Ever looked at a guy with cherry-red braids and a grill made of Skittles and thought, "Yeah, that guy definitely looks like a Miles?" Probably not. But long before he was the "King of Teens" or the face of a million Sprite cans, the man we call Yachty was just a kid from Georgia trying to figure out how to pay his phone bill.
The lil yachty real name is Miles Parks McCollum.
It’s a bit of a mouthful, right? It sounds more like a guy who’s about to sell you high-end real estate or maybe a professional golfer than the pioneer of "bubblegum trap." Honestly, that’s the beauty of it. The gap between Miles and Yachty is basically the story of how a kid from Mableton, Georgia, managed to troll and charm his way into becoming a multi-millionaire mogul.
The Story Behind the Name Miles Parks McCollum
He wasn't born with a silver spoon, but he was born with a creative streak. His dad, Shannon McCollum, is actually a pretty famous photographer who spent years documenting the Atlanta hip-hop scene. You've probably seen his work without realizing it—he's shot everyone from Outkast to John Lewis.
So, young Miles grew up around the legends.
But even with those connections, he wasn't handed a record deal. He went to Alabama State University for a hot minute in 2015. He hated it. He dropped out after only two months because, well, college just wasn't the vibe. He packed his bags and headed to New York City with nothing but a dream and some seriously bright hair.
✨ Don't miss: Why the Cast of Hold Your Breath 2024 Makes This Dust Bowl Horror Actually Work
While he was crashing on couches and networking in Soho, he was still just Miles. But Miles wasn't the guy who was going to change the world. He needed a persona. He needed something that felt like a lifestyle.
Why "Lil Yachty" and Not Just Miles?
The name "Yachty" didn't just come out of thin air. It wasn't like he woke up and thought, "I like boats."
Back in high school, he joined a group called the Yacht Club. He was the youngest member, so naturally, he became "Lil Yachty." It was a crew of kids who were into fashion, music, and just being different. They weren't actually sailing on yachts—they were just kids in the suburbs—but the name stuck.
The Evolution of the Aliases
If you’re a real fan, you know he doesn't just stick to one name. He’s got more alter egos than a comic book hero.
- Lil Boat: This is the character he uses when he's being melodic, high-pitched, and "happy."
- Darnell Boat: The "uncle" character often seen in his skits or videos.
- FaZe Boat: His gamer tag from when he officially joined FaZe Clan.
- C.V. Thomas: A more recent pseudonym he's used for various creative projects.
It’s kinda wild to think about. He took the name Miles Parks McCollum, tucked it away for tax forms and legal documents, and built an entire universe around a nautically-themed nickname.
🔗 Read more: Is Steven Weber Leaving Chicago Med? What Really Happened With Dean Archer
From McDonald’s to "Broccoli"
There’s a famous story about Yachty working at McDonald’s. He actually had to cut his hair for the job interview. His mom, surprisingly enough, was the one who suggested he dye it red later on. Talk about a cool parent.
While he was flipping burgers, he was working on a song called "One Night."
It went viral in late 2015 thanks to a comedy video. Suddenly, Miles wasn't just a dropout anymore. He was a sensation. Then came "Broccoli" with DRAM. That song was everywhere. It was nominated for a Grammy. Imagine going from asking "Do you want fries with that?" to the Grammy red carpet in less than a year.
That’s exactly what happened.
The Shift: Why the Real Name Matters Now
For a long time, Yachty was the poster child for "mumble rap." Older hip-hop heads hated him. They thought he was a joke. They didn't think Miles Parks McCollum had any "real" talent.
💡 You might also like: Is Heroes and Villains Legit? What You Need to Know Before Buying
But then 2023 happened.
He dropped Let's Start Here, a psychedelic rock album that caught everyone off guard. Suddenly, the critics were silent. He wasn't just the "bubblegum trap" guy anymore. He was an artist. By leaning into his actual musicality, he started to merge the fun of "Lil Boat" with the serious ambition of the man behind the name.
Today, he's not just a rapper. He’s a:
- Creative designer for Nautica (very on-brand).
- Record label boss (Concrete Boys).
- Investor in everything from crypto to pizza brands.
- Fashion icon who walks runways in Paris.
What You Should Do Next
If you're looking to dive deeper into the world of Miles McCollum, don't just stick to the hits.
Check out his 2024 collaborative album with James Blake called Bad Cameo. It’s a complete 180 from his early stuff. Also, if you’re curious about his business side, look into his "Concrete Boys" collective. He’s spent the last few years transitioning from being the talent to being the person who finds the talent.
Miles Parks McCollum might have started out as just another kid from Georgia, but he’s turned that name into a global brand that most people can't even define. And honestly? That's the most "Yachty" thing he could've done.