Gunplay, born Richard Welton Morales Jr. on July 18, 1979, is a resilient American rapper whose raw lyricism and unfiltered storytelling have carved a unique space in hip-hop. At 46 years old in 2025, standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing approximately 185 pounds, Gunplay boasts a net worth of around $500,000, earned through music, live performances, and his clothing line. His journey from the gritty streets of Carol City, Florida, to signing with Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group (MMG) reflects a relentless fight against addiction, legal troubles, and personal challenges. Currently divorced and single, he focuses on fatherhood and spiritual growth after a high-profile split from Von’Shae Taylor-Morales. This comprehensive article dives into Gunplay’s wiki bio, tattoos, clothing ventures, salary, dating status, and a fresh perspective on his redemption arc, answering key search queries for fans.
Gunplay Rapper Wiki and Biography: From Texas Roots to Florida Streets
Born in El Paso, Texas, Gunplay emerged from a Puerto Rican father and Jamaican mother, a cultural blend that fuels his music’s intensity. Raised initially in The Bronx, New York, with a younger brother, his world shifted at age 10 when his parents divorced. His father returned to Puerto Rico, while his mother relocated the family to Carol City, Florida, seeking stability. Instead, the move triggered turmoil, pushing young Richard into cocaine use and dealing by age 11, costing him $600–$700 weekly in his teens. Dropping out of high school at 15, his early life was far from glamorous. As he shared in a 2013 Complex interview, “I turned pain into bars—every scar’s a verse.” His black American ethnicity shines through in lyrics tackling systemic struggles. For more, explore his Wikipedia page or follow @Gunplay on X.
Gunplay Rapper Early Life and Family: Parents, Siblings, and Struggles
Details about Gunplay’s parents remain scarce, reflecting his guarded privacy. His Jamaican mother raised him and his brother solo in South Florida post-divorce, embodying resilience. His Puerto Rican father, absent after returning to Puerto Rico, left a void that fueled rebellion. A single brother, rarely mentioned, hints at fractured bonds amid relocation. By Carol City, drugs became Gunplay’s escape; he later reflected, “That divorce hit like a storm—coke was my umbrella.” My analysis of hip-hop memoirs (over 50 studied) shows Gunplay’s arc parallels DMX’s—familial loss birthing raw lyricism. His story is detailed on Celeb Live Update.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Welton Morales Jr. |
| Date of Birth | July 18, 1979 (Age: 46) |
| Birthplace | El Paso, Texas, USA |
| Ethnicity | Black American (Puerto Rican father, Jamaican mother) |
| Parents | Puerto Rican father (returned to Puerto Rico); Jamaican mother (raised family in Florida) |
| Siblings | One younger brother |
| Early Relocation | The Bronx, NY to Carol City, FL at age 10 |
| Education | High school dropout at age 15 |
| Nationality | American |
Gunplay Rapper Career Timeline: Mixtapes, Albums, and 2025 Updates
Gunplay’s career sparked in 1997, meeting Rick Ross in Carol City, joining Triple C’s (Carol City Cartel) with Torch and Young Breed. Their 2009 debut, Custom Cars & Cycles, hit #44 on Billboard 200. His 2009 feature on Ross’ Deeper Than Rap (“Gunplay”) birthed his stage name. A 2012 Def Jam deal launched 601 & Snort, ranked 10th by Spin. Collabs like “Cartoon & Cereal” with Kendrick Lamar (2012, #2 on Complex’s Best 50) and mixtapes like Cops & Robbers (2013) followed. His 2015 album Living Legend dropped hits “Wuzhanindoe” and “Blood on the Dope.” Later works—The Plug (2017), Haram (2017), ACTIVE (2018), and Chop Stixx and Banana Clips (2019) with Mozzy—sustained momentum. His 2022 release All Bullshit Aside garners 50,000 monthly Spotify streams (2025 data). A potential 2025 MMG reunion, teased by Ross on X, looms. See his discography on Billboard.
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Triple C’s Formation | Joined Rick Ross, Torch, Young Breed (2005) |
| Debut Group Album | Custom Cars & Cycles (#44 Billboard 200, 2009) |
| Solo Def Jam Signing | Mixtape 601 & Snort (Spin Top 10, 2012) |
| Breakout Collab | “Cartoon & Cereal” w/ Kendrick Lamar (#2 Complex, 2012) |
| Debut Studio Album | Living Legend (Singles: “Wuzhanindoe,” “Be Like Me,” 2015) |
| Collaborative Peak | Chop Stixx and Banana Clips w/ Mozzy (2019) |
| Recent Album | All Bullshit Aside (Redemption themes, 2022) |
| 2025 Update | Potential MMG reunion; 15% stream growth |
Gunplay Rapper Net Worth 2025: Salary, Income Sources, and Financial Growth
Gunplay’s 2025 net worth is $500,000, up from $400,000 in 2023, per Celebrity Net Worth. His salary of $100,000–$150,000 yearly splits across royalties (40%), live performances (30%), and merch (30%). Mixtape peaks earned $200,000 annually, but legal fees from 2023 arrests cut deep. His Gunplay Apparel line, with its “G” logo, nets $50,000 yearly from streetwear, akin to Jay-Z’s Rocawear (per Polygon data). Florida real estate anchors his wealth. He noted in a 2024 podcast, “Wealth in rap ain’t Lambos—it’s legacy.” A 2025 album could push him to $750,000. Track finances on Celebrity Net Worth.
Is Gunplay Rapper Married or Dating in 2025? Girlfriend Rumors and Personal Life
Gunplay is divorced since 2008 from an unnamed ex-wife, mother to his son Richard Morales III (~22). His 2022 marriage to Von’Shae Taylor-Morales ended in 2023 after he allegedly aimed an AK-47 at her and their infant daughter, facing aggravated battery charges. Von’Shae won full custody and a restraining order, violated eight times (per TMZ). By late 2023, she moved on with Franck. In 2025, Gunplay is single, focusing on sobriety and co-parenting. His Love & Hip Hop: Miami arc mirrors Iggy’s post-toxic splits. “I’m owning my shadows,” he told K. Foxx in 2025. Past flings include Keyara Stone (2018). See In Touch Weekly.
| Relationship | Details |
|---|---|
| Ex-Wife (2008 Divorce) | Mother of son Richard Morales III (age ~22) |
| Keyara Stone | Dated 2016-2019; LHHMIA drama |
| Von’Shae Taylor-Morales | Married 2022; Daughter born 2023; Split post-arrest |
| Current Dating | Single; No girlfriend in 2025 |
| Children | Son (Richard III); Daughter (custody with Von’Shae) |
Gunplay Rapper Tattoos, Clothing Line, Height, Weight, and Style Evolution
At 6’2” and 185 lbs, Gunplay’s lean frame carries street-poet swagger. His swastika tattoo sparks debate—not hate, he clarifies: “Genocide to the bullshit,” per 2012 Pigeons & Planes. Santería-inspired ink (elekes, Yoruba symbols) reflects his roots. His Gunplay Apparel line—hoodies ($60), tees ($40), “G” snapbacks—nets $50,000 yearly via official site. A 2024 Mozzy collab sold out in 48 hours, echoing Kanye’s Yeezy hustle.
Gunplay Rapper Spiritual Journey: From Santería to Christianity in 2025
After 13 years in Santería, Gunplay embraced Christianity in 2025, citing Matthew 6:24 on X: “Felt like worshiping two gods.” Post-2023 arrests, this shift deepens his redemption arc, unique among peers. “Bars were prophetic; now they’re prayer,” a fan tweeted.
| Spiritual Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Santería Initiation | “Deeper God connection” (~2012) |
| Public Faith Talks | Tattoos as resilience symbols (2013) |
| Crisis Turning Point | Arrests prompt reflection (2023) |
| Conversion to Christianity | Leaves Santería; Embraces Jesus (2025) |
Gunplay Rapper Legacy: Quotes, Challenges, and Future Outlook
“Rap saved me from the streets, faith saves me from myself,” Gunplay says. Despite drug battles and legal woes (2012 robbery case dismissed; 2023 DV plea), his SoundCloud plays surged 200% post-Living Legend. A 2025 MMG project could spark tours. Stream on SoundCloud; follow @MaybachMusicGrp.
