Tory Lanez
A versatile Canadian artist whose rapid ascent in hip-hop and R&B was overshadowed by a highly publicized legal conviction.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Canadian singer·Birthday: July 27·Millennials
Biography
Tory Lanez, born Daystar Peterson, released the commercial debut album 'I Told You' in 2016, which generated hits like 'Luv.' He built a fanbase through a prolific stream of mixtapes that blended melodic R&B with rapid-fire rap. In 2022, he was convicted of shooting fellow musician Megan Thee Stallion. The legal battle shifted public attention from his musical output to his lengthy court proceedings. He emerged from Toronto's music scene with a chameleonic ability to glide between genres and moods.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Tory was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Tory Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Tory's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- His 2016 single 'Luv' reached peak positions of number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified triple Platinum.
- Released the chart-topping album 'I Told You' in 2016, which debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200.
- Founded his own record label, One Umbrella, after departing from a major label deal.
Did You Know?
He was born in Brampton, Ontario, but spent part of his childhood living in Miami.
His stage name is a phonetic play on the words 'Tory Lanez' and 'Toronto.'
He gained early attention by freestyling over popular instrumentals and posting the videos online.
“I'm not a rapper, I'm an artist. I can do everything.”
