From humble beginnings in Atlanta to reality TV fame and the ups and downs of family life, Lil Scrappy’s story is packed with ambition, struggle, reinvention—and heart. This is a closer look at his journey, personal life, and legacy.
Quick Bio
| Name | Lil Scrappy |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Darryl Raynard Richardson III |
| Stage Name | Lil Scrappy |
| Birth Date | January 19, 1984 |
| Age | 41 years old |
| Birth Place | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Rapper, Reality TV Star |
| Notable Show | Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta |
| Spouse | Adizia “Bambi” Benson (m. 2017, reported separation) |
| Children | Emani, Breland, Xylo, Cali |
| Net Worth | $900,000 (approx.) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @reallilscrappy, Twitter: @lilscrappy |
Early Years and Background
Darryl Raynard Richardson III, better known as Lil Scrappy, was born on January 19, 1984 in Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up in a difficult environment shaped by his mother, Momma Dee, who later became a reality TV personality herself. His father was absent for most of his life, which left his mother to raise him largely on her own. She has spoken openly about the tough sacrifices she made to provide for her family.
As a child, Lil Scrappy began writing lyrics and making music in the streets of Atlanta. His early life wasn’t easy, but it gave him the grit and determination that later became a hallmark of his career. Music was more than a hobby—it was an outlet, and a way to express the challenges and resilience of his world.
Rise in Music
Lil Scrappy’s big break came when Lil Jon discovered him performing in Atlanta. The encounter led to his signing with BME Recordings, and in 2004 he released a split album with Trillville that put him on the map. His first solo album, Bred 2 Die · Born 2 Live, came out in 2006, led by the single “Money in the Bank”. The track climbed into the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of his signature songs.
Scrappy leaned heavily into the Southern rap and crunk movement, which was exploding at the time. Over the years he released projects like Prince of the South and Tha Grustle, keeping his name alive in the music scene even when mainstream spotlight dimmed. His career is a story of persistence, adapting to an industry where trends move fast but authenticity always matters.
Life in Love & Hip Hop
In 2012, Lil Scrappy joined the cast of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, opening a new chapter in his career. For many fans, this is where they came to know him most intimately. The show chronicled his relationships, struggles with fame, and his efforts to balance music with family. His dynamic with his mother, his ex Erica Dixon, and later his marriage to Bambi Benson became recurring storylines that fueled the series.
Scrappy became one of the show’s central figures, known for his emotional honesty and fiery presence. His time on the series showed a different side of him—one less about rap battles and more about real-life battles, co-parenting, loyalty, and the complicated bonds of family.
Personal Life and Family
Lil Scrappy’s personal life has been as public as his music. He shares a daughter, Emani, with Erica Dixon, and in 2017 he married Adizia “Bambi” Benson. Together, they welcomed three children: Breland, Xylo, and Cali. Despite the joys, their relationship has faced challenges, and in recent years reports suggested the couple separated.
His mother, Momma Dee, has remained a central figure in his life. Known for her larger-than-life personality, she has often stepped into his relationships on-screen, sometimes causing drama but also highlighting the closeness between them. Family ties, even with all the tension, remain one of the defining aspects of Scrappy’s life.
Age, Appearance, and Persona
At 41 years old, Lil Scrappy has spent more than half his life in the public eye. Standing around 5 ft 10 in (178 cm), he has a strong build that matches his commanding stage presence. Tattoos across his body reflect his journey and identity, while his style—chains, streetwear, and expressive fashion—embodies the hip hop culture he represents.
Beyond appearances, his persona is marked by resilience and vulnerability. He can project bravado one moment and heartfelt sincerity the next, making him a complex but relatable figure.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Lil Scrappy’s net worth is estimated at around $900,000. His income has come from music, performances, and more recently his reality TV work. On Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, he reportedly earned around $200,000 per season. His lifestyle is reflective of someone who has both enjoyed success and faced financial challenges, with moments of luxury balanced by the realities of supporting a large family.
While he has lived with the flash of hip hop culture—cars, jewelry, and fashion—his story is also about responsibility. Scrappy has been open about struggles and pressures, offering a more honest look at life in the spotlight.
Social Media Presence
On social media, Lil Scrappy connects with fans directly. His Instagram (@reallilscrappy) and Twitter (@lilscrappy) accounts showcase everything from music promotions to family moments. He uses his platforms not just to entertain but also to defend himself, share thoughts, and give glimpses into his personal world. His authenticity makes him both loved and critiqued, but always watched.
Fun Facts and Influence
Lil Scrappy calls himself the “Prince of the South”, a reflection of his role in shaping Southern hip hop during the crunk era. His song “Money in the Bank” remains a club anthem and a reminder of his peak in the 2000s. He’s also known for memorable one-liners on Love & Hip Hop, which often become part of internet culture.
Beyond the drama and the beats, Scrappy’s influence lies in his resilience. He may not have achieved the superstar status of some of his peers, but his career shows how an artist can reinvent himself and remain relevant across decades.
Legacy and Conclusion
Lil Scrappy’s story is more than rap albums or reality TV episodes—it’s about a man who turned hardship into opportunity, who remains deeply tied to his family, and who is unafraid to show both his strength and his struggles. His legacy is not just in the crunk hits of the 2000s but also in the way he has lived his life publicly, flaws and all.
At 41, he continues to evolve, a testament to persistence in an industry and a world that is always changing. Lil Scrappy’s life is one of music, family, and love—and his story is still being written.
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FAQs
Who is Lil Scrappy?
Lil Scrappy is an Atlanta-born rapper and reality TV star, best known for his role in Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta and his hit song “Money in the Bank.”
How old is Lil Scrappy?
As of 2025, Lil Scrappy is 41 years old, having been born on January 19, 1984.
What is Lil Scrappy’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is around $900,000, with income from music, television, and appearances.
Who is Lil Scrappy’s wife?
He married Adizia “Bambi” Benson in 2017, and they have three children together. Reports suggest they separated in recent years.
What is Lil Scrappy’s height?
He stands around 5 feet 10 inches tall (178 cm).
