Mystikal, born Michael Lawrence Tyler, is a prominent American rapper and actor with a remarkable career filled with chart-topping hits and controversy. Known for his energetic performances and distinct vocal style, Mystikal rose to fame in the late 1990s, but his career was marred by legal issues that resulted in time behind bars. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore Mystikal’s net worth, his career journey, and the events that have shaped his life. We’ll also cover his personal life, age, family background, and more.
Mystikal’s biography
Category | Details |
Full Name | Michael Lawrence Tyler |
Stage Name | Mystikal |
Date of Birth | September 22, 1970 |
Age | 54 (as of 2024) |
Place of Birth | New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
Nationality | American |
Profession | Rapper, Actor |
Genres | Hip-Hop, Southern Hip-Hop, Dirty South |
Labels | Big Boy Records, No Limit, Cash Money Records |
Years Active | 1992–present |
Notable Albums | Unpredictable (1997), Ghetto Fabulous (1998), Let’s Get Ready (2000), Tarantula (2001) |
Father’s Name | Not widely known |
Mother’s Name | Marie Tyler |
Siblings | Sister: Michelle Tyler (deceased) |
Marital Status | Unknown |
Children | 2 (names not publicly known) |
Net Worth | $2 million (as of 2024) |
Notable Hits | Shake Ya Ass, Danger (Been So Long) |
Legal Issues | Sexual battery, extortion, domestic abuse, rape charges |
Prison Time | 2004–2010 (served 6 years for sexual battery and extortion) |
Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
Awards | Grammy nominations for Tarantula (2003) |
Who is Mystikal?

Mystikal, real name Michael Lawrence Tyler, was born on September 22, 1970, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is best known for his work in the Dirty South rap scene and his association with Master P’s No Limit Records, one of the most influential record labels in the 90s. Mystikal’s music is recognized for its raw energy, distinctive voice, and hard-hitting beats, which set him apart in the rap world. However, his career has been a mix of incredible success and severe legal troubles, affecting his public image and financial standing.
Mystikal’s Early Life and Family Background
Mystikal grew up in New Orleans, where he was raised by his mother and father. Not much is known about his father, but his mother supported his early ambitions. Mystikal’s father passed away when he was just seven years old, leaving his mother to raise him and his siblings. He attended Cohen High School before enrolling in the United States Army as a combat engineer. His upbringing in New Orleans, combined with the challenges of losing his father at a young age, profoundly influenced his music and personal outlook.
Career Beginnings: From Local Rapper to No Limit Records Star
Mystikal’s rap career began in the early 90s when he started performing at local events in New Orleans. His big break came when he opened for Run-D.M.C. and Doug E. Fresh at an outdoor concert. His performance caught the attention of Leroy “Precise” Edwards, a producer at Big Boy Records, who offered him a recording contract. Mystikal’s debut album, “Mystikal,” was released in 1994 under Big Boy Records and became a regional success.
However, his move to No Limit Records in 1996 catapulted him to national recognition. At No Limit, Mystikal released his second album, “Unpredictable,” which was a massive hit, reaching number three on the Billboard 200 and becoming Platinum-certified. This was followed by “Ghetto Fabulous” in 1998, which also went Platinum and solidified Mystikal’s place among the biggest names in Southern hip-hop.
Mystikal’s Rise to Stardom: Peak of His Career

The peak of Mystikal’s career came with the release of his 2000 album, “Let’s Get Ready.” The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, marking the first time Mystikal topped the charts. The record featured hit singles like “Shake Ya Ass” and “Danger (Been So Long),” both of which became iconic tracks of the early 2000s rap scene. The success of “Let’s Get Ready” made Mystikal a household name, and the album was certified multi-platinum, significantly boosting his net worth.
His follow-up album, “Tarantula,” released in 2001, was also a commercial success and earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album. The hit single “Bouncin’ Back (Bumpin’ Me Against the Wall)” further cemented his place in the rap world. During this period, Mystikal collaborated with major artists like Ludacris, Lil Jon, and Nivea, further expanding his influence in the industry.
Mystikal’s Net Worth: How Much is Mystikal Worth?
As of 2024, Mystikal’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. Despite his massive success in the late 90s and early 2000s, legal troubles and incarceration have significantly impacted his financial standing. At the height of his career, Mystikal was one of the highest-earning rappers in the Dirty South, with estimated earnings from his albums reaching over $5 million.
Here is an outline of his key earnings:
- “Let’s Get Ready!” (2000) raised $2.2 Million (Certified Twox Platinum).
- “Tarantula” (2001): $500,000 (Certified Gold)
- “Ghetto Fabulous” (1998): $1 million (Certified Platinum)
- “Unpredictable” (1997): $1 million (Certified Platinum)
Although his earnings were impressive, legal fees, settlements, and time away from the industry during his imprisonment have affected his current net worth. However, Mystikal’s legacy in rap remains strong, and his music continues to generate revenue through streaming and licensing deals.
Mystikal’s Legal Troubles and Impact on His Career
Mystikal’s career was significantly derailed in 2003 when he was indicted on charges of sexual battery and extortion. After pleading guilty, he was sentenced to six years in prison in 2004. This marked a dramatic fall from grace for the rapper, who was at the height of his career. Mystikal served his complete sentence and was released in 2010, but his legal troubles were far from over.
In 2012, Mystikal was arrested again on charges of domestic abuse and was sentenced to serve 81 days in jail for violating his probation. In 2017, he was charged with rape and spent nearly two years in prison before posting a $3 million bond. The charges were eventually dropped due to insufficient evidence, but the continuous legal issues have heavily impacted his career and personal life.
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Father Name and Mother Name: Mystikal’s Family Influence
Mystikal’s relationship with his family, particularly his mother, has significantly influenced his life. His father, whose name is not widely known, passed away when Mystikal was a child. His mother, Marie Tyler, played a pivotal role in his upbringing and supported his early music career. Mystikal has often referenced his family in his music, and the tragic murder of his sister, Michelle Tyler, in 1994 had a profound impact on him. His songs “Dedicated to Michelle Tyler” and “Murder” address his sense of loss for her.
Mystikal’s Career After Prison: A Rocky Return
Following his release from prison in 2010, Mystikal made efforts to reignite his music career. He performed at the Mahalia Jackson Theater in New Orleans and released new tracks, including “I Don’t Like You” and “Papercuts” featuring Lil Wayne. He also signed with Cash Money Records in 2011 and released the single “Original,” but his comeback was cut short by more legal issues.
In 2016, Mystikal was featured on the hit single “Just a Lil’ Thick (She Juicy)” alongside Trinidad James and Lil Dicky. Although he continues to make music, Mystikal’s career has never fully recovered from his legal troubles, and his public image remains tarnished.
Rapper Mystikal’s Net Worth and Financial Challenges
Despite the setbacks, Mystikal continues to generate income from his music. His earlier albums still perform well on streaming platforms, and he receives royalties from his collaborations and licensed music. However, his current net worth of $2 million is a far cry from the peak of his career. Legal fees, settlements, and the loss of years of potential earnings during his incarceration have significantly impacted his financial stability.
Mystik Dan Net Worth: A Comparison
When discussing Mystikal, it’s worth noting that some fans confuse him with another rapper named Mystik Dan. However, Mystik Dan’s net worth is much lower, and he has yet to reach the same fame as Mystikal. Mystik Dan’s estimated net worth is around $100,000, mostly earned through underground releases and local performances.
Mystikal’s Legacy in Hip-Hop
Despite his legal issues, Mystikal’s influence on Southern rap and the broader hip-hop genre cannot be denied. His unique style, blending rapid-fire delivery with an unmistakable voice, has left an indelible mark on the industry. Songs like “Shake Ya Ass” and “Danger” remain staples in rap playlists, and his contribution to the Dirty South movement helped define an era of hip-hop.
Conclusion
Mystikal’s career is a story of incredible highs and devastating lows. From his chart-topping success in the early 2000s to his legal troubles and time in prison, Mystikal has experienced it all. His current net worth of $2 million reflects both his musical achievements and the consequences of his personal choices. While his career may never fully recover, Mystikal’s impact on hip-hop is undeniable, and his legacy will continue to influence future generations of rappers.
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