Ace Hood: Miami Rapper Known for Hits Like “Bugatti” and “Hustle Hard”

Introduction to Ace Hood – Miami’s Hard-Working Rap Phenom

Antoine “Ace Hood” McColister was born May 11, 1988 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. He grew up in Deerfield Beach, located just outside Miami, and took an early interest in rapping and athletics. Ace Hood earned the nickname “Ace” from friends due to his prowess on the football field.

As a student in Broward County, Ace Hood began taking his rapping more seriously. He adopted the moniker “Ace Hood” and started promoting himself by passing out homemade mixtapes around his neighborhood. As he honed his craft, Ace Hood began attracting attention locally for his gritty lyrics and fluid delivery.

Ace Hood’s Early Mixtapes and Singles

Ace Hood’s first mixtape, “Body Bag Vol. 1”, was released in 2007 and generated buzz around South Florida. More mixtapes followed, including 2008’s “Gutta” and 2009’s “Ruthless”. During this period, Ace Hood also dropped street singles like “Cash Flow” featuring T-Pain and Rick Ross.

In 2008, Ace Hood appeared on DJ Khaled’s hit album “We Global”. His intense verse on the posse cut “Out Here Grindin’” first earned him national attention. As his profile rose, Ace Hood signed a record deal with Def Jam Recordings.

Ace Hood’s Album Discography

Ace Hood has released four studio albums:

Gutta (2008)

Ace Hood’s debut album featured guest appearances from Akon, T-Pain, Rick Ross and more. Singles included “Ride” and “Cash Flow”.

Ruthless (2009)

With this sophomore album, Ace Hood scored a hit with “Overtime” featuring Akon and T-Pain. The album peaked at #23 on the Billboard 200.

Blood, Sweat & Tears (2011)

Ace Hood’s first big smash came with “Hustle Hard” from this album. Singles also included “Go ‘N’ Get It” and “Hustle Hard Remix” featuring Rick Ross and Lil Wayne.

Trials & Tribulations (2013)

Ace Hood’s most commercially successful album, led by the hit single “Bugatti” featuring Future & Rick Ross. It peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200.

In addition to his albums, Ace Hood has released over 15 mixtapes between 2007-2020. His fire collaboration with Styles P “Again” also appeared on DJ Khaled’s “Major Key” album in 2016.

Ace Hood’s Musical Style & Influences

As an MC, Ace Hood stands out for his snarling delivery and intense, machine-gun-fast flow. His rhyme patterns are incredibly quick and complex, allowing him to pack several punches into just a few bars.

In terms of influences, Ace Hood cites legends like Tupac, Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, and Lil Wayne as inspirations. Like Rick Ross and other Miami mainstays, Ace Hood tends to favor booming, bass-heavy beats. His hard-nosed style epitomizes the aggression and hunger of Miami street rap.

Ace Hood’s Hit Collaborations

In addition to solo tracks, Ace Hood is known for guest features. He’s made songs with artists like DJ Khaled, Birdman, Lil Wayne, T-Pain, Chris Brown, and more.

Some of Ace Hood’s most notable features and collaborations include:

“Bugatti Remix” with Future, DJ Khaled, T.I., Meek Mill, French Montana, 2 Chainz, Birdman, and Rick Ross
“They Don’t Love You No More” with DJ Khaled, Meek Mill, French Montana, and Rick Ross
“We Outchea” with Lil Wayne
“Bitches & Bottles” with T-Pain and Future
“I’m So Hood” Remix with DJ Khaled, T-Pain, Plies, Rick Ross, Fat Joe, Lil Boosie, Birdman, and Ludacris

Through songs like these, Ace Hood has cemented his status as one of the most respected spitters repping Miami across the hip hop landscape.

Labels Signed To

Over his decade-plus career, Ace Hood has been affiliated with several record companies:

Def Jam Recordings (We the Best, DJ Khaled)
Cash Money Records (YMCMB)
Universal Motown
Fortune Entertainment

After requesting his release from Def Jam in 2016, Ace Hood has operated independently without ties to a major label. He continues to release music directly to fans.

Concert Tours & Notable Performances

As his popularity grew, Ace Hood hit the road for several headlining tours:

In 2009, he joined the Son of A Gangsta tour with Styles P and Vado
Hood’s 2011 The Hustle Hard Tour across small venues with Yo Gotti
2012 Cash Money Tour across the United States with Cash Money labelmates
2015 Trigger Therapy Tour alongside Rich Homie Quan

Ace Hood has rocked stages at festivals like South by Southwest, A3C Festival, Billboard Hot 100 Music Festival, and more. He’s also opened for high-profile artists like Lil Wayne, T-Pain, Nicki Minaj, and 2 Chainz on larger arena tours.

Ace Hood’s Age, Relationship Status & Personal Life

Ace Hood was born Antoine McColister on May 11, 1988. As of 2023, he is 34 years old. Very little is known publicly about his private life. Tabloids have linked him romantically to singer Monica Arnold and Basketball Wives reality star Malaysia Pargo over the years, but neither relationship was confirmed.

While not much is shared on social media, we do know Ace Hood has three children. He posts photos of them occasionally, but keeps their identities concealed for privacy. Fatherhood is understandably a top priority alongside music-making obligations.

Estimated Net Worth

According to multiple net worth calculators, Ace Hood has an estimated net worth around $5 million as of 2023. Obviously his fortune has been built up primarily through music sales, touring, merchandise, and other business ventures associated with his rap career.

Ace Hood’s Popularity on Social Media

As an independent artist, Ace Hood relies heavily on social media to connect with listeners. As of 2023, here are his followings across main platforms:

Instagram – 3 million followers
Twitter – 1.3 million followers
Facebook – 1.5 million followers

Compared to mainstream stars like Drake or J. Cole, these numbers mark Ace Hood as a second-tier commercial artist. Regardless, his strong social media presence allows him to thrive outside the major label system.

5 of Ace Hood’s Most Famous Songs

Although he doesn’t have a #1 hit, Ace Hood has notched several Platinum plaques thanks to smash singles like:

“Bugatti” featuring Future & Rick Ross

The lead single from Trials & Tribulations, “Bugatti” became Ace Hood’s highest charting song. Its big-budget video and extravagant lyrics epitomized hip hop excess.

“Hustle Hard”

From 2011’s “Blood, Sweat & Tears”, this gritty anthem remains Ace Hood’s breakthrough moment. Both the original and remix with Rick Ross & Lil Wayne were inescapable on radio.

“Ride” featuring Trey Songz

The lead single from Ace Hood’s debut album “Gutta”, “Ride” is a smooth hip hop love song highlighting his early promise.

“Body 2 Body” featuring Chris Brown

This slinky single from “Mr. Hood” mixtape found Ace linking up perfectly with Chris Brown.

“Out Here Grindin” from DJ Khaled’s “We Global”

While not his song, Ace’s blistering guest verse on this posse cut first put him on the map nationally.

Conclusion: Hard Work Made Ace Hood a Miami Hip Hop Pillar

Through tireless drive and determination, Ace Hood rose from local sensation to certified rap star. Yet money and fame were never his only motivations – the pure artistry of lyricism drives Ace to keep striving.

Nearly 15 years into his career, the veteran MC continues dropping music and touring internationally. By staying dedicated to his craft, Ace Hood keeps South Florida relevant and cements his legacy with each new release.