KSI has carved out a unique path to fame as a YouTuber, rapper and entrepreneur. He’s most recognised for co-founding the Sidemen, a YouTube group full of interesting personalities. Outside of YouTube, KSI is a legit businessman, he is the co-owner of XIX Vodka, Sides, MisFits Boxing and Prime Hydration. As of 2023, KSI has an estimated net worth of £20 million.
Background
Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji was born in Watford, England, on July 19, 1993. Raised by Nigerian parents (Olayinka Atinuke and Olajide Ademola Olatunji, Sr) he grew up in North London.
JJ went to Berkhamsted School in Berkhamsted, where he met Simon Minter, a fellow YouTuber and eventual Sidemen member. Much to his parents’ disgust, he dropped out of school to become a full-time content creator on YouTube.
YouTube Career
He created his first YouTube channel under the name JideJunior and began uploading videos in 2008, with a heavy focus on FIFA. Fortunately, he attracted a big fanbase and soon expanded the range of his content.
Since October 19, 2013, KSI has been a member of the Sidemen. The group creates sketches and funny challenges to entertain their audience. Currently, the main channel has 24.1 million subscribers, and his secondary channel JJ Olatunji has 16.3 million subs.
Music Career
Having conquered the YouTube world, JJ Olatunji dived into music, one of his big passions. KSI released his debut single Lamborghini on March 23, 2015 and continued to produce music independently.
To take his rap career to the next level, he signed a deal with RBC Records and BMG. Dissimulation, his first studio album, was released on May 22, 2020.
His second album, All Over the Place, dropped on July 16, 2021. It reached number one on the UK Album Charts and his second track from the same album, Really Love, became gold certified.
Boxing Career
In late 2017, KSI kickstarted the whole YouTube boxing trend when he fought Joe Weller. The bout was sparked by disagreements on social media and a couple of diss tracks. JJ won by technical knockout as Waller was too small.
Olatunji fought Logan Paul next in his second fight, after a slow start he fought back to secure a draw. The guys rematched in November 2019 and KSI won a close fight by split decision. In his latest bout, JJ knocked out Joe Fournier but it was ruled a no contest as he used his elbow.
Income Sources
Once his rival in the ring, Logan and KSI are now business partners. They are co-owners of Prime Hydration, a sports hydration drink that is booming. According to Logan Paul, Prime Hydration did $250 million in retail sales in its first year. The pair don’t operate the company but are responsible for attracting attention.
In addition to seven-figure ad revenue from YouTube, the rapper earns money from selling merch on shopksi.com and king-apparel.com. He also co-founded Misfits Boxing alongside the Sauerland brothers.
KSI has a property empire worth £10 million and claims to have made £7 million from crypto investments, but the value has been volatile over the past year. Based on data from Companies House in the UK, KSI is a director of 12 companies!
Personal Life
JJ admitted to being in a relationship during an appearance on Logan Paul’s podcast but didn’t reveal her name. Sadly their relationship didn’t last as his girlfriend didn’t want any publicity. Currently, KSI is single and ready to mingle.
