Who Is Redfoo and What Does He Do
Redfoo is the stage name of Steven Ellison, an American entertainer known as a rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best recognized as a member of the duo LMFAO, famous for hits like “Party Rock Anthem.” Ellison also played professional tennis, competing at the university level before pursuing music full time. This profile explains his background, tennis career, music achievements, and current public role.
Background and Early Life
Steven Ellison was born on September 3, 1985, in Boston, Massachusetts, and grew up in Pacific Palisades, California. He is the son of Jeffrey Ellison, a lawyer, and Kathy Thompson, a teacher. Ellison attended the University of Southern California (USC), where he studied business while also playing college tennis. His upbringing in a mixed religious household, with a Jewish father and a Christian mother, influenced his eclectic creative approach.
Education and College Tennis
At USC, Ellison balanced academics and athletics, competing on the university tennis team. Although he did not turn professional in tennis, this period shaped his discipline and public identity. The dual focus on business and sport later informed his approach to entertainment, entrepreneurship, and brand building.
Tennis Career Details
Redfoo played collegiate tennis at USC in the mid 2000s, reaching a career singles ranking inside the top 500. He did not compete professionally beyond college nor entered Grand Slam main draws. His highest singles ranking was No. 467, achieved in July 2006, and his highest doubles ranking was No. 366, reached in August 2006. These years represent his most notable competitive period on the tour.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Career High Singles Ranking | No. 467 (July 2006) | ATP Archive |
| Career High Doubles Ranking | No. 366 (August 2006) | ATP Archive |
| Primary Tour | ITF / ATP Challengers (collegiate and pro) | Tennis Database |
| Tournament Level | College (NCAA) and low-tier pro events | ATP Archive |
Music Career and LMFAO
In music, Redfoo is half of the duo LMFAO, alongside his nephew SkyBlu. The group achieved global success in the late 2000s with singles such as “I’m in Miami Bitch,” “La La La,” and the multi-platinum “Party Rock Anthem” and “Sexy and I Know It.” He typically serves as the frontman, handling vocals, choreography, and songwriting. LMFAO popularized the “shuffling” dance style and performed at major festivals and award shows.
Key Achievements
- Multi-platinum albums and singles with LMFAO
- Billboard Hot 100 chart entries, including number ones
- Worldwide touring, including headline shows and festival appearances
Net Worth and Income Sources
Redfoo’s net worth is estimated in the range of $20 million to $30 million, driven primarily by music royalties, streaming, live performances, and brand partnerships. As a member of LMFAO, he shares revenue from catalog usage, licensing, and ongoing touring where available. He has also invested in real estate and other business ventures, contributing to his overall wealth.
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Reported Net Worth | $20 million to $30 million | Public estimates and industry reporting |
| Primary Income Streams | Music royalties, touring, brand deals | Industry analysis |
| Notable Asset Classes | Real estate, music catalog | Business disclosures |
Public Persona and Relationships
Redfoo maintains a visible public persona through social media, interviews, and occasional performances. He is the older half of the sibling duo in LMFAO and has spoken openly about family influences. In coverage of personal matters, he has referred to his relationship status as single, focusing on career projects and parenting. When discussed in media, connections are typically to his music legacy and business activities rather than to current romantic narratives.
Common Questions and Status Clarifier
Because Redfoo remains a recognizable name, audiences sometimes conflate his tennis background with his music career. He is not an active professional tennis player, nor does he hold a current ranking. His public relevance today stems primarily from LMFAO’s catalog, streaming performance, and retrospective coverage. The following points clarify frequent points of confusion:
- He played college tennis at USC but did not turn professional.
- His ATP rankings peaked in 2006 and are not current.
- He continues to perform music selectively and earns from legacy catalogs.
- His current focus includes business investments and family.