Yannique Barker (born January 25, 1985), better known by his stage name Stack$, is an American Hip hop musician from Miami who grew up in Washington, D.C. Stack$ earned his name from a Miami rapper, Brisco, referring to his "ill" songwriting skills and multi-dimensional personality. His father managed Sly & the Family Stone, and Peaches & Herb, while co-producing “Midnight Train to Georgia” with his partner, Tony Camillo, before he founded a hugely successful aerospace company, and then later moved the family to Miami.

Early life

Born into wealth and raised in Washington DC, Barker spent his school years in Bethesda, Maryland at the upscale all-boys prep school, Landon. He was preparing for his 3rd year of film school at the prestigious USC School of Film and Cinematography when he decided to postpone his enrollment to pursue his lifetime passion for music.

At the age of 17, he landed a spot in MTV’s television program "Freestyle Battles," but never got to compete on air, as he was too young for their 18 and over age requirement. Determined to make his name as an MC, Stack$ spent the next few years taking homemade CDs to local radio stations and reciting verses on mixtapes. In 2004, Barker was signed by his parents, who own SoBe, to SoBe Entertainment/Warner Bros., and began working immediately on his album, “CraZee and ConfuZed.”

Career

Barker is currently in charge of SoBe Entertainment, which his parents own, and recently signed an exclusive Pressing and Distribution deal with Universal Records with production and promotion through Cash Money Records. Barker is now working on his sophomore album which he claims he put $10 million dollars in developing it.

Personal life

In 2005, Barker was diagnosed with glaucoma; as a result of his illness, he is blind in his left eye. On July 29, 2009 he appeared on The Howard Stern Show with his current girlfriend, Brooke Hogan.