Derrick Milano Net Worth: How the Grammy-Winning Songwriter Built His Fortune
Derrick Milano is one of those music industry names that might not always grab headlines but is essential to the hits that dominate charts. Known as a Grammy-winning songwriter and artist, Derrick has made his mark through persistence, raw talent, and a sharp ear for what resonates with listeners. His journey from Philadelphia to the bright lights of the music industry is inspiring. This article explores his early life, career breakthroughs, net worth, and the lifestyle that surrounds his success.
Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Derrick Carrington Gray |
| Stage Name | Derrick Milano |
| Date of Birth | December 24, 1993 |
| Age | 31 (turning 32 in Dec 2025) |
| Birthplace | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Parents | Virginia and Jeff Gray |
| Net Worth | $10 Million (estimated 2025) |
| Profession | Songwriter, Rapper, Singer |
| Nationality | American |
| Relationship | Formerly engaged to Blac Chyna |
| Education | Concord High School, Valencia College, Full Sail University |
| Notable Achievement | Grammy Award for Best Rap Song (2021) |
| Social Media | @derrickmilano (Instagram, Twitter/X) |
Early Life and Background
Derrick Milano was born Derrick Carrington Gray on December 24, 1993, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Raised by his parents Virginia and Jeff Gray, he spent his childhood surrounded by the rhythm of church choirs and school music programs. At an early age, he displayed a natural inclination for performance and creativity. His family relocated to Brandywine Hundred, Delaware, when he was in middle school, which introduced him to new influences and opportunities.
During his teenage years, Derrick attended Hanby Middle School, Brandywine High School, and Red Lion Christian Academy, before eventually graduating from Concord High School in 2012. He not only excelled in academics but also thrived in extracurricular activities, particularly music. Derrick joined choirs, rap battled with friends, and found his voice as both a singer and lyricist.
Education and Musical Beginnings
After high school, Derrick’s path led him to Florida. He studied at Valencia College and Full Sail University, two institutions known for nurturing creative talent. His early college years coincided with his deeper exploration into music. In 2013, Derrick released a mixtape titled Casanova, marking his entry into the professional music world.
A year later, in 2014, he posted a track called “#ThatAintYaBitch” on SoundCloud, which gave him significant attention locally. The song served as a springboard, helping him secure opening act opportunities and bringing him closer to industry circles in Orlando.
Career Growth and Breakthroughs
Although he started as a performing artist, Derrick soon transitioned into songwriting, which became his true calling. By 2019, he was co-writing tracks for some of the biggest names in the music industry. His credits include songs for Megan Thee Stallion, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber, and Pop Smoke.
His most notable success came with Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage Remix” featuring Beyoncé, a song he co-wrote. This track not only became a viral phenomenon but also earned Derrick Milano a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song at the 63rd Grammy Awards in 2021. The recognition solidified his reputation as a talented and respected songwriter.
Since then, he has continued to expand his portfolio, writing for artists across genres and occasionally releasing his own tracks. In 2023, he was featured on a remix of Ciara’s single Da Girls, showing that he still enjoys stepping into the spotlight as an artist.
Derrick Milano Net Worth
As of 2025, Derrick Milano’s net worth is estimated at around $10 million. This wealth is largely derived from his songwriting royalties, collaborations, and his occasional solo projects. His Grammy win has undoubtedly opened doors to more lucrative opportunities, from higher-profile collaborations to better publishing deals.
Songwriting royalties are a powerful income stream in the music industry. Whenever a hit like Savage Remix is streamed, purchased, or performed, Derrick earns a share of the royalties. Combined with upfront payments and residuals from other songs, his net worth continues to grow steadily.
Sources of Income
Songwriting royalties remain the cornerstone of Derrick’s financial success. Writing for major stars ensures a long-lasting income as songs continue to stream and play worldwide.
Collaborations and features also add to his earnings. While he is primarily behind the scenes, when he collaborates on remixes or features on tracks, he earns from both performance rights and distribution.
Music industry influence plays another role. As someone with a Grammy and a track record of writing hit songs, Derrick has more leverage in negotiations, whether with publishers, labels, or other artists.
Lifestyle and Personal Life
Despite his growing fame and fortune, Derrick Milano keeps a relatively private lifestyle. He is known for focusing on his craft rather than flaunting his wealth. However, his relationship with the public eye grew stronger when he began dating Blac Chyna (Angela White) in 2023. The two got engaged in October 2024 during Howard University’s Homecoming concert, but reports in mid-2025 indicated that they had called off their engagement.
Derrick continues to spend much of his time in studios across Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Washington, D.C., working with top-tier artists and producers.
Age, Height, and Physical Appearance
Derrick Milano is currently 31 years old and will turn 32 in December 2025. While details about his height and physical appearance are not widely documented, he is often seen sporting a laid-back, stylish look, blending streetwear with high-fashion elements, a style common among modern hip-hop and R&B figures.
Family and Relationships
As mentioned, Derrick is the son of Virginia and Jeff Gray. There is little publicly available information about siblings or extended family, as he tends to keep these aspects of his life away from the media spotlight. His most high-profile relationship was with Blac Chyna, which attracted significant media coverage.
Social Media Presence
Derrick Milano maintains an active presence on social media, where he shares updates about his music, studio sessions, and glimpses into his personal life.
- Instagram: @derrickmilano — With hundreds of thousands of followers, his Instagram is a mix of personal moments and promotional content.
- Twitter/X: @derrickmilano — He frequently shares thoughts about music, personal growth, and upcoming projects.
- YouTube: Features some of his past releases and collaborations.
His social media persona reflects his dual identity: a hardworking creative behind the scenes and a confident personality in the spotlight.
Fun Facts About Derrick Milano
- He was selected for All-State choir five years in a row during his school years, showing his early dedication to music.
- He has written or contributed to hundreds of songs, spanning different artists and genres.
- He emphasizes that while commercial success matters, his goal is to tell stories and create timeless music.
- He has made appearances on reality TV platforms like Love & Hip Hop: Miami, broadening his visibility beyond songwriting.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Derrick Milano’s career trajectory suggests continued growth. With his established reputation as a hitmaker, he is likely to secure even more collaborations with industry heavyweights. His future may also include branching into production, executive roles, or even leading his own label.
As his catalog of credits grows, so will his net worth. The longevity of royalties means that songs he has already worked on will continue generating income for years, while new projects keep him in demand.
Conclusion
Derrick Milano’s journey is a testament to perseverance and talent. From church choirs in Philadelphia to a Grammy-winning songwriter shaping global hits, his story is one of steady progress and resilience. With an estimated net worth of $10 million, Derrick has carved out a space in the competitive world of music where creativity and business success go hand in hand.
As fans and industry insiders alike watch his next moves, one thing is certain: Derrick Milano has already left a lasting mark on the music world, and his influence will only continue to grow.
FAQs
What is Derrick Milano’s current net worth?
Derrick Milano’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million as of 2025, primarily earned through songwriting royalties and collaborations.
How old is Derrick Milano?
He was born on December 24, 1993, making him 31 years old in 2025.
Did Derrick Milano win a Grammy Award?
Yes, he co-wrote Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage Remix” featuring Beyoncé, which won a Grammy for Best Rap Song in 2021.
Is Derrick Milano still with Blac Chyna?
As of mid-2025, reports confirm that Derrick Milano and Blac Chyna have called off their engagement.
What is Derrick Milano known for besides songwriting?
Apart from writing hits, Derrick Milano occasionally releases his own music, makes media appearances, and has even featured on reality TV shows like Love & Hip Hop: Miami.
