The Real Name and Net Worth of Rap Legend 8-Ball

You may know him as 8-ball, or Eightball, but the pioneer southern rapper‘s real name is actually Premro Vonzellaire Smith. Born in 1972 in Memphis, Tennessee, 8-ball has built an impressive hip hop career and fortune over the past 30+ years. But who is the man behind the iconic deep voice and flow? Let‘s take a deeper look at 8-ball‘s background, music success, business ventures, and personal life.

Introducing Premro "8-Ball" Smith

Before he was a world-famous rapper, 8-ball grew up as Premro Vonzellaire Smith in Memphis, Tennessee. He met his future rap partner MJG (Marlon Jermaine Goodwin) in middle school, and the two quickly bonded over their passion for hip hop music.

8-ball and MJG spent their teenage years honing their skills, influenced by West Coast and East Coast rap but with their own distinct Southern sound. They began performing as the duo 8Ball & MJG in the late 80s, determined to make it big in an industry where Southern rap was still struggling for mainstream acceptance.

But 8-ball and MJG would soon play a major role in putting Southern hip hop on the map.

8Ball & MJG Hit it Big in the 1990s

8Ball & MJG released their debut album Comin‘ Out Hard in 1993, and it was an instant success. The record peaked at #14 on the Billboard R&B chart, while lead single "Comin‘ Out Hard" reached #3 on the Hot Rap Singles chart.

For the rest of the 90s, 8Ball & MJG would dominate as pioneers of hardcore, Southern-style rap. They dropped classic albums like On Top of the World (1995) and In Our Lifetime, Vol. 1 (1999), which were both certified Gold.

Some key stats on 8Ball & MJG‘s 90s success:

• 5 major label albums released between 1993 and 1999
• 3 albums peaked top 20 on Billboard R&B chart
• 14 singles reached Billboard Rap Songs chart
• Estimated 2.5+ million records sold in the 90s

The duo also toured constantly during the 90s, headlining their own shows and supporting major acts like TLC, Too $hort, and Wu-Tang Clan. Their relentless grind earned them the reputation as “the hardest working men in hip hop business.”

How 8Ball Achieved Mainstream Success

While 8Ball & MJG rose to fame together, 8Ball also carved out a successful solo career starting in the late 90s.

• His 1998 solo debut Lost was a top 20 R&B hit
• Hit song "Just Like Candy" off his 1999 album Almost Famous peaked at #50 on Billboard Hot 100 chart
• Made acting debut in cult classic film Menace II Society (1993)

8ball‘s distinctive deep voice and flow made him stand out from the crowd. He crafted vivid storytelling rap songs that described street life in Memphis.

According to HipHopDX, 8ball has "one of the most recognizable voices in hip hop history." As a solo artist, 8ball proved he could thrive just as well outside 8Ball & MJG.

8Ball & MJG‘s Continued Relevance in the 2000s

The 2000s brought new challenges when 8Ball & MJG‘s independent label 8 Ways Entertainment folded. But the resilient duo bounced back without missing a beat.

They signed deals with multiple major labels including Bad Boy South. 8Ball & MJG never compromised their signature sound and continued putting out Southern rap hits.

Some notable successes:

• 8Ball solo album Almost Famous: Greatest Hits (2001) – 200K copies sold
• MJG solo album No More Glory (2007) – #52 on Billboard 200
• 8Ball & MJG group album Ridin High (2007) – #33 on Billboard 200
• Collaborations with hot Southern artists like Young Jeezy and T.I.

8Ball & MJG further cemented their legendary status with the 2015 comeback album Classic Pimpin’, showing their music stood the test of time.

In 2022 at age 50, 8ball remains as prolific as ever with the release of the new album Classic Pimpin II. It debuted at #19 on Billboard‘s Rap Albums chart, proving 8ball is still a dominant force in the game.

The Tremendous Wealth of 8Ball & MJG

After 30+ years in hip hop, 8Ball & MJG have amassed tremendous wealth from album sales, touring, merchandise, and other business ventures.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, the duo‘s combined net worth is $15 million. Individually, 8ball has a net worth of $7 million while MJG is worth $8 million.

They‘ve sold over 5 million records worldwide since the 1990s, an impressive figure for veteran independent artists. 8Ball & MJG also earned big paydays by touring extensively over the decades.

Outside of music, 8ball co-owns the urban apparel brand Real Talk Inc. which includes his Eightball Aesthetics clothing line. He‘s earned additional income from acting roles and club ownership.

With his continued album releases and touring, 8ball‘s net worth shows no signs of slowing down.

8Ball Gives Back to Help Others

Despite his tremendous success, 8ball has never forgotten his humble Memphis roots. He‘s involved with several charitable initiatives in his hometown community.

Some examples of 8ball giving back:

• Co-founded the 8Ball Foundation to help underprivileged youth.
• Hosts the annual Eightball Weekend Festival in Memphis to raise money for his foundation.
• Donated music studio equipment to Hamilton High School.
• Participates in Get Ready for Life program to prepare teens for careers.

In 2022, Tennessee State University awarded 8ball the Human Spirit Award for his many contributions to the Memphis community over the years.

Overcoming Health Problems

Behind the scenes, 8ball has battled serious health issues, specifically kidney failure. In 2011, he revealed he was suffering from kidney disease.

His wife Wendy offered to donate one of her kidneys to save his life. After extensive testing, doctors determined she was a match.

In 2012, Wendy and 8ball underwent successful kidney transplant surgery. Wendy‘s selfless kidney donation to her husband was a lifesaving gift.

According to 8ball, the transplant radically improved his health and left him feeling "twenty years younger." He expressed eternal gratitude to Wendy for giving him a second chance.

8Ball‘s Personal Life as a Family Man

Off stage, 8ball is a devoted family man. He and his wife Wendy married in 2004 and live in Memphis with their five children:

• Daughter 19
• Son 17
• Son 16
• Son 12
• Daughter 8

8ball also has an older brother, K-Rock, who is a rapper featured on some of his albums.

Why 8Ball is a Southern Rap Legend

With his deep Memphis roots, 8ball has become a legendary icon in Southern hip hop through his pioneering music and longevity.

Some key reasons why 8ball left a permanent impact on Southern rap:

• Helped establish the early 90s Southern hip hop sound
• Proved Southern rappers could achieve mainstream success
• Master storyteller who paints vivid lyrics of Memphis street life
• Perfected raw, hardcore Southern production with MJG
• Remained relevant and influential for 3+ decades
• Inspired new generations of Southern rappers

At 50 years old, 8ball is one of the most respected OGs in the game. After 30 years, he continues releasing acclaimed music and touring the world.

While new rappers come and go, true icons like 8-ball maintain their throne. His legacy is forever cemented in hip hop history.

8Ball Keeps It Real with Timeless Music

Unlike many older rappers, 8ball‘s music has never felt outdated. By staying true to his roots, he‘s maintained a young fanbase through generations.

8ball keeps it real – no gimmicks, just raw hip hop. His new music captures the same authentic Memphis sound that put him on the map in the 90s.

He may be nearing retirement age, but 8ball proves age ain‘t nothing but a number. This OG has plenty left in the tank and remains a vital voice in the culture.

So when you hear that deep, distinguishable voice on a record in 2022, you know it‘s 8-ball doing what he does best – dropping timeless hip hop. The real name Premro "8-Ball" Smith has earned his place among the rap legends.