Micheal Ray Stevenson, who is known as Tyga by fans, has indeed become one of the biggest names in the hip-hop scene. The rapper has had success from the time he was signed on to Young Money Entertainment all the way to his diamond-certified hit, Taste, and beyond that.
Behind platinum records and chart-topping singles was this tough Vietnamese woman who shaped the rapper’s early years and was always there to support him as he made it through his career. Pasionaye Nguyen was a single mother in Compton, California, and her influence on Tyga extends beyond his childhood years.
All of their stories together show how a single mother’s dedication and sacrifice can shape and change lives. Nguyen has been a constant support in the highs and lows of Tyga’s life and career until her demise recently in February 2025.
Pasionaye Nguyen and her role behind Tyga’s Rise
Pasionaye Nguyen was born in 1971 and was not just Tyga‘s mother, she was also part of the foundation that brought about this success story. After separating from Michael Stevenson, Tyga’s father, due to some legal issues, she had taken on the tough life of a single parent in Compton.
Despite all the facts against her, Nguyen made sure that her son did not see her struggles and provided a helpful environment for his upbringing. Tyga often said this in his own words regarding her dedication to his upbringing. During an appearance on Hollywood Today Live, he said,
When I was growing up, I didn’t know about the problems my mom had. She always made sure that I was good, I was happy.
Any time Nguyen spoke publicly, it was mostly because of the accomplishments of her son and her full support for his decisions. Tyga’s 2012 single Black Crowns also highlighted the gravity of their bond. It had an emotional voicemail from the rapper’s mother. In the voice note, Nguyen expressed her love by saying,
I am so am so so honored to have a son as yourself. I could never have asked for more, you’re just amazing.
Tyga often celebrated his mother’s sacrifices through various means. This includes drawing tattoos of her name on his neck and sharing touching posts on social media. On Mother’s Day in 2014, he shared a picture of himself with Nguyen and captioned it, saying, “Happy Mother’s Day To the woman that always made sure I had food on the table and a roof over my head! #Single Parent. You raised a strong black King! Love You!”
One thing that Nguyen did was maintain a very low profile, but at times, she would come out to show support for her son. One of the more memorable supports was that of the 2014 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, during which she showed everyone her sense of humor by reciting lyrics from Tyga’s hit song Rack City.
Tyga pays tribute to Pasionaye Nguyen’s departed soul
On February 21, 2025, Tyga made a heartbreaking announcement of his mother’s death through an emotional post on Instagram. Pasionaye Nicole Nguyen died on January 18, 2025, aged 53, after being admitted to the hospital for just over a week starting January 11.
His Instagram tribute included a nod to all their memories over the years, his childhood photos, and more recent snapshots, including some of Nguyen with her grandson, King Cairo. The series of pictures he shared showed their strong bond. One particularly moving picture showed Tyga clutching his mother’s hand in the hospital during her last days.
Apart from these, Pasionaye’s strong Christian faith could also be seen in a screenshot of her last message to Tyga a few minutes before going to church. The message reads,
Getting ready to go to 5:00 pm Sunday church service…. & I will be Bling Blinging for GOD to give him my graditude & Thanking him for my most AMAZING gift in life… = YOU my son.
The post ends with a number of memorial service pictures, including Nguyen’s framed photograph with flowers around it. Tyga captioned the post,
I been trying to understand and process why God takes the most meaningful and most beautifulest people away from us. But I know I’ll never get an answer that will fill the emptiness in my heart.. Can’t imagine life without you by my side.
You were the best and most supportive person in my life, you always made things better when I felt at my lowest and worst. I would trade anything just to be able to be with you again. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. and I can’t wait for the day until we’re together again. I’ll see you soon and save me a spot right next to you in paradise.
Tyga developed into both an artist and a strong man because of Pasionaye Nguyen’s essential role, which started in Compton and continued into his professional music career. Even after her demise, her influence and memory will continue to work as the motivating forces in Tyga’s life forever.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
