Cheek Biography: Age, Net Worth, Height, Siblings, Parents, Singles, Albums, Ex-Girlfriend

Jare Henrik Tiihonen, known professionally as Cheek, is a Finnish former rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer who significantly shaped the Finnish hip-hop scene.

Renowned for his chart-topping albums like Kuka muu muka (2013) and hit singles such as “Liekeissä” and “Timantit on ikuisia,” Cheek became one of Finland’s best-selling artists, earning 15 Emma Awards.

His career, spanning from 1998 to 2018, culminated in historic sold-out concerts at Helsinki’s Olympic Stadium, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer in Finnish rap before his retirement in August 2018.

Profile

• Full Name: Jare Henrik Tiihonen
• Stage Name: Cheek
• Born: 22 December 1981
• Age: 43 years old
• Birthplace: Vantaa, Finland
• Nationality: Finnish
• Occupation: Former Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer
• Height: 1.80m
• Parents: Mr. Tiihonen, Mrs. Tiihonen
• Siblings: Jere Tiihonen
• Spouse: None
• Girlfriends: Pia Lamberg (ex, 2011)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $12 million

Early Life and Education

Jare Henrik Tiihonen was born on December 22, 1981, in Vantaa, Finland, to Mr. and Mrs. Tiihonen, whose first names are not publicly available. He grew up in Lahti with his twin brother, Jere Tiihonen, and two sisters, whose names remain private.

Raised in a supportive Finnish-Swedish family, he developed an interest in rap during his teenage years at Launeen yläaste in Lahti. Cheek graduated from Lahden Ammattikorkeakoulu with a degree in Marketing and Business Administration. His ethnicity is Finnish, and his religious beliefs are not publicly known.

Career

Cheek began his musical journey in 1998, writing rap lyrics and joining the Lahti-based rap group Fifth Element in 2000. His early independent albums, Human & Beast (2001) and 50/50 (2002), featured English-language tracks. Still, his 2003 deal with Sony Music led to his first major release, Avaimet mun kulmille (2004), which went gold with singles like “Avaimet mun kiesiin.”

His initial success stemmed from performing at local events and gaining recognition for his lyrical authenticity, laying the groundwork for his rise in Finnish hip-hop. Cheek’s career soared with albums like Kuka sä oot (2008) and Jare Henrik Tiihonen (2009), both achieving platinum status, with singles like “Liekeissä” and “Jos mä oisin sä” topping charts.

His 2012 album Sokka irti earned double platinum, and Kuka muu muka (2013) made history by dominating five Finnish charts simultaneously, selling multi-platinum. In 2014, he became the first Finnish solo artist to sell out Helsinki’s Olympic Stadium for two consecutive nights.

His 2016 biography, JHT – Musta lammas, and the 2018 film Veljeni vartija chronicled his journey, while collaborations with artists like Elastinen and Sami Saari broadened his appeal. Cheek retired in August 2018 after a historic double concert at Lahti’s Mäkimonttu, attended by over 60,000 fans, citing loss of privacy and media pressure as reasons for his exit.

His final album, Timantit on ikuisia (2018), and its title track topped charts, earning him two Emma Awards in 2019 for Best Album and Best Live Performance. Post-retirement, he has focused on his label, Liiga Music, mentoring new artists and maintaining a low profile. His legacy as a pioneer who elevated rap to mainstream status in Finland continues to inspire emerging musicians.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @jaretiihonen
• Facebook Handle: Cheek
• Twitter Handle: @CheekOfficial

Personal Life

Cheek is single and has no children. He was briefly in a relationship with Miss Finland Pia Lamberg in 2011. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2009 and depression in 2014, he has been open about seeking therapy and medication, shaping his introspective lyrics. Residing in Espoo, he maintains close ties with his twin brother, Jere, and family.

Discography

• Human & Beast (2001)
• 50/50 (2002)
• Pitää pystyy elää (2003)
• Avaimet mun kulmille (2004)
• Käännän sivuu (2005)
• Kasvukipuja (2007)
• Kuka sä oot (2008)
• Jare Henrik Tiihonen (2009)
• Jare Henrik Tiihonen 2 (2010)
• Sokka irti (2012)
• Kuka muu muka (2013)
• Alpha Omega (2015)
• Timantit on ikuisia (2018)

Net Worth

Cheek has an estimated net worth of $12 million. His wealth is derived from his music career, including album sales, sold-out concerts, and merchandise, with significant earnings from his Olympic Stadium shows and the Liiga Music label. Additional income stems from his biography, film projects, and endorsements.