Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr., better known as DDG, is far more than a stage name or social media persona. From his roots in Pontiac, Michigan, to topping charts and streaming live to millions, DDG’s journey is one of hustle, heartbreak, creativity, and evolution. This article dives into his real name, early life, career rise, family, and the personal challenges behind the fame.
Quick Bio
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr. |
| Stage Name | DDG |
| Birth Date | October 10, 1997 |
| Age | 27 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Pontiac, Michigan, USA |
| Height | 5′8″ (173 cm) |
| Weight | 143 lbs (65 kg) |
| Occupation | Rapper, YouTuber, Twitch Streamer |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2–8 million |
| Known For | “Moonwalking in Calabasas” |
| Education | Valedictorian, briefly CMU student |
| Record Label | Epic Records, Zooted Music |
| Children | 1 (Son: Halo Saint Granberry) |
DDG’s Real Name
Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr. that’s who DDG is when the camera isn’t rolling. Born on October 10, 1997, in Pontiac, Michigan, he embraces the name publicly but lets his achievements define him. His stage name DDG isn’t flashy; it’s simply his initials and feels authentic to a man who prizes realness in his journey.
Age
As of mid‑2025, DDG is 27 years old, turning 28 this October. For many, that’s still young but for a man who’s already built careers in music, streaming, fashion, and fatherhood, it’s an age defined by ambition, responsibility, and evolution.
Family & Roots
DDG’s story is rooted in his family in Michigan. He’s one of five children. His father, Darryl Granberry Sr., worked in an audio engineering environment and even had a job at Ford while his mother, Tonya Yvette, spent time in retail. Though his parents separated, both shaped his early years.
Tragically, his older brother Darion Breckenridge was murdered in 2014. That loss left a lasting emotional mark. DDG has spoken openly about how it pushed him away from street life and toward creativity.
He also has other siblings: a younger sister known as “Tee Tee,” who has her own YouTube presence, and a brother known as DuB Bridge.
Education & Early Drive
In school, he was fiercely academic valedictorian at International Tech Academy a title he proudly nodded to later in his debut album, Valedictorian. He then enrolled at Central Michigan University, but the pull of creative work won out. Within a year, he dropped out, earning around $30,000 a month on YouTube and moving to Hollywood to go all in.
YouTube & Online Rise
DDG built his name on YouTube, launching content around 2014–2015. Vlogs, reactions, original songs all helped him connect with an audience hungry for honesty and hustle. As he gained traction, reporters and fans noticed: he was not just a YouTuber, but an artist who deserved serious attention.
Musical Evolution
He didn’t stop at YouTube. In 2018, he signed with Epic Records, then launched Zooted Music in 2020 alongside managers Eric O’Connor and Dimitri Hurt.
His major breakout was “Moonwalking In Calabasas,” released in 2020 and later remixed with Blueface and YG. It reached the Billboard Hot 100 and earned double platinum certification.
He’s also dropped several albums: Valedictorian (2019), It’s Not Me It’s You (2022), Maybe It’s Me… (2023), and Blame the Chat (2025), the latter recorded live during a seven-day Twitch “Hit‑A‑Thon” stream.
And fun fact: he made his boxing debut in June 2021 against Nate Wyatt and won.
Net Worth & Business Savvy
Estimates vary: some place him around $2–8 million, while others like HamariWeb cite figures up to $8 million.
His income isn’t just from music: his Twitch streaming, brand collaborations, and digital strategy have fueled a multi‑million-dollar career. In at least one reported month, he earned a staggering $12 million from Twitch alone.
Height & Appearance
He’s around 5′8″ (173 cm) tall and weighs approximately 143 lb (65 kg). Nothing flashy by celebrity standards but those who follow him know it’s his energy, not height, that leaves an impression.
Social Media Presence
DDG remains prolific across platforms:
- YouTube: millions of subscribers across channels like DDG Music, DDG Live, PontiacMadeDDG VLOGS, and DDG Snaps. Combined views run into the hundreds of millions.
He’s known for pushing boundaries ike building album structures live on Twitch, streaming daily life in long sessions, and staying candid throughout. It’s that authenticity that solidifies his connection with fans.
Relationship & Personal Life
DDG’s relationship with Halle Bailey, starting around early 2022, brought two creative worlds together. They connected on social media Bailey had admired his YouTube presence for years, and he slid into her DMs. Their public relationship launched in March 2022, appearances followed, and they made headlines at the BET Awards and Vanity Fair afterparties.
In December 2023, they welcomed their son, Halo Saint Granberry. The birth brought heartfelt messages from both Halle called it the greatest gift of 2023; DDG called Halo his “biggest blessing.”
Custody & Legal Situation
In October 2024, the couple ended their romantic relationship. DDG shared that they would remain “best friends” and committed co-parents.
But by May 2025, troubling developments surfaced. Halle obtained a temporary restraining order, citing physical, verbal, emotional, and financial abuse. She submitted photos of bruises and a chipped tooth as evidence. The court ordered DDG to stay at least 100 yards away from Bailey and their son, and prohibited him from possessing firearms.
DDG responded by filing his own restraining order, alleging Halle posed emotional risk, including self-harm threats and undue coercion. He requested that the court prohibit her from taking Halo abroad. The court denied his request for emergency travel restrictions.
By June 5, 2025, a court denied DDG’s attempt to limit Halle’s travel with their son to Italy and ruled against several of his emergency custody requests. Halle retained temporary sole physical and legal custody with supervised visitation proposed for DDG. The restraining order had expired by then, but the custody orders remained under review.
Fun Facts & Human Touch
- Valedictorian-inspired album: His first studio album was called Valedictorian as a nod to his academic achievement.
- Innovation in streaming: He built an entire album through a week-long live Twitch “Hit-A-Thon”, a creative first that blurred the line between artist and producer.
- Boxing under the spotlight: He won his boxing debut at a YouTubers vs. TikTokers event, a moment that became emblematic of his competitive spirit.
Conclusion
DDG is more than just a rapper he is Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr., a man shaped by family, grief, drive, and transformation. From Michigan classrooms to YouTube studios, from platinum records to ringside showdowns, he’s carved out a path that blends tenacity with creativity. He’s a father navigating public scrutiny, an artist facing scrutiny, and a personality whose story refuses to be simplified.
He is raw and real because that’s how he chose to build it. And whatever headline comes next, it will come from someone who understands he’s never been just DDG he’s always been Darryl.
FAQs
Who is DDG and what is his real name?
DDG is an American rapper, YouTuber, and content creator. His real name is Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr..
How did DDG become famous?
He started out on YouTube, gaining popularity through vlogs and reactions. He transitioned into music with hits like Moonwalking in Calabasas and became a multi-platform star.
Is DDG still with Halle Bailey?
No, the couple split in late 2024. They now co-parent their son, Halo, while navigating a complicated legal and custody situation.
How much is DDG worth?
His net worth is estimated between $2 to $8 million, though he reportedly earned $12 million in a single month through Twitch in 2025.
What are DDG’s most popular songs?
His breakout tracks include Moonwalking in Calabasas, Arguments, and Push, along with albums like Valedictorian and Blame the Chat.