to his craft. These independent ventures played a key role in augmenting DJ Paul’s net worth, as they allowed him to capitalize directly on his creative endeavors and entrepreneurial spirit.
Ventures Beyond Music
DJ Paul has expanded his presence in the entertainment industry by venturing into television. In 2007, he and Juicy J starred in the reality program “Adventures in Hollywood,” which documented Three 6 Mafia’s transition to Hollywood after their Academy Award win. This show offered fans a behind-the-scenes look at their lives and careers, further solidifying their status as celebrities. A few years later, DJ Paul participated in the cooking competition series “Famous Food,” where he emerged as the winner, showcasing his culinary skills and broadening his public appeal. Additionally, he appeared in a 2014 episode of “Celebrity Wife Swap” alongside his fiancée Majda Baltic. He has also made cameo appearances in films such as “Jackass Number Two,” “Jackass 2.5,” and “Jackass Forever,” adding to his diverse portfolio of entertainment projects.
On the business front, DJ Paul and Juicy J launched their own fashion line in 2007, called Dangerus/Skandulus, which offers a variety of merchandise including hats, T-shirts, stickers, and accessories. This venture allowed them to tap into the fashion market and leverage their brand recognition to generate additional revenue. In 2012, DJ Paul introduced a collection of BBQ seasonings, expanding his business interests into the culinary world. The following year, he became the official spokesperson for a new, legal version of the recreational drug beverage lean. These business endeavors, combined with his musical achievements and television appearances, have contributed to DJ Paul’s overall net worth, underscoring his versatility and entrepreneurial spirit.
Collaborations and Group Formations
In early 2013, DJ Paul focused on his work as a DJ and formed the DJ duo S.I.M. (Sex is Mandatory). This project allowed him to explore different aspects of electronic music and DJing, further expanding his musical horizons. Later that year, he reunited with former Three 6 Mafia members Crunchy Black, Gangsta Boo, and Koopsta Knicca to form the group Da Mafia 6ix. In November, they released their first mixtape, “6ix Commandments,” which featured collaborations with artists such as Krayzie Bone, Bizzy Bone, Lil Wyte, and La Chat. This collaboration not only revitalized their collective careers but also introduced their music to a new generation of fans, demonstrating DJ Paul’s ability to adapt and innovate within the music industry. These collaborative efforts have enhanced his reputation and contributed to his continued success, thereby supporting his financial stability.
Personal Life and Relationships
DJ Paul experienced a personal tragedy in December 2013 with the passing of his brother and Three 6 Mafia colleague, Lord Infamous, due to a heart attack. This event deeply affected him and the remaining members of the group. At one point, DJ Paul was engaged to Majda Baltic, whom he met at the airport in Salt Lake City, Oklahoma. However, their engagement was called off after their appearance on the reality television show “Celebrity Wife Swap.” These personal experiences have shaped his life and career, but have not significantly impacted his professional achievements or DJ Paul’s net worth.
