Kastro

Kastro is an American rapper and a founding member of the hip-hop group Outlawz. Born Katari Terrance Cox, he is also a first cousin of the late Tupac Shakur, a connection that placed him at the center of one of rap's most storied circles.

He remains best known for his contributions to Tupac's posthumous catalog, including the tracks "Made Niggaz" and "Hail Mary," and for his steady presence in the Outlawz across more than two decades of releases. Though he has never chased mainstream celebrity, his voice and loyalty to the Thug Life ethos have kept him a respected figure among West Coast hip-hop fans.

Kastro continues to record and engage with his audience through social media, where he shares new music and reflections on his career. His legacy is tied to the preservation of Tupac's unfinished work and the enduring influence of the Outlawz. [edit]

Katari Terrance Cox was born on December 30, 1976, in Manhattan, New York City, and grew up in a family that would later connect him to one of hip-hop's most iconic figures. His childhood included time in the Bay Area, where he formed friendships that would shape his future. While in elementary school, he introduced his friend Malcolm Greenidge, later known as E.D.I. Mean, to his cousin Tupac Shakur. That single introduction linked two childhood circles and laid the groundwork for the Thug Life collective and, eventually, the Outlawz.

As a teenager, Kastro was drawn to the emerging West Coast hip-hop scene. When Tupac moved to Death Row Records in the mid-1990s, Kastro followed him to California, immersing himself in the studio environment and learning the craft alongside seasoned artists. He adopted the stage name Kastro and began appearing on tracks, gradually building a reputation for a deep, resonant vocal tone that contrasted with the more aggressive deliveries around him.

Before the Outlawz became a formal group, Kastro was part of the extended Thug Life family, appearing at sessions and on early recordings. The assassination of Tupac in 1996 was a turning point; Kastro, along with E.D.I. Mean, Young Noble, and Kadafi, resolved to carry on the musical philosophy they had shared. That decision marked the end of his pre-fame years and the beginning of his public career as a core member of the Outlawz. [edit]

Kastro's professional breakthrough came in the mid-1990s as a member of the Outlawz, the group formed after Tupac Shakur's death to continue his musical legacy. He was featured prominently on some of Tupac's most iconic posthumous tracks, including "Made Niggaz" and the seminal "Hail Mary" from The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, where his gritty voice provided a counterpoint to Pac's flow. His role within the Outlawz was central, not merely as a backup vocalist but as a defining presence alongside E.D.I. Mean, Young Noble, and Kadafi.

Through the 2000s and 2010s, Kastro released music both with the group and as a solo artist. His solo projects, including Thug Lord: The New Testament and The Last Real N****r, showcased his lyrical prowess and dedication to the thug life ethos. The Outlawz's debut album, Until the End of Time (2001), reached number one on the Billboard 200, and subsequent releases maintained strong sales. While the group's achievements were collective, Kastro's contributions helped sustain their influence in gangsta rap.

In recent years, Kastro has remained active, releasing freestyles and new tracks from 2021 through 2024 on YouTube and other platforms. He engages with fans on X under the handle @outlawkastro, sharing updates on his music and personal life. His sustained creative output reflects a career defined by consistency rather than mainstream pivots. [edit]

Kastro's public image is that of a loyal, low-key veteran of West Coast hip-hop. He is rarely seen in tabloids or mainstream celebrity circles, instead cultivating a reputation for authenticity and consistency. His fashion has evolved from the baggy streetwear of the 1990s to a more mature but still street-oriented style. On social media, he is direct and unpolished, often sharing lyrics, music links, and occasional commentary on hip-hop culture. Media perception of him is tied to his association with Tupac Shakur, but fans respect him for his own contributions and his refusal to compromise his artistic identity. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for Kastro, so no ranking is available. His recognition rests on his role in the Outlawz and his connection to Tupac Shakur rather than on any measured fame index. He is not on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list.

His fanbase consists largely of dedicated Outlawz and Tupac enthusiasts. There is no formal fandom name, but supporters often refer to themselves as part of the "Outlawz family." They engage with his music on streaming platforms and YouTube, and he interacts with them on X, where his follower count is modest but highly engaged. Fans frequently request rare tracks and share memories of the 1990s West Coast scene, creating a niche but loyal community around his work. [edit]

Kastro's stage name is a nod to his admiration for Cuban leader Fidel Castro, though he has never confirmed the exact origin. He is known among fans for his deep, resonant voice, which has been described as a "gritty counterpoint" to Tupac's delivery. One of the most retold stories about him is the elementary-school introduction of E.D.I. Mean to Tupac Shakur, a moment often cited as the catalyst for the Thug Life crew. Kastro also appeared on the cover of Vibe magazine in the late 1990s during the Outlawz's peak visibility. Despite his long career, he has largely avoided tabloid attention, preferring to let his music speak for itself. [edit]

Kastro was born Katari Terrance Cox in Manhattan, New York City, and is a first cousin of the late Tupac Shakur. Details about his parents and siblings are not widely documented, as he has kept his family life private. He is known to be a family man and maintains ties to his roots in New York and his extended family in the Bay Area. As of 2026, he resides in the United States and has not publicly shared information about a spouse or children. [edit]

Tupac Shakur, Outlawz, E.D.I. Mean, Young Noble, Kadafi, Thug Life, Death Row Records. [edit]

Kastro has kept his romantic life out of the public eye. There are no widely documented public records of high-profile marriages, engagements, or long-term relationships attributed to him. He is known to be a family man, but specific details regarding partners or children have not been confirmed by credible sources. As of 2026, he is generally considered to be living a private life, with no current public partner reported. [edit]

Kastro's income derives primarily from music royalties, touring with the Outlawz, and occasional solo performances. His catalog includes appearances on multi-platinum Tupac releases, which continue to generate streaming and sales revenue. Unlike some peers who have diversified into fashion or tech, Kastro's wealth remains closely linked to his music and the enduring popularity of the Outlawz brand.

The iFANN Editorial Team estimates Kastro's net worth at approximately $5 million as of 2026. This figure reflects a conservative financial portfolio focused on long-term royalty streams rather than high-profile ventures. Specific breakdowns of real estate holdings or business investments are not publicly detailed, but his consistent output and touring suggest a steady income. [edit]