At the Quality Control headquarters in Atlanta, rapper Lil Baby – known to friends and fans alike as Dominique Jones – is comfortably in his element, teaching a dice game called cee-lo to a small crowd gathered in a recording studio lounge. Known for his love of this classic gambling game, Lil Baby moves with confidence; his pockets noticeably weighed down with stacks of cash. It’s a sight as iconic as his platinum records, and for Lil Baby, the stacks are as much a part of his life as his lyrics. Here, he reveals why he always carries cash—a habit that speaks to his unique approach to money and personal philosophy.
For Lil Baby, carrying cash is more than convenience; it’s a lifestyle choice and a tangible connection to his wealth. In an era dominated by digital banking, he explains that his preference for physical money goes beyond practicality.
“I like to have it right there, ready,”
he says, explaining that the quick access and sense of control he gets from cash feel more satisfying than an account balance on a screen. Growing up in Atlanta, he became accustomed to having cash in hand—always ready, always accessible. This habit stayed with him as he climbed the music charts and built his fortune, ultimately shaping how he manages his money today.
Lil Baby: Anytime you see shit like that, its your pocket change. Spinning shit whenever I feel like it .
Interviewer: So a pocket chain equal up to what? A 60?What?70 or 80 soon. Pocket chain only?
Lil Baby: probably going to spend spend half of any motherfucker.
Interviewer: Yeah he is talking about ….
Lil Baby: My car don’t work.
In typical Lil Baby fashion, the amounts he carries aren’t modest. Though he keeps the exact figure under wraps, he hints at its significance. Casually mentioning that he has “four pockets full,” it’s clear that we’re talking about sums substantial enough to be a small bank’s worth of cash. Whether he’s rolling dice or shopping, his approach is the same: if he wants to buy something, he has the money right there, cutting out the need for transactions, cards, or any middlemen. The simplicity of having cash ready at a moment’s notice complements his fast-paced lifestyle and constant hustle.
Lil Baby’s financial success has roots in several income streams. With a string of chart-topping albums, major endorsement deals, and various business investments, his sources of wealth are as diverse as his musical influences. Fans might be surprised to learn that his dice game, cee-lo, is more than just a pastime; he’s won significant amounts through friendly bets, calling it another entrepreneurial “venture” of sorts. This side income might not be as reliable as his music or business deals, but to Lil Baby, it’s a part of his financial profile as any endorsement contract.
Naturally, the rapper’s habit of flaunting large sums of cash has sparked mixed reactions from the public. Some admire his openness and casual defiance of traditional banking norms, viewing him as a symbol of independence and self-made success. Others criticize it as flashy or even risky. But for Lil Baby, the decision is less about public opinion and more about staying true to himself. His relationship with money is deeply personal and rooted in experiences that shaped him long before he was on the radio. “It’s my way,” he says, leaving little room for debate.
