Who Is Masta Killa? Age, Biography and Wiki
Masta Killa, born on August 18, 1969, is an American rapper renowned for his unique lyrical style and impactful contributions to the hip-hop scene. As of 2025, Masta Killa is 55 years old. He gained fame as a member of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan, which has solidified his status as one of the prominent figures in rap history. His real name is Elgin Turner, and he has played a significant role in shaping the East Coast hip-hop scene since the early 90s.
| Occupation | Musicians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 18, 1969 |
| Age | 55 Years |
| Birth Place | Brooklyn, New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Masta Killa's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Masta Killa stands tall at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) and weighs around 180 pounds (82 kg). His athletic build signifies his active lifestyle. While specific body measurements are not publicly available, Masta Killa's presence on stage and his engaging performances display a charismatic physicality that complements his lyrical prowess.
I never performed until we launched Wu-Tang. That was my first time as an MC. I have history since elementary school doing talent shows. Breaking and shit like that. I was that kind of dude. I loved to pop. That was me. Always doing shit around music. As far as with a mic in my hand, Wu-Tang was the first time. There never was next level for me.
It was Wu-Tang and that was it. I never tried to get on. Never looked for any of this, because it was never my vision. I'm kinda like hanging out with GZA, and just stumbled across some shit. "Oh word?" And I was like, "Maybe I can do this." When I was young going to clubs, I was just hanging out.
I never went in there like I was trying to be an MC. I never tried to get a record deal, or pass out tapes. It's just been Wu-Tang and I'm here. Born in Brooklyn, New York City, Masta Killa was the last member to join the Wu-Tang Clan; consequently he did not appear on the group's debut single "Protect Ya Neck".
He was also the only member who was not a rapper at the time of the group's formation. He was extensively mentored by the GZA during his early days with the group, evident in the similar flow they both employ. He derived his rap name from the 1978 kung fu film Shaolin Master Killer, (Shao Lin san shi liu fang).
Masta Killa only appeared on one track on the Wu-Tang Clan's first album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), in the closing verse to "Da Mystery of Chessboxin'". Masta only narrowly made the track, and was almost left off in favor of Killah Priest.
On the No Said Date DVD, Killah Priest claims that he and Masta Killa were in competition for the spot on "Da Mystery of Chessboxin'", and while Killah Priest fell asleep, Masta Killa stayed up all night writing and Killah Priest woke up the next morning to Masta Killa's verse.
During the time period that Enter the Wu-Tang was being written, Masta Killa was still developing his skills as a rapper.
Since the other members of Wu-Tang were far more experienced, his verse from "Da Mystery of Chessboxin", was the only thing Masta Killa had written, that was fine tuned to the point that it fit with the verses from the rest of the members.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Masta Killa's relationship status appears to be private. While there have been no confirmed reports regarding a girlfriend or wife, he has often kept his personal life away from the public eye, reflecting a desire for privacy amidst his celebrity. Masta Killa has three daughters, who he appears to prioritize in his life, emphasizing the importance of family.
Net Worth and Salary
In 2025, Masta Killa's net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. His earnings come primarily from his music career, including album sales, tours, merchandise, and royalties from his work with the Wu-Tang Clan. Beyond music, he has explored various business ventures that have contributed positively to his financial portfolio.
Career, Business and Investments
Masta Killa's career spans several decades, with a notable start in the early 1990s with the Wu-Tang Clan. His solo albums, including “No Said Date” and “Made in Brooklyn,” have received critical acclaim. In addition to his musical endeavors, he has engaged in business ventures, including establishing a clothing line that resonates with his artistic identity. Masta Killa is also known for collaborating with various artists across genres, further enriching his repertoire and expanding his reach in the music industry.
Social Network
Masta Killa maintains an active presence on social media platforms, connecting with fans and sharing his insights on life, music, and culture. He is primarily found on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where he posts updates about his career, thoughts, and personal reflections. His fan engagement reflects his commitment to his audience, making him a beloved figure within the hip-hop community.
During the first round of solo projects, he made several appearances on Wu-Tang tracks, such as "Winter Warz", "Duel of the Iron Mic", and "Glaciers of Ice". His flow at the time attracted attention for being very slow and laid-back, in contrast to the more manic, forceful styles of members like Inspectah Deck and Ghostface Killah.
Masta Killa is also Wu-Tang's member fondest of Chinese martial arts imagery. In 1997, the Wu-Tang Clan's second album Wu-Tang Forever saw Masta become a mainstay in the group's line-up with regular appearances throughout the double album.
Education
While specific details about Masta Killa's education are limited, it is widely recognized that his experiences growing up in Brooklyn, New York, significantly influenced his lyrical content and artistic direction. His engagement with the hip-hop community and cultural movements has been an education in itself, showcasing the importance of lived experiences in shaping a true artist.
Masta Killa gets his name from the 1978 kung fu movie Shaolin Master Killer, also known as the 36th Chamber of Shaolin. He is often referred to as Jamel Irief.
