Megan Thee Stallion is the stage name of Megan Jovon Ruth Pete born on February 15, 1995, in San Antonio, Texas. She grew up in Houston, where her mother, Holly Thomas, a rapper performing under the name “Holly-Wood,” introduced her to music from a young age. Megan’s early exposure to the recording studio fostered her passion for rap, leading her to begin writing lyrics at just 14 years old.
Despite her talent, her mother encouraged her to wait until she was 21 to pursue a music career, citing concerns about the suggestive nature of her lyrics. After graduating from Pearland High School in 2013, Megan enrolled at Prairie View A&M University but later transferred to Texas Southern University. She began sharing her freestyling videos on social media, quickly gaining attention for her impressive skills.
Megan’s breakthrough came in 2019 with her mixtape Fever claimed which featured the hit single “Big Ole Freak.” The song charted on the Billboard Hot 100, marking her first significant entry into mainstream music. In 2018, she signed with 1501 Certified Entertainment, making history as the first female rapper on the label. Shortly after, she signed with 300 Entertainment, which helped distribute her music to a wider audience.
In 2019, her collaboration with Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla Sign on “Hot Girl Summer” solidified her status in hip-hop, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. The phrase “Hot Girl Summer” became a cultural phenomenon, and Megan trademarked it in 2022. This success laid the groundwork for her future hits, including “Savage,” which became a viral sensation on TikTok, leading to a remix featuring Beyoncé that topped the Billboard Hot 100.
Megan’s debut studio album, Good News, was released in November 2020 and received both critical and commercial acclaim, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200. It included hits like “Body” and showcased her dynamic range as an artist. In the same year, she made headlines for her feature on Cardi B’s “WAP,” which also reached number one, further cementing her place in hip-hop history.
However, her rise was not without challenges. In July 2020, Megan was shot in the foot by rapper Tory Lanez, a traumatic event that she later addressed in her music and public statements. The incident resulted in a high-profile legal battle that concluded in December 2022 when Lanez was convicted of assault. Megan used her experiences to fuel her artistry, turning pain into powerful lyrics.
Megan continued to achieve success with her subsequent projects, including her compilation album Something for Thee Hotties in 2021 and her second studio album Traumazine in 2022. Both albums showcased her growth as an artist and her commitment to addressing personal and societal issues through her music.
By 2024, Megan released “Hiss,” her first solo song to top the Billboard Hot 100, making her the first solo female rapper to debut atop the Billboard Global 200 chart. Throughout her career, Megan has garnered numerous awards, including multiple Grammys, and has been recognized as one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people.
In addition to her musical achievements, Megan Thee Stallion has become a symbol of empowerment for women in hip-hop, advocating for confidence, body positivity, and resilience. As she continues to evolve as an artist and a cultural icon, her influence on the music industry and beyond remains undeniable.
