Tory Lanez, born Daystar Shemuel Shua Peterson, is a Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter known for his genre-blending sound and compelling stage presence.
Rising to fame with hits like Say It and Luv, Lanez built a solid fanbase through his mixtapes and versatile musical talents.
However, beyond the music charts and viral moments, his name became entangled in one of the most talked-about controversies in the entertainment industry—a shooting case involving fellow artist Megan Thee Stallion.
In this post, we’ll explore Tory Lanez’s early life, career milestones, and the lesser-known details of the legal battle that led to his prison sentence.
Tory Lanez Biography
Daystar Shemuel Shua Peterson, better known by his stage name Tory Lanez, was born on July 27, 1992, in Canada. He is a versatile artist, known as a singer, rapper, songwriter, and producer.
Lanez first garnered attention after being discovered by Sean Kingston and released his mixtape Conflicts of My Soul: The 416 Story in August 2013, which helped establish his early reputation. In 2015, he signed with Benny Blanco’s Mad Love Records, a label under Interscope Records.
Lanez made his debut in the mainstream with his first studio album, I Told You (2016), which explored alternative R&B and achieved commercial success.
The album was supported by the hit singles “Say It” and “Luv,” which reached positions 23 and 19 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
In 2018, Lanez released two more albums, Memories Don’t Die and Love Me Now? which leaned more towards hip-hop, earning continued success despite mixed reviews.
Memories Don’t Die topped the Canadian Albums Chart, while Love Me Now? featured the platinum-certified single “Talk to Me” with Rich the Kid. Lanez’s fourth album, Chixtape 5 (2019), reached number two on the US Billboard 200, and his fifth, Daystar (2020), peaked at number ten.
He followed these with his 1980s-inspired sixth album, Alone at Prom (2021), and his seventh album, Sorry 4 What (2022), before his legal issues interrupted his career. His eighth album, Peterson (2025), debuted at number 25 on the Billboard 200.
Lanez’s career faced a major setback when, on August 8, 2023, he was sentenced to ten years in prison after being convicted of shooting rapper Megan Thee Stallion in 2020.
He was found guilty of first-degree assault with a firearm, discharging a firearm with gross negligence, and having a concealed firearm in a vehicle. As of 2025, he is serving his sentence at the California Correctional Institution.
Early life
Daystar Shemuel Shua Peterson, born on July 27, 1992, in Brampton, Ontario, is the son of a Bajan father named Sonstar and a mother from Curaçao, Luella. The family initially lived in Montreal before relocating to Miami, Florida.
After the death of his mother, Peterson’s father, who became an ordained minister and missionary, caused the family to move frequently throughout the United States.
Eventually, Lanez’s father remarried, and they moved to Atlanta, Georgia. It was here that Lanez met Hakeem, a janitor at the time, who gave him the nickname “Lanez,” inspired by his reckless, thrill-seeking nature, often playing in the streets and narrowly avoiding traffic.
In 2006, due to behavioral problems, Lanez was sent to live with his cousins, Dahir Abib and Orane Forrest, in Jamaica, Queens, New York.
However, after a time, he was sent to Toronto to live with his grandmother. When she refused to care for him, Lanez, at just 15 years old, found himself living independently. Reflecting on this period, he shared, “I ended up moving downtown with these three dudes I didn’t really know.
From fifteen to eighteen, I was just fighting them. It was every man for himself. That’s what made me a man, having to fend for myself.” These challenging experiences shaped him into the person he is today.
Lanez eventually returned to his passion for music, initially adopting the nickname “Notorious,” inspired by the late rapper Notorious B.I.G., before settling on “Tory Lanez.” He dropped out of school at 16 and started performing at outdoor concerts. At 17, he discovered an interest in singing, despite never having any formal vocal training.
In an interview with Nice Kicks, Lanez introduced his unique sound under the term “Swavey.” He described it as more than just a vibe or attribute—it’s a genre in itself. According to Lanez, “Swavey” represents the fusion of multiple musical styles, tailored for artists who refuse to be confined to one lane. He explained:
“A lot of people use it as an attribute, but the real definition of Swavey is a genre of music… if you ask an artist what they do, they’re going to say they rap, they sing, they do rock… I don’t think they’re confused—I feel they’re just talented, Swavey artists.”
Lanez credits artists like Brandy, Ray J, Chris Brown, and Lil Wayne as major influences, each of whom are known for their impact on both vocal style and genre-blending artistry.
These inspirations are evident in Lanez’s ability to seamlessly transition from melodic R&B to hard-hitting rap in his music.
Feuds
Drake
Tory Lanez’s long-running tension with fellow Canadian rapper Drake began in 2010 when a YouTube video titled in a way that suggested Lanez was Drake’s younger brother circulated online.
Lanez denied the relation and publicly challenged Drake to listen to his mixtape Playing for Keeps, even offering $10,000 if Drake didn’t like it.
In 2015, Lanez mocked Drake in a radio freestyle, criticizing his use of the term “The 6” to represent Toronto. Drake fired back in 2016’s “Summer Sixteen,” sparking a string of musical disses between the two.
Lanez responded in tracks like “Drive You Crazy,” “For Real,” and his “Uber Everywhere” remix. Drake countered on songs such as “Still Here” and “Do Not Disturb.” The feud ended amicably on May 19, 2017, when the two artists posted photos together on Instagram, signaling reconciliation.
Joyner Lucas and Don Q
In November 2018, Lanez ignited a lyrical battle with Joyner Lucas by claiming to be the better rapper during an Instagram Live session.
This led to a series of competitive diss tracks, including Lucas’s “Lucky You Freestyle” and “Zeze Freestyle.” Shortly after, Don Q accused Lanez of stealing lyrics and released a diss track titled “I’m Not Joyner.” Lanez clapped back with “Dom Queen,” and Don Q replied again, further fueling the battle.
While brief, these rap feuds highlighted Lanez’s lyrical skill, with some industry figures, like Karlton Jahmal of HotNewHipHop, praising the return of competitive rap to the mainstream.
August Alsina
In September 2022, singer August Alsina accused Lanez of punching him backstage at a tour event in Chicago.
Alsina shared images of his injuries on Instagram, claiming it was a “sneak attack.” Lanez denied the allegations.
Personal Life
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Children: Lanez has one son.
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Alias: He often goes by the name Argentina Fargo, which he explains as a nod to being “foreign money”—a Canadian artist navigating the U.S. scene.
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Marriage and Divorce: Lanez married Raina Chassagne on June 25, 2023. However, she filed for divorce in June 2024, citing irreconcilable differences and seeking both legal and physical custody of their son.
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Education: While serving his prison sentence, Lanez revealed in an August 2024 phone call with streamer Adin Ross that he had completed his high school education and enrolled in college.
Legal Issues
On March 26, 2016, during a concert in Midland, Texas, Tory Lanez was involved in a controversial incident that escalated into violence.
As tensions rose between security personnel and concertgoers, Lanez encouraged the crowd to “fuck shit up,” which reportedly incited a riot. The situation quickly spiraled out of control, prompting law enforcement to shut down the event.
Several attendees were arrested, and the venue and concert promoters considered taking legal action against Lanez for his role in inciting the chaos.
Legal Case: Megan Thee Stallion Shooting
On July 12, 2020, Tory Lanez was arrested in Hollywood Hills after leaving a house party where an argument had escalated into violence.
He was charged with carrying a concealed weapon in his vehicle. Fellow rapper Megan Thee Stallion was also in the car and was initially reported to have suffered a foot injury caused by broken glass.
However, Megan later revealed via Instagram that she had sustained gunshot wounds, requiring surgery, and stated that the act was done intentionally to cause her harm.
In August 2020, Megan publicly named Lanez as the shooter during an Instagram Live session, accusing his team of spreading false narratives in the media.
On September 25, 2020, Lanez released his fifth album Daystar, denying the allegations in multiple tracks, most notably “Money Over Fallouts”, where he questioned the validity of Megan’s injury.
Megan’s attorney, Alex Spiro, accused Lanez’s team of attempting to discredit her through a smear campaign using fake messages and emails.
Lanez’s representatives denied this, promising to investigate the sources of the false information.
By October 2020, Lanez was officially charged with three felonies:
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Assault with a semiautomatic firearm
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Carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle
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Discharging a firearm with gross negligence
He was also alleged to have inflicted great bodily injury, and a protective order was issued requiring him to stay at least 100 yards away from Megan and surrender any firearms in his possession.
In April 2022, Lanez was arrested again for violating the protective order. He was released on a $350,000 bond.
On December 23, 2022, a jury convicted Lanez on all three felony charges, and he was taken into custody immediately following the verdict. He was sentenced on August 8, 2023, to 10 years in prison.
As of October 25, 2024, a California appeals court acknowledged a new petition from Lanez’s legal team and confirmed it would be reviewed alongside other pending appeals.
Conclusion
Tory Lanez’s story is a complex mix of musical success and legal struggles.
While his talent has earned him a place in the spotlight, the events surrounding the shooting case have cast a long shadow over his career.
From chart-topping hits to courtroom drama, Lanez remains a figure of intense public interest.
As he serves his sentence, fans and critics alike continue to reflect on the choices that shaped his journey.
Whether seen as a cautionary tale or a chapter in a still-unfolding legacy, Tory Lanez’s life offers a powerful glimpse into the highs and lows of fame in the modern music industry.
What You Didn’t Know About Tory Lanez’s Shooting Case and Prison Sentence
The Tory Lanez shooting case shocked fans and the music industry alike.
On July 12, 2020, after leaving a party in the Hollywood Hills, rapper Megan Thee Stallion accused Tory Lanez of shooting her in the feet during an argument inside an SUV.
The case quickly gained public attention, especially after Megan publicly named Lanez as the shooter via social media.
What many people don’t know is that the case wasn’t just about the shooting itself—it became a cultural flashpoint involving celebrity status, public opinion, and how the legal system handles high-profile defendants.
Tory Lanez initially denied the allegations, but he was later charged with multiple felonies, including assault with a semi-automatic firearm and carrying a loaded, unregistered weapon.
During the trial, text messages, witness testimonies, and medical records played key roles.
One surprising detail that emerged was a text from Tory’s team to Megan apologizing shortly after the incident—something the prosecution used to argue his guilt.
Another twist was the changing testimony of Megan’s former friend, who was also in the car during the shooting.
In December 2022, Lanez was found guilty on all counts. He was sentenced in August 2023 to 10 years in prison.
During sentencing, he expressed regret but continued to maintain his innocence.
His legal team has since filed appeals, leaving a small possibility for a future reduction or reversal.
The case highlights the impact of violence, fame, and accountability, and it continues to spark debates across the music industry and beyond.
Why Is Tory Lanez Trending Recently?
Tory Lanez is making headlines again, not for music this time, but due to a violent incident behind bars.
On May 12, 2025, the Canadian artist, who is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence for the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion, was reportedly stabbed multiple times by another inmate at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi.
According to emerging details, Lanez sustained approximately 14 stab wounds during the altercation, which resulted in both of his lungs collapsing.
He was immediately rushed to a hospital, where he was treated and is now said to be in stable condition and breathing without assistance.
This disturbing event has triggered investigations by several bodies, including the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Office of the Inspector General, and the Kern County District Attorney’s Office, all aiming to uncover how such a serious breach of inmate safety occurred.
In addition to the prison attack, Tory Lanez had recently sparked attention with the release of his latest album titled PETERSON, which dropped on March 7, 2025.
Remarkably, the album was recorded while he was incarcerated and is being promoted as a groundbreaking “in-real-time” prison project.
The album follows up on his 2020 release Daystar and has drawn interest not only for its content but also for the unusual way it was produced.
These back-to-back developments—the prison stabbing and his unconventional music release—have brought Tory Lanez back into the spotlight, raising questions about prison conditions, celebrity justice, and how artists continue to shape their careers even behind bars.