Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, widely known by his stage name **NBA YoungBoy** or **YoungBoy Never Broke Again**, was born on October 20, 1999, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His early life was shaped by hardship, instability, and loss. With his father incarcerated for most of his childhood, YoungBoy was raised primarily by his grandmother, who became the most stable figure in his early years. As a child, he suffered a serious neck injury while wrestling, which forced him to wear a brace that left permanent scars on his forehead—marks that later became part of his recognizable appearance. Growing up in a violent and impoverished neighborhood also exposed him to the struggles that would later become recurring themes in his music.
YoungBoy’s grandmother played a significant role in his upbringing, but her death when he was still young pushed him into emotional and financial turmoil. He dropped out of school in the ninth grade, turning instead to music as both an escape and a potential career. Determined to make something out of his circumstances, he bought a small microphone from a local store and began recording music when he was barely fourteen. His early songs captured the raw energy and pain of his upbringing, and it didn’t take long for him to begin building a local following. By 2015, at only sixteen years old, he released his first mixtape, using the stage name that would later make him famous.
Over the next few years, YoungBoy gained recognition through a rapid series of mixtapes, including the “Mind of a Menace” series and the breakthrough project **38 Baby** in 2016. These early releases showcased his ability to blend emotional vulnerability with gritty street narratives. His voice—intense, emotional, and often filled with pain—set him apart from many of his peers. His rising fame, however, was accompanied by several legal troubles that threatened to derail his career. Even during periods of incarceration, he continued to write music and plan future releases, refusing to let setbacks stop him.
After his release, YoungBoy signed with a major label in 2017, marking a turning point in his career. In early 2018, he achieved mainstream success with the hit song **“Outside Today,”** which climbed into the Billboard charts and made his name familiar nationwide. Later that year, he released his debut studio album **“Until Death Call My Name,”** which further solidified his status as one of hip-hop’s most promising young talents. Known for his relentless work ethic, he continued releasing music at a rapid pace—mixtapes, albums, EPs, and singles—often dropping multiple projects within a single year.
YoungBoy’s emotional honesty has become one of his strongest qualities as an artist. His music reflects his struggles with violence, heartbreak, betrayal, fame, and survival. Many fans connect deeply with his vulnerability, as he openly discusses depression, trauma, and personal conflict. Though his life has been marked by controversy, he has used his art to express his inner battles, turning pain into powerful storytelling. His catalog includes numerous projects that have charted highly, making him one of the most streamed artists of his generation.
YoungBoy’s personal life has also drawn public attention. He has fathered several children, which has motivated him to work even harder to provide for his family. Despite this, he continues to face legal challenges and public scrutiny, struggles that find their way into his lyrics. Yet through every setback, he remains remarkably consistent and committed to his craft. His fans admire him not only for his music but also for his resilience and determination to rise above the circumstances of his upbringing.
Today, NBA YoungBoy is recognized as one of the most influential and prolific young rappers in the world. His journey—from a troubled childhood in Baton Rouge to a dominant force in modern hip-hop—reflects immense perseverance. His music resonates because it is genuine, emotional, and shaped by lived experience. With each project, he continues to grow as an artist while maintaining the raw authenticity that first captured the attention of millions. Though his story is still being written, NBA YoungBoy’s impact on hip-hop is undeniable, and his rise from hardship to global fame stands as a powerful example of talent shaped by struggle.