Lil Za, born Xavier Dominique Smith, is a name that often comes up when talking about young rappers who grew up in the spotlight. Known for his close friendship with pop star Justin Bieber and his ties to Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment, Lil has lived a life that mixes music, fame, and personal challenges. Over the years, he has built his own identity as aplagia rapper, boxer, and family man.
As of February 2026, Lil is 31 years old. His journey from Texas to international recognition has been full of ups and downs, but what makes his story interesting is not just his music career, but also his personal life. Fans are curious about his family, his wife Atifa, and his son Azaan, along with his career highlights and controversies.
Lil Za Age, Wife, Height, Career, Family, Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Xavier Dominique Smith |
| Stage Name | Lil Za |
| Date of Birth | May 5, 1994 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 31 years |
| Birthplace | Texas, United States |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Parents | Rhonda Moore (mother), Stephen L. Gray (father) |
| Siblings | Crystal McGriff (sister), Lil Twist (rapper brother) |
| Wife | Atifa |
| Son | Azaan |
| Profession | Rapper, entertainer |
| Associated Acts | Lil Twist, Justin Bieber, Young Money Entertainment |
| Notable Work | Freestyles Off The Za (2021), performance of “Lolly” with Bieber |
| Net Worth (2026) | Approx. $800,000 USD |
| Known For | Close friendship with Justin Bieber, boxing passion, family life |
| Controversies | Legal troubles during Bieber’s Calabasas years, later rebuilt image |
| @theworldshero/ |
Birth & Childhood
Xavier Dominique Smith, better known as Lil Za, was born on May 5, 1994, in Texas, United States. Growing up in a musical environment, he was inspired by his older brother Lil Twist, who was already making waves in the rap industry. Lil Za’s zodiac sign is Taurus, which is often linked with determination and persistence — qualities that can be seen in his career journey.
From a young age, Lil showed interest in music and entertainment. He started rapping while still in his teens, following in his brother’s footsteps. His childhood was shaped by the culture of hip-hop and the dream of making it big in the industry. Even before fame, he was known among friends for his energy, humor, and passion for performing. These early influences laid the foundation for his later career in rap and entertainment.
Family Roots
His parents are Rhonda Moore and Stephen L. Gray, and he shares a close bond with his siblings. He has a sister named Crystal McGriff and a brother, Lil Twist, who is also a rapper. Lil Twist’s success in the industry gave Lil both inspiration and guidance.
Despite the challenges of fame and controversies, Lil often credits his family for keeping him grounded. His bond with his brother Lil Twist is especially strong, as both pursued careers in rap and often supported each other through difficult times.
Musical Journey
Za’s journey into music began in his teenage years, inspired by his older brother Lil Twist, who was already signed to Lil Wayne’s Young Money Entertainment. Watching his brother succeed gave him both motivation and direction. He started writing and performing rap verses, slowly building his own style. His early tracks showed raw energy, and though he was still learning, his passion was clear.
Over time, Lil Za became more serious about his craft. He joined Young Money Entertainment, which gave him a platform to showcase his talent. In 2021, he released Freestyles Off The Za, a project that highlighted his lyrical skills and his ability to connect with listeners. While he may not have reached mainstream stardom like some of his peers, his work earned him recognition among fans of underground rap.
Physical Stats
- Height – 5 feet 10 inches
- Weight – 70 kg
- Hair – Black
- Eyes – Black
- Sexuality – Straight
- Build – Fit & Slim
- Skintone – Dark
Friendship with Justin Bieber
One of the most talked-about aspects of Za’s life is his close friendship with pop star Justin Bieber. The two met through mutual friends in the early 2010s and quickly became inseparable. Lil was often seen alongside Bieber during public appearances, concerts, and even casual outings. Their bond was so strong that Lil Za lived in Bieber’s Calabasas mansion for a period of time, sharing not just space but also lifestyle moments.
Fans and media often noticed him as part of Bieber’s circle, sometimes referred to as Bieber’s “entourage.” They were seen together at parties, on stage, and in social media posts. While this connection gave Lil fame, it also brought challenges, as controversies surrounding Bieber often affected those close to him. Still, their friendship remains a defining part of Lil Za’s public image, showing how personal bonds can shape a career.
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Personal Life and Relationships
He is married to Atifa, and together they share a son named Azaan. Becoming a husband and father has added a new dimension to his life. While he once lived a fast-paced lifestyle surrounded by celebrity culture, today he is more focused on family responsibilities.
Lil often speaks about how fatherhood changed him. Having a son gave him a sense of purpose and stability. His wife Atifa has been a supportive partner, helping him balance his career with family life. Though he keeps much of his private life away from the media, fans know that his family is central to his happiness.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
As of 2026, Lil Za’s estimated net worth is around $800,000 USD. This figure comes from his music projects, collaborations, live performances, and appearances. While he may not have the massive wealth of mainstream stars, his earnings reflect steady progress in his career.
His financial journey also shows the challenges of being in the entertainment industry. Fame brought opportunities, but controversies and setbacks affected his growth. Still, Lil has managed to maintain stability, and his net worth proves that he has built a career that supports both his personal and professional life.
Controversies and Challenges
Like many young stars who grew up in the public eye, Lil faced controversies that shaped his image. During his time living with Justin Bieber in Calabasas, he was often linked to incidents that drew media attention. Reports of legal troubles and arrests made headlines, and the press sometimes portrayed him as part of Bieber’s “wild years.”
These challenges affected his career, as public perception often overshadowed his music. However, Lil worked to rebuild his image by focusing on personal growth and discipline. His interest in boxing became a way to channel energy positively, and his role as a husband and father helped him move past earlier controversies. Today, he is seen less as a troubled star and more as someone who has matured through experience.
Interesting Facts About Lil Za
- He began rapping at a very young age, inspired by his brother Lil Twist.
- His real name is Xavier Dominique Smith, though fans know him as Lil Za.
- He has a close bond with Justin Bieber, often appearing in Bieber’s social media posts and performances.
- Boxing played a major role in helping him overcome personal struggles.
- He once performed “Lolly” with Bieber and Maejor Ali, which gave him wider recognition.
- His parents are Rhonda Moore and Stephen L. Gray, and he shares a strong bond with his siblings.
- He is married to Atifa and has a son named Azaan, showing his softer side as a family man.
- Lil’s estimated net worth is around $800,000 USD as of 2026.
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