Toya Johnson

Born

1983-10-26

Birthplace

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Biography

Antonia "Toya" Johnson (born October 26, 1983) is an American rapper, reality television personality, actress, businesswoman, and author. She is known professionally by her nickname, Toya, and changed her last name back to her maiden name, Johnson. Her former married last names are Carter and Wright, and she has been credited under those names as well. At age 12, Johnson and rapper Lil Wayne met when she was at a corner store and Wayne was standing outside in New Orleans, Louisiana. She became pregnant with their daughter at the age of 14. Lil Wayne was already signed to Cash Money Records as a burgeoning rapper and he ultimately chose to fully pursue his rap career in order to support his child. When she was 15 and Lil Wayne was 16, she gave birth to their daughter, Reginae Carter on November 29, 1998. Years later, upon Lil Wayne achieving stardom, they were married on February 14, 2004. In January 2006, however, after almost two years of marriage, the couple separated, citing her inability to cope with his lifestyle, most specifically his career keeping him away from home for long periods of time. Despite being divorced, the two have remained good friends and continue to raise their daughter together. In 2009, Johnson and Tameka "Tiny" Harris from the R&B group Xscape (also wife of rapper T.I.) starred on a reality show on BET called Tiny and Toya. In 2011, she also starred in her own reality show on BET called Toya: A Family Affair which consisted of 16 episodes in one season. She wrote a book called Priceless Inspirations, as well a memoir titled In My Own Words... My Real Reality, How to Lose a Husband, and You Just Don't Get It with her daughter, Reginae Carter. She owns a boutique called G.A.R.B. in New Orleans, Louisiana, and GARB Shoetique in Smyrna, Georgia. On June 18, 2011, Johnson and Memphitz were married in Atlanta. The wedding guest list included rapper Rasheeda, Tameka "Tiny" Harris, Kandi Burruss, Nivea, Lauren London, Monica Brown, and Tamar Braxton. In February 2015, Johnson confirmed that she and Wright had separated after almost four years of marriage.