Kaz Pankey Biography, Family, Net Worth, Personal Life & More

Growing up in the spotlight isn’t easy, especially when your family’s personal life unfolds on national television. Kaz Pankey, affectionately known by his nickname “Milk,” has experienced this reality firsthand as the son of two prominent figures from VH1’s hit reality series Love & Hip Hop: New York. 

Born into fame and raised in the vibrant streets of New York City, Kaz represents a new generation of celebrity children navigating the complexities of public attention while carving their own identity.

This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about Kaz Pankey, from his early childhood and family dynamics to his future aspirations in the entertainment industry.

Profile Summary

Full Name	Kaz Pankey
Nickname	Milk
Date of Birth	January 6, 2012
Age	13 years old (as of 2026)
Place of Birth	New York City, USA
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	African American
Parents	Tara Wallace (Mother), Peter Gunz (Father)
Siblings	Jamison Pankey, Gunner Ethan Pankey (Full Brothers), plus 7 half-siblings
Famous For	Son of Love & Hip Hop: New York stars
Education	Currently a student in New York
Net Worth	Estimated between $100,000 – $600,000 (2025)

Kaz Pankey Early Life and Childhood

Kaz Pankey entered the world on January 6, 2012, in New York City, a place renowned for its cultural diversity and dynamic entertainment scene. From the moment he was born, cameras were never far away. His arrival was celebrated by family members and fans who had been following his parents’ relationship on Love & Hip Hop: New York.

Growing up in New York’s fast-paced environment shaped Kaz’s worldview from an early age. Unlike most children who enjoy privacy during their formative years, Kaz’s childhood moments were often documented for millions of reality TV viewers. His birthday parties made headlines, family gatherings became storylines, and personal milestones were shared with the public.

Despite this unusual upbringing, Kaz has maintained a relatively normal childhood. He attends school in New York, enjoys spending time with his brothers, and pursues hobbies typical of teenagers his age. His parents, particularly his mother Tara Wallace, have worked hard to ensure he experiences normalcy despite the constant media attention.

The nickname “Milk” has been with Kaz since he was very young and reflects the playful, lighthearted side of his personality. This endearing moniker has helped distinguish him within his large family and has become synonymous with his public identity.

Kaz Pankey Father – Peter Gunz

Peter Gunz, born Peter Pankey, is Kaz’s father and a significant figure in the hip-hop industry. Rising to fame in the late 1990s, Peter Gunz achieved mainstream success as one-half of the rap duo Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz. Their hit single “Deja Vu (Uptown Baby)” reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1997, cementing their place in hip-hop history.

Beyond his music career, Peter Gunz became a household name through his appearances on Love & Hip Hop: New York from 2013 to 2020. His complex relationship dynamics with both Tara Wallace and Amina Buddafly became one of the most talked-about storylines in reality television history. The show documented the challenges, conflicts, and emotional moments that arose from this complicated love triangle.

Peter Gunz is the father of ten children with multiple women, making Kaz part of an extensive blended family. His oldest son, Cory Gunz (Peter Cory Pankey Jr.), born in 1987, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a successful rapper signed to Young Money Entertainment. Cory has collaborated with major artists including Lil Wayne, appearing on the hit track “6 Foot 7 Foot.”

Despite the public scrutiny surrounding his personal life, Peter Gunz has expressed deep love for all his children. In interviews, he has acknowledged his regrets about how certain situations were handled on television, particularly regarding Tara Wallace. He maintains co-parenting relationships with the mothers of his children and remains involved in their lives.

Kaz Pankey Mother – Tara Wallace

Tara Wallace, born Taranasha Wallace on September 20, 1982, in McComb, Mississippi, is Kaz’s mother and primary caregiver. She earned her degree in Dramatic Arts from Jackson State University before moving to New York City to pursue her career in entertainment.

Tara began dating Peter Gunz in 2000, and their relationship spanned over 13 years before they ultimately separated in 2015. During their time together, they welcomed three sons: Jamison (born 2008), Kaz (born 2012), and Gunner Ethan (born 2016).

Tara joined the cast of Love & Hip Hop: New York in Season 4, which aired in 2013. Her storyline on the show centered around her relationship with Peter Gunz and the shocking revelation that he had secretly married singer Amina Buddafly while still in a relationship with Tara. This discovery, made public on national television, was one of the most dramatic moments in the show’s history.

Despite the emotional turmoil she experienced on the show, Tara has remained a pillar of strength for her children. She has consistently prioritized their well-being over fame and has worked to provide them with a stable, loving home environment. Tara has spoken openly about the challenges of co-parenting with Peter Gunz while ensuring her sons have access to both parents.

Beyond reality television, Tara is an actress, author, and motivational speaker. She co-authored the book “The Goddess Potential” to empower women and has explored fashion design, particularly creating clothing for pregnant women. Her resilience and dedication to motherhood have made her a role model for many viewers.

Siblings and Family Background

Kaz Pankey is part of a large, blended family that includes both full siblings and numerous half-siblings from his father’s relationships with different women.

Full Siblings

Jamison Pankey (nicknamed “Juice”), born on October 14, 2008, is Kaz’s older brother. At 17 years old, Jamison shares a close bond with Kaz, and the two are often seen together in family photos and social media posts. Like Kaz, Jamison has grown up in the public eye due to their parents’ reality TV careers.

Gunner Ethan Pankey, born in 2016, is Kaz’s younger brother. At 9 years old, Gunner is the youngest of Tara Wallace’s three sons. His birth was particularly noteworthy as it occurred while Peter Gunz was still legally married to Amina Buddafly, creating significant media attention and controversy.

Half-Siblings

Through his father Peter Gunz, Kaz has seven additional half-siblings:

1. Cory Gunz (Peter Cory Pankey Jr.) – Born June 22, 1987, Cory is a professional rapper signed to Young Money Entertainment. He’s the oldest of Peter Gunz’s children and has achieved success in the music industry with collaborations alongside Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, and other major artists.
2. Whitney Pankey – One of Peter’s daughters, Whitney is now a mother herself, making Peter Gunz a grandfather.
3. Kennedi Pankey – Lives in New Orleans and shares a close relationship with her sister Whitney.
4. Brandon Pankey – Details about Brandon remain relatively private.
5. Phoenix Pankey – Another of Peter’s children whose personal information is kept out of the public eye.
6. Cori Pankey – Born July 29, 2014, Cori is Peter’s daughter with Amina Buddafly. She and her sister Bronx were raised primarily by their mother following her separation from Peter.
7. Bronx Pankey – The youngest daughter from Peter’s marriage to Amina Buddafly.

This extensive family network presents both opportunities and challenges for Kaz. Growing up with so many siblings means sharing attention and resources, but it also provides a large support system and diverse family connections. The blended family dynamics have taught Kaz valuable lessons about patience, resilience, and the importance of family bonds despite complicated circumstances.

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Media Presence and Public Attention

Kaz Pankey’s life has been intertwined with media attention from birth. His introduction to the public came through Love & Hip Hop: New York, where his parents’ relationship played out before millions of viewers. The show, which attracted over 2 million weekly viewers during its peak, documented intimate family moments, conflicts, and celebrations.

Being featured on such a popular reality series meant that Kaz’s childhood milestones became public events. His birthday parties, school activities, and family gatherings were often discussed by fans and featured in media coverage. This level of exposure is unusual for someone so young and has shaped how he navigates the world.

Despite his family’s reality TV background, Kaz has maintained a relatively low profile compared to other celebrity children. He doesn’t have an extensively active public social media presence, though he occasionally appears on his parents’ accounts. His mother, Tara Wallace, has been intentional about protecting her children’s privacy while still sharing selective moments with her over 1 million Instagram followers.

The media attention surrounding Kaz intensified during key moments on Love & Hip Hop: New York, particularly when family conflicts unfolded on screen. The love triangle between his parents and Amina Buddafly, Peter’s secret marriage, and subsequent family tensions all became public fodder. However, Kaz has handled this scrutiny with remarkable maturity for his age.

Today, as Kaz enters his teenage years, interest in his life continues. Fans who watched him grow up on television are curious about his future plans and whether he will follow his parents into the entertainment industry. His growing social media following and public appearances suggest that he’s comfortable with attention while maintaining appropriate boundaries for his age.

Kaz Pankey Height and Physical Appearance

As a young teenager still in the midst of growth and development, specific details about Kaz Pankey’s height and exact physical measurements are not publicly documented. Like most 13-year-olds, he’s experiencing the natural changes that come with adolescence.

From public appearances and social media photos, Kaz appears to be of average height for his age group. He has inherited features from both parents, displaying African American heritage with a youthful, charismatic appearance that often draws positive comments from fans.

Kaz’s style reflects contemporary teenage fashion trends common among youth in New York City. He’s often photographed wearing casual, trendy clothing that includes streetwear brands, sneakers, and athletic apparel. His appearance suggests confidence and comfort with his identity, traits likely nurtured by his mother’s emphasis on self-esteem and authenticity.

As he continues to mature, physical details will naturally evolve. For now, privacy regarding specific measurements is appropriate given his minor status.

Kaz Pankey Net Worth

Estimating the net worth of a 13-year-old presents unique challenges, as minors typically don’t have independent income sources or financial independence. However, various sources provide different estimates of Kaz Pankey’s net worth based on different factors.

Current Estimates: As of 2025, Kaz Pankey’s net worth is estimated to range between $100,000 and $600,000. These estimates vary significantly based on the methodology used and whether they account for trust funds, reality TV residuals, or potential inheritance.

Income Sources:

While Kaz doesn’t have traditional employment, potential income sources include:

• Reality Television Residuals: Appearances on Love & Hip Hop: New York may have generated compensation that was placed in trust for his future.
• Social Media Presence: As his following grows, future brand partnerships or influencer opportunities could materialize.
• Family Wealth: His parents’ combined net worth provides financial security. Peter Gunz’s net worth is estimated at approximately $500,000, while Tara Wallace’s is estimated around $200,000.

Future Financial Prospects:

As Kaz matures and potentially enters the entertainment industry independently, his earning potential could increase substantially. His built-in audience from his family’s reality TV fame provides a significant advantage should he choose to pursue music, acting, or social media content creation.

It’s important to note that any current “net worth” is likely managed by his parents or in trust accounts until he reaches legal adulthood. The focus for now remains on his education and personal development rather than wealth accumulation.

Kaz Pankey Personal Life

Despite growing up with cameras documenting his family’s most intimate moments, Kaz Pankey has managed to maintain a relatively private personal life. His mother, Tara Wallace, has been instrumental in creating boundaries that allow her children to experience childhood authenticity despite their public circumstances.

Education: Kaz is currently a student at one of New York City’s schools. His mother has emphasized the importance of education, and Kaz is known to be focusing on his studies. Tara has spoken about ensuring her sons understand that fame is temporary but education and character development last forever.

Daily Life: When not in the public eye, Kaz enjoys typical teenage activities. He spends quality time with his brothers Jamison and Gunner, engages in school-related activities, and maintains friendships outside the entertainment sphere. His mother has worked to ensure he has as normal an upbringing as possible.

Relationship with Parents: Kaz maintains relationships with both parents despite their separation. His primary residence is with his mother Tara, who serves as the custodial parent. However, he also spends time with his father Peter Gunz, though Peter’s responsibilities across ten children mean attention is divided among many siblings.

Values and Character: Those close to the family describe Kaz as kind, confident, and mature beyond his years. Growing up witnessing his parents’ public struggles has taught him valuable lessons about resilience, forgiveness, and the importance of family despite imperfections.

Kaz Pankey Relationship Status

At 13 years old, Kaz Pankey is not publicly known to be in any romantic relationships. This is entirely appropriate given his age, and his focus remains on education, personal growth, and family relationships.

His mother has been open about her commitment to raising her sons with strong values and self-respect. As Kaz navigates his teenage years, any future relationships will likely be approached with the maturity and emotional intelligence fostered by his upbringing.

Given the public nature of his family, it’s likely that Kaz will maintain privacy around his personal relationships as he gets older, learning from his parents’ experiences with having their relationships scrutinized on national television.

Kaz Pankey Hobbies and Interests

While specific details about Kaz’s hobbies aren’t extensively publicized, several interests have emerged through social media posts and family interviews:

Music: Growing up with a father who is a successful rapper and an older half-brother (Cory Gunz) who is also in the music industry, Kaz has been surrounded by music his entire life. While it’s unclear if he’s actively pursuing music himself, the influence is undeniable.

Sports and Physical Activities: Like many teenage boys, Kaz appears to enjoy physical activities and sports, though specific athletic pursuits haven’t been publicly detailed.

Family Time: Kaz clearly values time with his brothers and extended family. Social media posts often show the brothers together, suggesting strong sibling bonds despite the complicated family dynamics.

Entertainment and Popular Culture: Having grown up in the entertainment industry, Kaz has a natural interest in television, social media, and contemporary pop culture.

As he continues to mature, Kaz’s interests will likely evolve and become more defined. His family’s entertainment background provides him with unique opportunities to explore various creative pursuits should he choose to do so.

Lessons from Kaz’s Journey

Kaz Pankey’s life, though young, offers valuable insights into navigating fame, family complexity, and personal identity:

Resilience in Adversity: Despite witnessing his parents’ very public relationship struggles, Kaz has demonstrated emotional resilience. His ability to maintain composure and dignity while his family’s private matters became public entertainment is noteworthy.

The Importance of Strong Parental Figures: Tara Wallace’s dedication to her children, despite personal hardships, shows the critical role of a stable parental presence. Her emphasis on education, values, and emotional well-being has been instrumental in Kaz’s development.

Navigating Blended Families: Kaz’s experience in a large, blended family demonstrates that love and connection can exist despite complex circumstances. His relationships with numerous half-siblings show that family bonds can transcend traditional structures.

Privacy vs. Public Life: Kaz’s journey highlights the importance of boundaries, even in public families. His relatively low profile compared to his reality TV background shows thoughtful management of public exposure.

Character Over Circumstances: Despite being born into fame and controversy, Kaz is developing his own identity based on character rather than simply riding on his parents’ notoriety.

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Fun Facts about Kaz Pankey

1. The Nickname: Kaz has been called “Milk” since childhood, a nickname that has become as recognizable as his real name among fans of Love & Hip Hop: New York.
2. Middle Child: Among Tara Wallace’s three sons, Kaz holds the middle position, which often comes with unique family dynamics and personality traits.
3. Born into Fame: Unlike many celebrity children who experience fame later in life, Kaz has literally known nothing but public attention from birth.
4. Large Family Network: With nine siblings total (two full, seven half), Kaz has one of the largest sibling groups among celebrity children.
5. New York Native: Born and raised in New York City, Kaz embodies the energy and diversity of one of the world’s most iconic cities.
6. Reality TV Legacy: He appeared on Love & Hip Hop: New York, one of VH1’s most successful and longest-running reality series.
7. Multi-Generational Entertainment: With a rapper father, rapper half-brother (Cory Gunz), and reality TV mother, entertainment truly runs in the family.
8. Social Media Generation: As part of Generation Z, Kaz represents the first generation to grow up entirely in the digital age with their lives documented online.

FAQ’s

How old is Kaz Pankey? 

Kaz Pankey is 13 years old as of 2026, born on January 6, 2012.

Who are Kaz Pankey’s parents? 

His parents are Tara Wallace (mother), a reality TV star, and Peter Gunz (father), a rapper and reality TV personality.

What is Kaz Pankey’s net worth? 

Estimates range from $100,000 to $600,000, though as a minor, any assets are likely managed in trust.

How many siblings does Kaz Pankey have? 

Kaz has two full brothers (Jamison and Gunner) and seven half-siblings from his father’s other relationships, totaling nine siblings.

What is Kaz Pankey’s nickname? 

He’s affectionately known as “Milk,” a nickname he’s had since childhood.

Is Kaz Pankey on social media? 

While he appears on his parents’ social media accounts, Kaz doesn’t maintain an extensively active public personal profile.

Will Kaz Pankey pursue entertainment? 

While he hasn’t publicly committed to a specific career path, his family background provides opportunities in music, acting, or social media.

Where does Kaz Pankey live? 

He lives in New York City with his mother Tara Wallace and brothers.

Is Kaz Pankey related to Cory Gunz? 

Yes, Cory Gunz is Kaz’s older half-brother, both sharing Peter Gunz as their father.

What show was Kaz Pankey on? 

He appeared on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: New York through his parents’ involvement in the series.

Conclusion

Kaz Pankey’s story is one of resilience, family bonds, and navigating fame from an incredibly young age. Born into the spotlight as the son of Love & Hip Hop: New York stars Tara Wallace and Peter Gunz, Kaz has experienced both the privileges and pressures that come with celebrity status.

Despite the public nature of his parents’ complicated relationship and the challenges of growing up in a large blended family, Kaz has demonstrated maturity beyond his years. His mother’s dedication to providing stability and prioritizing education has been instrumental in his development, while his father’s entertainment legacy offers unique opportunities for the future.