Personal Details :
- Full Name: Isaiah Jaylaun Dukes
- Stage Name: Lil Zay Osama
- Date of Birth: June 3, 1997
- Age: 27 years old
- Birthplace: Douglas, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Genres: Hip hop, Drill, R&B
- Occupation: Rapper
- Years Active: 2011–present
- Label: Warner Records
- Official Website: lilzayosamaofficial.com
Social Media Presence :
- Instagram: @lilzayosama
- Twitter (X): @IAmLilZayOsama
- YouTube: Lil Zay Osama Official
- Spotify: Lil Zay Osama
- Official Website: lilzayosamaofficial.com
- OnlyFans: lilzayosama
Career Overview :
Lil Zay Osama, born Isaiah Jaylaun Dukes on June 3, 1997, in Chicago, Illinois, emerged from the city’s South Side, a region known for its rich musical heritage and challenging socio-economic conditions. His music, often referred to as “pain music,” delves deep into themes of grief, trauma, and survival, reflecting his tumultuous upbringing.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Growing up in the Robert Taylor Homes in the Bronzeville neighborhood, Zay was raised by his mother alongside five siblings. His father, frequently incarcerated, was seldom present during his formative years. At the age of eight, Zay began rapping, drawing inspiration from artists like 50 Cent and Lil Wayne. By 10, he was recording his own tracks. At 12, he joined a gang, adopting the moniker “Lil Zay” as part of his street identity. en.wikipedia.org
Legal Troubles and Artistic Evolution
In 2015, at 15, Zay was shot in the chest and subsequently arrested on gun charges while hospitalized. He was sentenced to five years in a juvenile detention center. During his incarceration, he focused on music, writing rap and R&B songs. His sentence was reduced to three years, and upon release in 2017, he returned to the South Side with a renewed determination to pursue music. en.wikipedia.org
Breakthrough and Mixtape Success
In 2018, Zay released his breakout single, “Changed Up,” which garnered over 20 million views on YouTube. This success led to a record deal with Warner Records in August 2019. His debut mixtape, Hood Bible, released in 2019, showcased his versatility, blending drill with melodic elements. The mixtape featured collaborations with artists like Lil Durk and Lil Tjay.
Following Hood Bible, Zay released Trench Baby in February 2021, which received positive reviews for its emotional depth and storytelling. The mixtape featured tracks like “Shooters” and “We’ll Be Straight,” highlighting his growth as an artist. pitchfork.com
In November 2021, he released Trench Baby 2, featuring collaborations with EST Gee, Benny The Butcher, and others. The mixtape continued to explore themes of survival and resilience.
Recent Developments
In 2022, Zay released the single “Fuck My Cousin,” which was later remixed featuring Lil Durk. The track delves into themes of betrayal and vengeance, resonating with fans for its raw emotion. en.wikipedia.org
As of March 2025, Zay has accumulated over 180 million total plays across streaming platforms, with monthly listeners exceeding 500,000.
Personal Life & Interests :
Early Life
Lil Zay Osama grew up in the Robert Taylor Homes on the South Side of Chicago, a neighborhood known for its challenges. Raised by his mother alongside five siblings, Zay’s father was often absent due to incarceration. These circumstances deeply influenced his music, which he describes as “pain music,” reflecting themes of grief, trauma, and survival. en.wikipedia.org
Family Life
Despite his rising fame, Zay remains closely connected to his family. In November 2018, he shared a picture of his son on Instagram, highlighting his dedication to his loved ones.
Musical Passion
From a young age, Zay was drawn to music. He began rapping at eight and was recording by ten. His influences include 50 Cent and Lil Wayne. Zay has expressed that his passion for music compels him to pursue it as a lifelong commitment, stating, “I just love music, so I gotta do this shit for life.”
Personal Interests & Lifestyle
Zay enjoys a luxurious lifestyle, often sharing glimpses of his high-end fashion, cars, and travel experiences on social media. He has a particular fondness for collecting vinyl records, appreciating the authenticity and beauty of music in its most tangible form.
In 2019, he purchased a $60,000 Audemars Piguet watch, which he described as a “dream watch,” symbolizing his success and the fulfillment of a personal aspiration. xxlmag.com
Personal Philosophy
Zay emphasizes the importance of resilience and staying true to oneself. He believes in the power of perseverance, stating, “When times get hard, you gotta hold on.”
Net Worth :
As of June 2025, Lil Zay Osama’s estimated net worth is approximately $4.1 million, according to People Ai . This marks a significant increase from previous years, reflecting his growing influence in the music industry.peopleai.com
Income Sources
Lil Zay Osama’s financial success stems from multiple revenue streams:
-
Music Sales & Streaming: With over 180 million total streams and more than 500,000 monthly listeners , his music continues to perform well across platforms.musicmetricsvault.com
-
Live Performances: Concerts and tours contribute substantially to his earnings.
-
Merchandise Sales: Branded clothing and accessories provide additional income.
-
Brand Partnerships: Collaborations with companies and sponsored content on social media platforms further bolster his financial standing.
Career Highlights
-
Breakout Hits: Tracks like “Changed Up” and “61st to 64th” have garnered millions of views, solidifying his place in the hip-hop scene.
-
Collaborations: Working with artists such as Lil Durk, Stunna 4 Vegas, and Sean Kingston has expanded his reach and audience.
-
Mixtapes: Releases like Trench Baby 3 and The Streets Calling My Name have been well-received, showcasing his evolving musical style.
Legal Challenges
In October 2022, Lil Zay Osama faced legal issues when he was arrested for allegedly leaving a Glock firearm in an Uber, leading to a $350,000 bail and home confinement . Such incidents have impacted his public image but have not significantly hindered his career momentum.
Awards & Achievements :
-
As of June 2025, Lil Zay Osama has not received major formal awards such as Grammy Awards or Billboard Music Awards. However, he has achieved significant recognition and success in the music industry.
Chart Success and Certifications
-
RIAA Gold Certifications: His collaborations, notably “Changed Up” and “Fuck My Cousin Pt. II” with Lil Durk, have been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), reflecting over 500,000 units sold or streamed in the U.S.
-
Chart Performance: “Fuck My Cousin Pt. II” peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and reached No. 44 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. en.wikipedia.org
Streaming Milestones
-
Spotify Streams: His mixtapes have garnered millions of streams, with Trench Baby 3 leading at over 48 million streams, followed closely by Trench Baby with over 46 million. kworb.net
-
Monthly Listeners: As of March 2025, Lil Zay Osama had approximately 517,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. musicmetricsvault.com
Media Recognition
-
Media Coverage: His music and rise in the industry have been featured in reputable outlets such as Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and XXL, highlighting his impact on the Chicago drill scene.
Legal Challenges
In November 2024, Lil Zay Osama was sentenced to 14 months in prison and fined $10,000 for possessing an illegal machine gun in Queens, New York. He had pleaded guilty to the charges earlier that year.
-
Fun Facts :
-
Started Rapping at Age 8
He began recording music when he was just 8 years old, using a tape recorder and microphone setup at home. -
Formerly Went by “Lil Zay”
Before adopting the name Lil Zay Osama, he was simply known as Lil Zay. He added “Osama” as a street nickname, which he says represents fearlessness and notoriety in his neighborhood. -
He’s a Big Fan of Lil Wayne
Lil Zay has cited Lil Wayne as one of his biggest musical influences, especially for his lyricism and versatility. -
Writes All His Own Lyrics
Unlike many mainstream rappers who work with ghostwriters, Zay takes pride in writing all of his verses, drawing directly from his personal life. -
Shot and Survived
He has survived being shot multiple times, which heavily influences the raw and emotional tone of his music. Songs like “Changed Up” reflect these life experiences. -
He Almost Quit Music
After several legal issues and personal losses, he considered walking away from music but ultimately used those struggles to fuel his career instead. -
Trench Baby Was Originally a Nickname
His 2021 project Trench Baby is named after a nickname he was given for surviving and rising out of one of Chicago’s most dangerous neighborhoods. -
Close Ties with Lil Durk
He has a strong relationship with fellow Chicago rapper Lil Durk, who helped expand his reach by featuring on “Fuck My Cousin Pt. II.” -
Embraces “Pain Music” Genre
Lil Zay refers to his style as “pain music,” where he channels grief, trauma, and the challenges of street life into emotionally charged tracks. -
Very Active on Social Media
He often uses Instagram and YouTube to connect with fans, share behind-the-scenes moments, and promote new music—sometimes teasing unreleased tracks weeks before their official drop.