Who Is Ace Hood? An Introduction

When people talk about raw hunger in hip-hop, Ace Hood’s name belongs right at the top of that conversation. Known for his gritty delivery, street-smart lyrics, and relentless work ethic, Ace Hood has carved out a lane in the rap industry that is entirely his own. Whether you stumbled across him through “Bugatti,” “Hustle Hard,” or one of his Starvation mixtapes, one thing becomes clear fast — this guy does not quit.

Born Antoine Franklin McColister, the rapper adopted his stage name with purpose. The “Ace” came from a family nickname that symbolized being number one, a winner, the best in the room. The “Hood” was a tribute to his roots — a reminder of where he came from and the environment that shaped him. Together, those two words have become a brand that represents resilience, authenticity, and grind.

Ace Hood is from Port St. Lucie, Florida, where he was born on May 11, 1988, though he was raised in Deerfield Beach, part of Broward County in South Florida. His sound sits firmly in the Southern Rap tradition, blending Hardcore Rap intensity with Contemporary Rap energy, making him one of the most distinctive voices to emerge from the Florida rap scene.

ACE HOOD Biography at a Glance

Antoine Franklin McColister  •  Born May 11, 1988  •  Deerfield Beach, Florida

Full Name	Antoine Franklin McColister
Stage Name	Ace Hood
Date of Birth	May 11, 1988
Place of Birth	Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA
Raised In	Deerfield Beach, Broward County, Florida
Nationality	American
Genre	Southern Rap / Hardcore Rap / Contemporary Rap
Occupation	Rapper, Songwriter, Recording Artist
Label (Former)	We the Best Music Group / Def Jam Recordings
Active Since	2006 – Present
Studio Albums	7 Studio Albums
Mixtapes	22 Mixtapes
Notable Singles	“Hustle Hard”, “Bugatti” (ft. Future & Rick Ross), “Go ‘N’ Get It”, “Ride”, “Cash Flow”
Breakthrough	Blood, Sweat & Tears (2011) — Debuted #8 Billboard 200
Biggest Hit	“Bugatti” — Peaked #33 on Billboard Hot 100
XXL Freshman	Class of 2009
Net Worth (Est.)	$2 Million – $4 Million
Wife	Shelah Marie (Married February 7, 2020)
Children	Sailor Blu McColister (daughter), one son; twin Lyric McColister (deceased)
Religion	Christian
TV Appearances	Love & Hip Hop: Miami (Season 4, 2021)
Key Collaborators	DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, Future, T-Pain, Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Meek Mill, Lil Wayne
Stage Name Origin	“Ace” = family nickname for being #1; “Hood” = pride in his roots
Social Media	@AceHood (Instagram & Twitter/X)

Early Life & Background: Where Ace Hood Is From

Growing up in Deerfield Beach, Florida was not always easy. Ace Hood was raised by his mother alongside his younger cousin in a neighborhood that taught him about hustle long before the music industry ever did. Broward County streets had their own curriculum, and Ace absorbed every lesson.

A Football Dream Cut Short

Before rap, there was football. As a teenager, Ace Hood had real aspirations of playing the sport professionally. He showed enough talent that the dream felt tangible — until a football injury in the 10th grade changed the trajectory of his life. Unable to pursue the sport he loved at the level he had envisioned, Ace Hood turned to music and began seriously considering rapping as a career path.

In hindsight, that injury may have been the best thing that ever happened to hip-hop. Ace graduated from Deerfield Beach High School and threw himself into the craft of writing and performing. The competitive fire he once channeled into athletics found a new home on the microphone.

First Steps in Music

At just 17 years old, Ace Hood linked up with Dollaz & Dealz, a Broward County-based entertainment label. Together they recorded “M.O.E.” — which stood for Money Over Everything — a track that immediately generated buzz throughout South Florida. That early spark told Ace Hood everything he needed to know: the streets were listening. He continued building momentum through open mic events and local talent shows, sharpening his skills and expanding his reputation one performance at a time.

The Big Break: How DJ Khaled Discovered Ace Hood

Sometimes life changes in a single moment. For Ace Hood, that moment came in 2007 outside the offices of WEDR 99 Jamz, a Miami radio station. Standing near the entrance, he spotted DJ Khaled — already one of the most influential figures in Southern hip-hop. Rather than freeze up or walk away, Ace Hood did what hustlers do: he made his move.

He handed Khaled an autobiography he had written about himself, along with a demo tape. It was a bold, unconventional pitch, but it worked. Khaled was intrigued enough to ask Hood to freestyle over the instrumental of “I’m So Hood” — one of DJ Khaled’s biggest records at the time. What Ace Hood delivered in that impromptu session was good enough to earn him a record deal. Khaled signed him to We the Best Music Group, making Ace Hood the very first artist to join that roster in 2008, in a joint venture with the legendary Def Jam Recordings.

The industry took notice quickly. By 2009, Ace Hood had been named among the XXL Freshmen Class of ’09, a prestigious annual list that spotlights the most promising up-and-coming rappers in the game. He was in elite company, and he knew it was time to deliver.

Ace Hood Discography: Albums, Mixtapes & Career Milestones

Ace Hood’s discography is a testament to consistency and volume. Over the course of his career, he has released 7 studio albums, 22 mixtapes, 16 singles, and has made 89 guest appearances. That kind of output is rare in modern rap, and it reflects the workaholic nature that defines him.

Gutta (2008) — The Debut

Ace Hood’s debut studio album, Gutta, arrived in 2008 and immediately announced him as a force to be reckoned with. The album debuted at number 36 on the Billboard 200, selling 25,000 copies in its first week — a respectable start for a debut from a brand new label. The project featured standout singles including “Cash Flow” featuring T-Pain and Rick Ross, and “Ride” featuring Trey Songz, which became Ace Hood’s first-ever entry on the Billboard Hot 100.

He also dropped early mixtapes during this period — Ace Won’t Fold and All Bets On Ace — feeding the streets while his label debut made its rounds. The hunger was palpable from day one.

Ruthless (2009) — Building Momentum

Dropping on June 30, 2009, Ruthless marked a significant step forward. The album debuted at number 23 on the Billboard 200, improving on his debut. Around this same time, Ace Hood was featured on DJ Khaled’s collaborative anthem “Out Here Grindin'” alongside Akon, Rick Ross, Plies, Lil Boosie, and Trick Daddy. That record peaked at number 38 on the Hot 100, giving Ace Hood his most commercially visible moment yet. The momentum was building.

Blood, Sweat & Tears (2011) — The Breakthrough

If there is one Ace Hood album that defines his commercial peak, it is Blood, Sweat & Tears. Released on August 9, 2011, the album debuted at number 8 on the Billboard 200 with 26,000 copies sold in the first week — his most commercially successful project to date.

The album was powered by “Hustle Hard,” which became Ace Hood’s highest-charting solo single, peaking at number 60 on the Billboard Hot 100. Produced by Lex Luger, the track captured the spirit of grinding through adversity and became an anthem for anyone pushing through tough times. A second Lex Luger-produced single, “Go ‘N’ Get It,” also performed well, and the album featured “Body 2 Body” with Chris Brown. Ace Hood hit the road to promote the record with his first-ever concert tour, aptly titled the Hustle Hard Tour. “Hustle Hard” remains one of the most iconic Ace Hood songs in his catalog.

Trials & Tribulations (2013) — The Biggest Single

Trials & Tribulations is the album that gave the world “Bugatti” — the track most casual listeners associate with Ace Hood. Featuring Future and Rick Ross and produced by Mike WiLL Made It, “Bugatti” peaked at number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Ace Hood’s most successful single and his first top-40 hit since “Out Here Grindin'” years earlier. If you have looked up Ace Hood bugatti lyrics, you already know the hypnotic hook that made the track impossible to ignore. The album itself also cracked the top 10 of the Billboard 200.

The Starvation Series & Independent Era (2016–Present)

In 2016, Ace Hood departed from We the Best Music Group and stepped into the independent lane. Rather than slow down, he leaned in. The Starvation mixtape series, which he had been releasing since early in his career, continued to grow and became a beloved franchise for his fanbase. The transition to independence gave him creative freedom and full ownership over his work — a move many artists have since praised him for making.

He also released the studio album Undefeated during this era, which resonated deeply with listeners who appreciated his message of perseverance. Ace Hood Undefeated spoke directly to everyone who had been knocked down and refused to stay there. His independent run has shown that an artist does not need a major label machine behind them to stay relevant — they just need the hustle.

Ace Hood Net Worth: What Is He Worth Today?

Ace Hood’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of $2 million to $4 million, a figure built over nearly two decades of consistent music releases, touring, features, and business ventures. While he may not have the eight-figure wealth of some of his contemporaries, it is important to consider that Ace Hood built much of this independently after leaving his label deal behind.

Independent artists retain a significantly higher percentage of their earnings per stream and sale compared to those on major label contracts. For Ace Hood, the departure from We the Best was not just a creative decision — it was a financial one as well. The viral Christmas 2020 moment when his wife Shelah Marie gifted him a custom platinum plaque highlighted something meaningful: she contrasted the experience of receiving a plaque through a label versus earning one independently, underscoring just how different — and in many ways more rewarding — the independent path can be.

His continued touring, streaming revenue, merchandise, and brand collaborations contribute to a financial picture that continues to grow on his own terms.

Ace Hood’s Personal Life: Wife, Daughter & Family

Behind the rapper, behind the bravado and the bars, is a man shaped by love, loss, and faith. Ace Hood’s personal life is every bit as compelling as his professional one.

Ace Hood’s Wife: Shelah Marie

Ace Hood’s wife is Shelah Marie, a wellness advocate, author, and content creator who has built her own platform centered on mental health, self-love, and spiritual well-being. The two had been in a relationship for years before Ace Hood proposed in April 2019, and they officially married on February 7, 2020. Ace Hood and his wife Shelah Marie represent a partnership that goes beyond celebrity — they are a genuine team, both personally and professionally.

Ace Hood’s wife became widely known to a broader audience during that viral Christmas 2020 moment when she presented him with a custom platinum plaque. Her heartfelt message about what that plaque represented — earned without a label, earned independently, earned on their own terms — resonated with millions of people in the music industry and beyond. It was a moment that showcased not just their bond, but the values they share.

Ace Hood’s Daughter and Children

One of the most heartbreaking chapters in Ace Hood’s life involved his children. On May 25, 2011 — the same year Blood, Sweat & Tears would become his commercial breakthrough — Ace Hood and his partner welcomed twin girls, Lyric and Sailor Blu McColister. Tragically, Lyric passed away shortly after birth due to health complications. The loss was devastating, and Ace Hood has spoken about it with raw honesty in both interviews and his music.

Ace Hood’s daughter Sailor Blu continued to grow up as a beloved part of his life, alongside a son he has from a previous relationship. Being a father has clearly shaped Ace Hood the man and the artist, adding depth to lyrics that already ran deep.

Faith & Beliefs

Ace Hood is a Christian and has spoken openly about his faith, stating that he highly believes in God. His spirituality surfaces throughout his music and his public persona, informing his resilience in the face of loss, career transitions, and personal hardships. For Ace Hood, faith is not just a talking point — it is the foundation he stands on.

What Happened to Ace Hood? Where Is He Now?

A lot of fans who were introduced to Ace Hood through “Bugatti” or “Hustle Hard” have at some point asked: what happened to Ace Hood? The answer is both simple and inspiring — he kept going, just on his own path.

After parting ways with We the Best Music Group in 2016, Ace Hood did not fade into obscurity. He doubled down on the independent hustle, continuing to release music through the Starvation series and other projects. He reconnected with his fanbase in a more direct and authentic way than ever before. His streaming numbers remained consistent, his live performances continued, and his reputation as one of the hardest-working artists in the game only grew.

In 2021, Ace Hood joined the cast of Love & Hip Hop: Miami for the first half of the fourth season, expanding his visibility to a television audience. The appearance introduced him to viewers who may not have been deep in the rap world, and gave longtime fans a look at the personal side of his life.

So where is Ace Hood from, and where is he now? He is from Deerfield Beach, Broward County, Florida — and he carries that origin with him everywhere. Today, he is an independent artist, a husband, a father, and a living example of what it looks like to refuse to be counted out.

Ace Hood Songs & Legacy: A Lasting Impact on Hip-Hop

Ace Hood’s contribution to hip-hop extends beyond chart positions and streaming numbers. He helped put the Florida rap scene on the map in an era when Atlanta and New York dominated the conversation. Alongside collaborators like DJ Khaled and Rick Ross, he showed that Broward County had something to say and the talent to say it loud.

Essential Ace Hood Songs

If you are building a playlist of essential Ace Hood songs, it starts — obviously — with “Hustle Hard,” the gritty anthem from Blood, Sweat & Tears that became his signature track. Then there is “Bugatti,” the Future and Rick Ross collaboration that introduced him to mainstream audiences on a massive scale. “Go ‘N’ Get It,” “Cash Flow,” “Ride,” and “Body 2 Body” all deserve spots on any deep dive into his catalog. The Starvation mixtape series also contains some of his rawest, most personal work, often cited by hardcore fans as his best.

Ace Hood Real Name and the Brand Behind It

Ace Hood’s real name is Antoine Franklin McColister. While the stage name may be what the world knows him by, understanding the real name behind it adds another layer to the story. Antoine McColister grew up in Deerfield Beach with dreams, suffered setbacks, and turned pain into purpose. The stage name is not a mask — it is an elevation of everything Antoine always was.

Ace Hood Birthday and Longevity

Born on May 11, 1988, Ace Hood has now been in the music industry for close to two decades. His Ace Hood birthday marks not just another year of life, but another year of a career that has defied the short shelf lives that claim so many artists. At an age when many rappers have retired, gone mainstream pop, or simply disappeared, Ace Hood is still releasing music that sounds like it matters to him — because it does.

The Undefeated Spirit

Perhaps the clearest expression of where Ace Hood stands today is in the title of his album Undefeated. Through label drama, personal tragedy, industry shifts, and the constant evolution of the music landscape, Ace Hood has remained standing. The Florida kid who handed a stranger a demo tape outside a radio station and freestyled his way into a record deal is still here, still creating, still grinding. That alone is worth celebrating.

Final Thoughts: The Ace Hood Story Isn’t Over

Ace Hood’s story is one of those rare hip-hop narratives that keeps rewarding the people paying attention. From a football injury in 10th grade to a chance encounter with DJ Khaled, from the trauma of losing his daughter Lyric to building an independent empire alongside his wife Shelah Marie, from “Hustle Hard” echoing in arenas to “Bugatti” ruling the airways — this is a man who has lived enough for several lifetimes.

His real name is Antoine Franklin McColister. He is from Deerfield Beach, Florida. He was born on May 11, 1988. His net worth reflects years of relentless work. His discography proves he never stopped creating. His personal life shows he never stopped growing. And if you are still wondering what happened to Ace Hood — nothing happened to him. He is exactly where he has always been: in the booth, on the grind, and undefeated.

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