Kentrell DeSean Gaulden (born October 20, 1999) is known professionally as NBA Youngboy, an American rapper, singer, and songwriter from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. NBA Youngboy is widely recognized for his distinct Louisiana sound, which fuses Southern hip-hop and R&B elements.
Early Life
NBA Youngboy had a difficult childhood marked by poverty, violence, and instability. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a city known for its high crime rate, drug dealing, and gang activity. His parents’ strained relationship, which often involved daily arguments and fights, only added to the already hostile and unstable environment for him and his siblings.
When he was just a toddler, NBA Youngboy‘s father was incarcerated, leaving his mother, Sherhonda Gaulden, alone to raise their three children. As a result, the family struggled to make ends meet, often going without necessities such as food and electricity. They lived in a small, roach and rat-infested apartment that was barely big enough to accommodate them.
Despite the difficult circumstances, NBA Youngboy never lost sight of his dream of becoming a musician. He hustled and saved money from various criminal activities, and with the help of his friend OG3Three Never Broke Again, he paid for their studio sessions. Music became an escape for him, a way to cope with the troubles and struggles in his life.
The local rap scene in Baton Rouge had a significant influence on NBA Youngboy‘s rap style, which was gritty and street-oriented. He began uploading his music to YouTube, and his talent quickly caught the attention of fans and industry insiders alike.
As his popularity grew, so did his involvement in gang activity, resulting in multiple arrests on charges ranging from possession of weapons to aggravated assault. In 2018, he was arrested for attempted first-degree murder after a drive-by shooting in Baton Rouge. He was later released on bail and placed on house arrest.
Despite his challenges, NBA Youngboy remained focused on his music career. He has been open about his struggles growing up and his ongoing challenges as a young artist in the music industry. His determination, talent, and authenticity earned him a large and loyal fan base, making him one of his generation’s most popular and successful rappers.
Education
NBA Youngboy‘s passion for music took precedence over his education, and his early involvement in the music industry led him to drop out of school in the ninth grade. This decision resulted from his growing success on social media and within his local community, where his music was gaining popularity.
While his decision to drop out of school may have been seen as a setback by some, NBA Youngboy has never let his lack of formal education hold him back. He has always been vocal about the importance of pursuing one’s passions and following their dreams, regardless of traditional societal expectations.
Career
NBA Youngboy began his music career in 2015 with the release of his debut mixtape, “Life Before Fame.” The mixtape quickly gained traction on YouTube and other social media platforms, paving the way for his success in the music industry.
In 2017, NBA Youngboy signed a record deal with Atlantic Records and released his debut studio album, “Until Death Call My Name,” in 2018. The album featured collaborations with popular artists such as Lil Uzi Vert and Future and peaked at number seven on the Billboard 200 chart.
Since then, NBA Youngboy has become one of the industry’s most successful and prolific rappers, releasing multiple successful projects. His 2019 album “AI Youngboy 2” debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, generating a record-breaking 144.7 million on-demand audio streams in its first week alone. He followed up with the successful releases of “Still Flexin, Still Steppin”, and “38 Baby 2” in 2020.
NBA Youngboy has faced several legal setbacks, including a probation violation in 2019 that resulted in 14 months of house arrest. Despite this, he has continued to produce music that resonates with his fans. In 2019, he released a single titled “House Arrest Tingz,” which was well-received. He also collaborated with rapper Juice WRLD on “Bandit,” which became his highest-charting single, reaching number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
In September 2020, NBA Youngboy released his second studio album, “Top,” which includes hit singles such as “All In,” “Kacey Talk,” and “My Window”, featuring Lil Wayne. The album, “Top”, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, making it his third number-one album in under a year.
NBA Youngboy ‘s music is known for its raw emotional power and personal connection with his audience. His lyrics often reflect his struggles and hardships, including poverty, violence, and run-ins with the law. Despite his challenges, he has remained committed to his music and continues to inspire and connect with his fans through his authenticity and honesty.
Discography
- Outside Today
- No Smoke
- Kacey Talk
- Valuable Pain
- House Arrest Tingz
- Bad Bad
- AI YoungBoy 2
- Make No Sense
- Bandit (with Juice WRLD)
- Lonely Child
- Lil Top
- All In
- My Window (feat. Lil Wayne)
- Dirty Iyanna
- Dead Trollz
- Green Dot
- Slime Mentality
- One Shot (feat. Lil Baby)
- Fine By Time
- Self Control
Personal Life
NBA Youngboy has been open about his personal life and relationships. At the young age of 23, he has already fathered ten children with eight different women. Despite the challenges of having children with multiple partners, He has expressed his commitment to being the best father he can be to all his children.
In his music video for “Kacey Talk,” He proudly showcases his two sons, Kayden Gaulden and Kacey Alexander Gaulden, who are already interested in following in their father’s footsteps in the music industry.
While NBA YoungBoy has had a publicized history of relationships with various women, he recently married his longtime girlfriend, Jazlyn Mychelle. Jazlyn is the mother of two of his children, and their union marks a new chapter for the couple and their growing family.
NBA YoungBoy has spoken openly about his love and dedication to Jazlyn, and the two have expressed mutual respect and admiration for each other.
The young star also has a son named Kentrell Gaulden Jr. with Yaya Mayweather, the daughter of boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, and a daughter named Kodi Capri with actress Drea Symone. He is also believed to be the father of Drea Symone‘s other child, whose name remains unknown.
NBA YoungBoy also has a daughter named Armani Gaulden and three sons: Kayden Gaulden, Kacey Alexander Gaulden, and Taylin Gaulden, all of whom he shares with Nisha. He also has a son named Kamiri Gaulden with Starr Dejanee, and he acts as a father figure to Starr‘s son Kamron Gaulden, who is not biologically his.
YoungBoy‘s love life has been highly publicized over the years. In 2014, he was linked with a woman named Nisha, followed by Starr Dejanee in 2015. In 2017, he had relationships with several women, including Bhad Bhabie, Jania Jackson, Malu Trevejo, and Jania Bania (Jania Meshell).
He dated Kaylyn Marie Long (Kay Marie) from 2018 to 2019 and Yaya Mayweather in 2018, among others. Recently in 2023, he was rumoured to be dating Angel Reese after they were spotted together.
NBA YoungBoy’s personal life has been controversial and scrutinized, but he remains focused on his family and music career. Despite his young age, he has already succeeded in the music industry, with multiple chart-topping albums and a dedicated fan base.
Social Media
- Instagram @nbayoungboy.16x
Net worth
NBA Youngboy has an estimated net worth which is approximately US6 million.