Sheck Wes is an American rapper, songwriter, and model who is jointly signed to Kanye West’s GOOD Music and Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack Records labels. Born in the United States to Senegalese immigrants, Sheck Wes grew up between Wisconsin and New York City. Facing a difficult and stressful childhood, he initially turned to music as a therapeutic outlet. Although he was interested in music, his primary focus in high school was basketball. His career trajectory dramatically changed when he received a modeling opportunity for Kanye West’s sneaker line. This led him to shift his attention from sports to modeling, which in turn provided him with the connections needed to launch his music career. He soon released the breakout singles ‘Live SheckWes Die SheckWes’ and the hugely successful ‘Mo Bamba’. The popularity of ‘Mo Bamba’ led to his joint signing with the two major record labels. Sheck Wes solidified his position in the music industry with the commercial success of his debut album, ‘Mudboy,’ released in October 2018.
Early Life and Influences
Born in Harlem, New York, to Senegalese immigrants, Sheck Wes endured a difficult childhood marked by financial instability and moving frequently, including living in a shelter after accidental house fires. While his father worked as a tailor, Sheck and his mother briefly relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, when he was five to escape negative influences, though he often returned to New York during summers. He developed an early interest in rap music and later co-founded a rap group called Mill Yorkers upon his full return to the city.
Career Pivot from Basketball to Modeling and Music
While attending Norman Thomas High School, Sheck balanced music with a strong focus on basketball. His life changed at age 16 when he chose a modeling assignment for Kanye West’s clothing line at Madison Square Garden over an important basketball game, costing him his place on the team. This event solidified his shift toward the creative industries.
Concerned about his direction, his mother briefly sent the 17-year-old to Senegal to focus on his faith, but his 100-day stay instead provided him with time to sharpen his songwriting skills. Upon his return, he began recording and uploading his music to platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud.
The Rise of “Mo Bamba”
Sheck Wes gained immense traction with the release of his single “Live SheckWes Die SheckWes,” followed by the iconic track “Mo Bamba,” a song suggested by his friend and basketball player Mohamed Bamba. The viral success of “Mo Bamba” attracted multiple record labels, leading to his joint deal with the two major imprints.
In October 2018, Sheck Wes released his commercially successful debut album, “Mudboy,” which peaked in the top 20 of the Billboard 200. The album, which included the mega-hit “Mo Bamba,” chronicled his life in New York, featuring some verses in his native language, Wolof.
Throughout his career, he has drawn inspiration from Kanye West, whom he idolized. Despite his high energy on stage leading to comparisons with Travis Scott, Sheck Wes is a self-taught pianist and maintains a close relationship with his supportive family.
Net Worth of Sheck Wes
The estimated net worth of Sheck Wes is about $5 million.