N.B.A. YoungBoy, whose real name is Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, is an American rapper who rose to prominence in 2016 as one of the most promising talents of his generation. YoungBoy started rhyming and recording at a young age and even quit school in ninth grade to concentrate on his music career. Between 2015 and 2017, he released six independent mixtapes, earning him a cult following. Being influenced by local musicians, he released his debut album in 2015 at the age of 16. YoungBoy has had several run-ins with the law which has seen him serve some jail time. Despite this, his popularity continues to grow as has his fanbase.
Fast Facts
Full Name:
Kentrell DeSean Gaulden
Nickname:
YoungBoy Never Broke Again
Birth date:
October 20, 1999
Age:
24
Zodiac Sign:
Libra
Height:
5' 8"
Relationship Status:
Single
Net Worth:
$6 million
Background
Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, popularly known as N.B.A. YoungBoy, was born on October 20, 1999, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Since his father was serving a 55-year prison sentence, YoungBoy was raised by his maternal grandmother. He began producing music at the age of 14. “Life Before Fame,” his debut mixtape, was released in 2014. He then launched a series of mixtapes, including “Mind of a Menace,” “Mind of a Menace 2,” and “Mind of a Menace 3.”
YoungBoy rose to prominence in 2016 after the release of his mega-hit mixtape “38 Baby,” which earned millions of views on YouTube. He had a setback in his personal life when he was jailed in Austin, Texas, on accusations of first-degree murder, just as his music career was skyrocketing. YoungBoy recorded many songs while in prison, including ‘Win or Lose,’ ‘Don’t Matter,’ and ‘Too Much,’ which were all significant hits. ‘Win or Lose,’ in particular, became a viral hit, establishing him as a household name. YoungBoy was released from prison in May 2017. He launched the smash hit song ‘Untouchable’ the following week. The song reached number 95 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. YoungBoy’s career took off in 2018, when his track “Outside Today” became his biggest charting song to date, debuting at number 35 on the Billboard Hit 100. In April 2018, Gaulden released his first studio album, “Until Death Call My Name.” in 2020, he released his second studio album, “Top.” “Sincerely, Kentrell from Prison,” his third studio album, was released in 2021.
YoungBoy has eight biological children with different women and one adopted son.
Career timeline
N.B.A. YoungBoy releases his first mixtape, “Life before Fame.”
YoungBoy makes his first hit song, ‘38 baby,’ which appears on his “38 Baby” mixtape.
In December of 2016, he is arrested in Austin, Texas, for attempted first-degree murder, in connection with an alleged drive-by shooting.
His single ‘Outside Today’ drops and becomes the highest-charting song of his career.
YoungBoy releases his debut studio album, “Until Death Call My Name,” in April 2018.
He releases his third studio album, “Sincerely, Kentrell from Prison,” which debuts at number one on the Billboard 200, making him the third artist besides 2Pac and Lil Wayne to have a number one album while incarcerated.
The rapper is nominated for Best Melodic Performance in ‘WusYaName’ (with Tyler, the Creator and Ty Dolla Sign).
Why We Love NBA YoungBoy
His work ethics
N.B.A. YoungBoy is known for his dedication to his work. He's the rapper who never misses a beat. Even if a snippet of his song is leaked, he can launch an entirely new song in no time.
He is charitable
The Baton Rouge rapper was reportedly seen giving out food to some homeless people in his neighborhood. The rapper and his mother are said to have organized the event as a way of giving back to the neighborhood.
He is talented
His artistry is mind-blowing, and he's only getting better. With the cadence, pitch, wordplay, storytelling, and hooks, YoungBoy makes sure to be versatile with his music. Fellow rapper DaBaby even admitted during an interview that after his music, he likes YoungBoy’s music most.
5 Surprising Facts
He broke his neck as a toddler
Look closely and you may notice three deep scars engraved on his forehead.
His favorite actors
Vin Diesel and Jennifer Lawrence are his favorite male and female actors.
He loves Mexican cuisine
YoungBoy loves to eat Mexican Cuisine.
He was rumored to have died
In May 2021, it was rumored that he had died in his jail cell.
He caused the Skai Jackson-Bhad Bhabie feud
Skai Jackson was romantically interested in Gaulden; however, his ex, Bhad Bhabie, wasn’t cool with it.
NBA YoungBoy FAQs
Why does N.B.A. YoungBoy have a hole on his head?
He revealed that his forehead scars are a result of a play-fighting accident when he was four years old.
Who are N.B.A. YoungBoy’s brothers?
His brothers are BWay Yungy and Ken Gaulden.
Did N.B.A. YoungBoy get shot?
He was involved in the shooting on November 21, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
NBA YoungBoy’s birthday dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2024 | October 20 | Sunday |
2025 | October 20 | Monday |
2026 | October 20 | Tuesday |
2027 | October 20 | Wednesday |
2028 | October 20 | Friday |