NBA Youngboy, also known as YoungBoy Never Broke Again, is one of the most popular and controversial rappers of our time. Born Kentrell DeSean Gaulden on October 20, 1999, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, NBA Youngboy had a rough upbringing marked by poverty, violence, and tragedy.
Despite the many challenges he faced, he channeled his experiences into his music, which has resonated with millions of fans around the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at NBA Youngboy’s life and career, exploring his early years, rise to fame, personal struggles, and impact on the music industry.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about this young artist, read on to discover the story behind the man and the music.
NBA Youngboy’s childhood was marked by tragedy and hardship. He was raised in a poverty-stricken neighborhood in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where violence and crime were rampant. His father was incarcerated when he was just a toddler, leaving his mother to raise him and his four siblings on her own. Unfortunately, his mother struggled with drug addiction and was frequently in and out of jail, leaving the children to fend for themselves.
Early Life and Background
Family background
NBA Youngboy’s family background was also marred by tragedy. His grandfather, who was a prominent community leader in Baton Rouge, was shot and killed in his own driveway when NBA Youngboy was just a young boy. This event had a profound impact on him and would later inspire some of his music.
Childhood
NBA Youngboy’s childhood was characterized by instability and poverty. He often had to move from place to place, staying with various family members or in shelters. He dropped out of school in the 9th grade and turned to music as a way to cope with the challenges he faced. He started rapping at the age of 14 and quickly developed a talent for writing and performing.
Education
Despite dropping out of school at a young age, NBA Youngboy has talked about the importance of education and the impact it has had on his life. In an interview with The FADER, he said, “I didn’t finish school, but I learned a lot on my own. I read a lot of books, I studied a lot of things. Education is important, no matter what.”
Despite his difficult childhood, NBA Youngboy has persevered and become one of the most successful young artists in the music industry today. His early life experiences have shaped his music and given him a unique perspective on the world, which has resonated with fans around the globe.
Music Career
NBA Youngboy’s music career began in his early teens when he started rapping and writing his own songs. He released his first mixtape, “Life Before Fame,” in 2015, which gained him a small following.
Early music career
In the years that followed, NBA Youngboy continued to release mixtapes and build his fanbase. He gained a reputation for his raw and emotional lyrics, which often touched on themes of violence, poverty, and loss. His music quickly caught the attention of major labels and in 2017, he signed a deal with Atlantic Records.
Rise to fame
NBA Youngboy’s rise to fame was meteoric. In 2018, he released his first major-label album, “Until Death Call My Name,” which debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200 chart. He followed this up with a string of successful singles, including “No Smoke,” “Outside Today,” and “Genie.” His music videos also gained millions of views on YouTube, helping to solidify his status as one of the most popular young artists in the game.
Major albums and songs
Since his debut, NBA Youngboy has released a number of successful albums and mixtapes, including “AI Youngboy 2,” “Top,” and “Sincerely, Kentrell.” He has also had several hit singles, including “Kacey Talk,” “Bandit,” and “Lonely Child.” His music has been streamed billions of times on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, and he has amassed a huge following on social media.
Collaboration with other artists
NBA Youngboy has collaborated with a number of other artists throughout his career, including Juice WRLD, Lil Wayne, DaBaby, and Juice WRLD. He has also been featured on songs by other artists, such as Quando Rondo’s “I Remember” and Lil Tecca’s “All Star.”
Record label and management
NBA Youngboy is currently signed to Atlantic Records and is managed by his mother, Sherhonda Gaulden, who has been with him since the beginning of his career. He has also worked with other managers and producers, such as Birdman and Cash Money Records.
Despite his success, NBA Youngboy’s career has not been without controversy. He has faced legal issues, including charges of assault and weapons possession, and has been involved in feuds with other artists. However, his fans remain loyal and continue to support him through it all.
Personal Life
While NBA Youngboy’s music has made him a household name, his personal life has also been the subject of much scrutiny and controversy.
Legal issues
NBA Youngboy has had several run-ins with the law throughout his career. In 2016, he was arrested on charges of first-degree murder, but the charges were later dropped. He has also been arrested for assault, weapons possession, and drug charges. In 2021, he was arrested in Los Angeles on an outstanding warrant from a previous arrest in Louisiana.
Relationships and family
NBA Youngboy has been open about his relationships and family life. He has six children with five different women, including Yaya Mayweather, the daughter of boxing legend Floyd Mayweather. He has also been romantically linked to several other women, including Jania Bania and Dej Rose Gold. His relationships have often been the subject of controversy and drama.
Social media presence
NBA Youngboy is known for his active presence on social media. He has millions of followers on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, where he frequently posts updates about his music and personal life. He has also been known to use social media to engage with his fans and address controversies surrounding his career.
Despite the controversies that have surrounded him, NBA Youngboy’s music and personal life continue to captivate fans around the world. His raw and emotional lyrics have resonated with a generation of young people, and his personal struggles have made him a relatable figure to many.
Legacy and Impact
NBA Youngboy’s impact on the music industry is undeniable. He has become one of the most popular and successful young artists of our time, and his music has inspired a new generation of rappers.
Influence on the music industry
NBA Youngboy’s music is known for its raw and emotional lyrics, which often touch on themes of violence, poverty, and loss. He has been praised for his ability to connect with his fans on a deeply personal level and for his unique style and sound. His influence can be seen in the work of other young rappers, who have been inspired by his music and his story.
Fanbase and popularity
NBA Youngboy has amassed a huge fanbase around the world. His music has been streamed billions of times on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, and he has millions of followers on social media. He has sold out concerts and tours, and his popularity shows no signs of slowing down.
Awards and recognition
NBA Youngboy has been recognized for his contributions to the music industry. In 2020, he was named one of the Forbes 30 Under 30 in music. He has also been nominated for several awards, including BET Hip Hop Awards and Billboard Music Awards.
NBA Youngboy’s legacy will undoubtedly be shaped by his music and his personal story. He has overcome incredible obstacles to become one of the most successful young artists in the game, and his music has inspired a generation of fans. Whether he continues to make music or not, his impact on the industry and on the lives of his fans will be felt for years to come.
Conclusion
NBA Youngboy has come a long way since his early days as a struggling rapper from Baton Rouge. He has become one of the most popular and influential young artists in the music industry, and his music has resonated with fans around the world.
NBA Youngboy’s current status
As of 2023, NBA Youngboy is currently facing legal issues and is in the process of dealing with those. He has not released new music since his 2021 album, “Sincerely, Kentrell.” However, his loyal fanbase remains supportive and eagerly awaits his next release.
Future projects and plans
Despite his legal troubles, NBA Youngboy has hinted at future projects and plans. In a recent interview, he spoke about his desire to explore different genres of music and to collaborate with other artists. He has also expressed interest in pursuing acting and other creative ventures.
Only time will tell what the future holds for NBA Youngboy. But one thing is certain – his music and his story have left a lasting impact on the industry and on the lives of his fans.