Net Worth Ranker
What Is Peter Gunz (Peter Pankey) Net Worth’ Net Worth?
Peter Gunz, born Peter Cory Pankey on January 6, 1969, has built a career in the American hip-hop and reality TV landscape. As of 2024, Peter Gunz’s net worth is estimated to be $500,000. This net worth is primarily attributed to his endeavors in music and television.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Growing up in The Bronx, New York, Peter Gunz’s early life was instrumental in shaping his musical career. In 1996, he started out as part of The Gunrunners, contributing to Whodini’s album “Six” by featuring on the track “Can’t Get Enough” and helping to write two other tracks. Peter Gunz further expanded his collaborations by working with Shaquille O’Neal on O’Neal’s albums “You Can’t Stop the Reign” (1996) and “Respect” (1998). He also contributed to the single “Men of Steel” from the film “Steel” (1997). These early collaborations helped establish Peter Gunz in the music industry.
Music Career: Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz
Peter Gunz rose to fame as one half of the hip-hop duo Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz. In December 1997, they released their debut single, “Déjà Vu (Uptown Baby),” which sampled Steely Dan’s 1977 song “Black Cow.” The song quickly gained popularity, reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart. It also reached number 21 on the UK Singles Chart in May 1998. By March 31, 1998, the single was certified platinum by the RIAA, having sold over one million copies. In 1998, Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz released their only album, “Make It Reign,” which peaked at number 38 on the Billboard 200 and number 8 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. Despite the success of “Déjà Vu (Uptown Baby),” the duo broke up in 1999, leading to both artists pursuing solo careers.
“Déjà Vu (Uptown Baby)” and Copyright Controversy
The 1997 hit single “Déjà Vu (Uptown Baby)” became a source of contention due to its sample of Steely Dan’s “Black Cow”. Steely Dan demanded $115,000 upfront and 100% of publishing royalties in exchange for clearing the sample. This agreement resulted in Walter Becker and Donald Fagen of Steely Dan being credited as the sole songwriters. Despite this controversy, “Déjà Vu (Uptown Baby)” was certified platinum for sales exceeding one million copies. The song’s success propelled Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz into the limelight, although their partnership was short-lived, ending in 1999.
Transition to Television and Reality TV
After the breakup of Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz in 1999, Peter Gunz transitioned into television. From 2013 to 2020, he appeared on the VH1 reality series “Love & Hip Hop: New York,” where he was featured in over 60 episodes. In 2020, Peter Gunz began hosting the hidden camera reality series “Cheaters,” which he hosted until its finale in 2021. His appearances on “Love & Hip Hop: New York” and as the host of “Cheaters” increased his visibility and contributed to his net worth.
Film and Television Appearances
In addition to his music and reality TV career, Peter Gunz has appeared in several films and television series. He is credited in the soundtrack for the film “Steel” (1997). He also appeared in the films “The Fearless Two” (2019), “Time Matters” (2019), and “Asbury Park” (2021). Furthermore, he was featured in the television series “Love & Hip Hop: Check Yourself” (2013–2015) and “Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars” (2018). These appearances diversified his career and added to his income.
Family and Personal Life
Peter Gunz has a large family, including his son Cory Gunz, who is also a rapper and signed with Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment. Peter Gunz has dated Gina Prince and Tara Wallace, and he was married to Amina Buddafly from 2013 to 2018. Tara Wallace is the mother of his sons Jamison (born October 14, 2008), Kaz (born January 6, 2012), and Gunner (born February 13, 2016). Amina Buddafly is the mother of his daughters Cori (born July 29, 2014) and Bronx (born August 9, 2016). In total, Peter Gunz has ten children, including Cory, Whitney, Kennedi, Brandon, and Phoenix. His personal life has been a recurring theme in his reality TV appearances.
