NBA YoungBoy: The Rise of a Rap Phenomenon
NBA YoungBoy, born Kentrell DeSean Gaulden on October 20, 1999, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is one of the most influential figures in the modern rap scene. His rise to fame was quick, propelled by his raw talent, captivating lyricism, and a relentless work ethic. Between 2015 and 2017, NBA YoungBoy, also known as YoungBoy Never Broke Again, transitioned from an underground artist to a mainstream rap sensation. His journey during these years laid the foundation for his remarkable career.
Early Beginnings: The Start of Something Special (2015)
NBA YoungBoy’s introduction to the rap scene began in 2015 when he was just 16 years old. He started recording music at a young age, influenced by the struggles of growing up in Baton Rouge, a city known for its tough neighborhoods and high crime rates. His lyrics reflected the harsh realities of street life, but his raw emotional delivery set him apart from many other artists in the genre.
In 2015, YoungBoy dropped several mixtapes, including Life Before Fame and Before I Go, which showcased his gritty storytelling and emotional vulnerability. These early projects weren’t widely known but caught the attention of a local following. His music was deeply personal, discussing themes like violence, loyalty, heartbreak, and survival. Even in his early work, YoungBoy displayed a distinct blend of street-oriented rap and introspective, reflective lyrics that would later define his style.
Breakthrough: 2016’s “38 Baby” and Viral Success
2016 marked the beginning of NBA YoungBoy’s mainstream breakthrough. In November of that year, he released his mixtape 38 Baby, which became a turning point in his career. The project resonated with both fans and critics, largely due to its unapologetic authenticity and catchy melodies. 38 Baby included standout tracks like “38 Baby,” “Top,” and “Yo Ikd,” which gained significant traction on YouTube and other streaming platforms.
The mixtape’s success gave NBA YoungBoy more recognition, but it also came with challenges. In February 2016, YoungBoy was arrested in Austin, Texas, on charges of attempted first-degree murder, which temporarily derailed his momentum. Despite his legal troubles, he continued to release music and maintain a strong presence on social media. His ability to stay relevant, even during periods of incarceration, showcased his immense potential and the loyalty of his fanbase.
2017: The Year of Growth and Further Recognition
The year 2017 proved to be a defining moment in NBA YoungBoy’s career. He continued to release mixtapes, with AI YoungBoy being one of the most significant projects of the year. Released in August 2017, AI YoungBoy further solidified his place in the rap game. The mixtape was praised for its versatility, with songs ranging from hard-hitting street anthems to more melodic, introspective tracks. “Untouchable,” one of the mixtape’s standout tracks, quickly became a fan favorite and received millions of streams.
Another key moment in 2017 was his collaboration with fellow Baton Rouge rapper, Boosie Badazz. YoungBoy’s collaboration with Boosie on “On the Way” highlighted his ability to blend his unique style with other influential voices in Southern rap. This collaboration helped build his credibility and reputation in the rap world.
2017 was also the year YoungBoy began to master the art of social media and streaming. Platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud became essential tools in his rise to stardom, and he consistently racked up millions of views on his music videos. His raw, unfiltered personality, both in his music and on social media, helped him gain a dedicated following, particularly among younger audiences who resonated with his struggles and triumphs.
Legal Issues and Personal Struggles
Despite his growing success, YoungBoy’s personal life remained tumultuous. Legal battles and run-ins with the law continued to shadow his career. His arrest in 2017 on charges related to a shooting incident further complicated matters. However, his ability to release music while dealing with legal challenges only endeared him more to fans, who admired his resilience and ability to continue producing hits during times of personal hardship.
In addition to his legal issues, NBA YoungBoy’s personal life, including his relationships and family, became a focal point of his public persona. He began to gain a reputation as a controversial figure in the rap world, partly due to his outspokenness and sometimes reckless behavior, which only fueled the interest around him.
Legacy of 2015–2017: A Rising Star
By the end of 2017, NBA YoungBoy was already becoming one of the most talked-about names in rap, despite still being a teenager. His ability to mix street rap with introspective and melodic elements gave him a unique edge in the hip-hop scene. With a growing catalog of mixtapes and a constantly expanding fanbase, YoungBoy was on the verge of superstardom. His trajectory was clear — he was poised to be a major force in rap for years to come.
The period between 2015 and 2017 marked the start of NBA YoungBoy’s journey to becoming one of the most prominent artists of his generation. His music spoke to the struggles of his upbringing, and his raw authenticity resonated deeply with fans. While the legal battles and personal struggles were a constant presence in his life, they did little to slow down his momentum. Instead, they seemed to add to the mystique that surrounded him, making him a polarizing yet undeniably captivating figure in the world of hip hop.
In the years that followed, NBA YoungBoy would continue to build on the foundation he laid in 2015–2017, releasing multiple successful projects, breaking streaming records, and establishing himself as a household name in rap. But it was between 2015 and 2017 that NBA YoungBoy laid the groundwork for what would become a legendary career.
NBA YoungBoy: The Evolution of a Rap Icon
Since his breakout in the mid-2010s, NBA YoungBoy (Kentrell DeSean Gaulden) has consistently dominated the rap scene, evolving into one of the most successful and influential artists of his generation. Between 2018 and 2025, his career skyrocketed, despite numerous personal challenges and legal hurdles. From chart-topping albums to massive streaming success, YoungBoy’s career over the past seven years is a testament to his resilience, versatility, and undeniable talent. Here’s an overview of his journey through these defining years.
2018: AI YoungBoy 2 and Expanding the Empire
The year 2018 marked another significant milestone for NBA YoungBoy. He had already proven his ability to make hits and amass a loyal fan base, but in 2018, his musical output reached new heights. He released multiple projects throughout the year, with AI YoungBoy 2 being one of the most pivotal. Released in October 2019, but created in the midst of 2018, this project helped solidify YoungBoy’s place in the rap game, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The mixtape featured a mix of hard-hitting street anthems and introspective tracks, showcasing his ever-evolving style.
2018 was also the year NBA YoungBoy began to hone his craft, moving from street-centric rap to more polished, melodic tracks. His ability to create songs that resonated emotionally with his listeners, particularly with younger audiences, became one of his trademarks. Tracks like “Outside Today” continued to generate buzz on streaming platforms, further establishing him as a dominant force in hip-hop.
2019–2020: Consistency and Legal Troubles
Throughout 2019 and 2020, NBA YoungBoy maintained an incredible work rate, continuing to release multiple mixtapes and albums. His ability to stay prolific was unmatched—whether through AI YoungBoy 2 (2019), 4Respect 4Freedom 4Loyalty 4WhatImportant (2019), or Top (2020), YoungBoy consistently delivered music that resonated deeply with his fans.
However, the period was not without setbacks. In March 2019, YoungBoy was arrested on federal firearms charges, a moment that marked yet another chapter of legal turmoil in his life. Though he faced several run-ins with the law, including an incident in 2020 involving the FBI, his legal battles didn’t seem to slow down his musical output. In fact, it seemed to fuel his determination, as he would often use his music to reflect on his experiences with the justice system, street life, and his internal struggles.
Despite his legal issues, NBA YoungBoy’s popularity continued to soar. He was one of the most streamed artists on platforms like YouTube, where his raw, unfiltered content found a massive audience. His emotional vulnerability and candidness about his life experiences connected with fans on a deep level, allowing him to dominate the charts despite limited traditional radio play or mainstream media coverage.
2021–2022: Sincerely, Kentrell and Becoming a Streaming Giant
In 2021, NBA YoungBoy reached new heights with his album Sincerely, Kentrell. The project, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, was not only commercially successful but critically well-received. Sincerely, Kentrell showcased YoungBoy’s range, as he experimented with a more melodic, introspective approach while still incorporating his gritty street influences. The album’s lead single, “Nevada,” garnered millions of views and streams, further solidifying his place in the music world.
But, as with many of his previous releases, his personal life continued to make headlines. The rapper’s legal issues persisted, and in 2021, he was placed under house arrest, which ironically may have allowed him to focus even more on his music. He maintained a robust output, releasing multiple projects while under house arrest, including the popular Colors mixtape (2021) and the Realer 2 mixtape (2021).
At this point, NBA YoungBoy had firmly established himself as one of the most prominent figures in hip-hop, not just in terms of sales, but also influence. His loyal fanbase, especially among younger listeners, continued to grow, and he was consistently at the top of streaming platforms like YouTube and Spotify.
2023–2025: The Continued Evolution of NBA YoungBoy
As of 2023, NBA YoungBoy’s career continues to ascend, with each project offering a glimpse into his evolving artistry. Despite numerous ups and downs in his personal life, including public relationships, legal troubles, and controversies, YoungBoy remains a prolific figure. His releases from 2023 to 2025, including albums like The Last Slimeto and Richest Opp (released in 2023), showcase a matured artist with refined lyricism and an even broader range of musical styles.
In these years, NBA YoungBoy began to experiment with different genres, blending elements of hip-hop, trap, and even rock into his music. His ability to adapt and expand his sound without losing his core identity as a street poet has been key to his continued relevance. His partnership with different producers, as well as collaborations with both established artists and up-and-coming stars, has kept his music fresh and forward-thinking.
Beyond the music, NBA YoungBoy has also ventured into the realm of social media, maintaining a strong presence across platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. His unfiltered personality and openness about his struggles have contributed to his continued popularity, as fans continue to find solace in his authenticity.
In 2024, YoungBoy released Never Broke Again: The Legacy—a reflective album that touches on his rise to fame, his internal battles, and his complex relationships with the people around him. The album proved to be another success, demonstrating his maturity as both an artist and a person. It resonated with his audience, continuing to build his legacy as a voice for the misunderstood and those navigating the challenges of life.
By 2025, NBA YoungBoy’s influence in the rap game is undeniable. Despite the hurdles he’s faced, he has managed to carve out a unique niche for himself, maintaining one of the most loyal fanbases in hip-hop. His journey from a troubled youth in Baton Rouge to a worldwide rap phenomenon speaks to his resilience and commitment to his craft.
Legacy and Impact
NBA YoungBoy’s career from 2018 to 2025 represents the rise of a self-made artist who has stayed true to his roots while evolving and pushing boundaries. He is a living testament to the power of social media and streaming platforms, having mastered the art of building an empire largely outside of traditional industry structures.
While his personal life, particularly his legal issues, remains a subject of scrutiny, NBA YoungBoy has proven that his music is what truly defines him. His career trajectory has proven that talent, work ethic, and authenticity can transcend even the most challenging circumstances, and he continues to influence the next generation of rap artists who look up to his uncompromising approach to both music and life.
As NBA YoungBoy approaches the next phase of his career, one thing remains clear: his impact on hip-hop is far from over. With an ever-growing catalog of hits and a fiercely loyal fanbase, he’s secured his place as one of the most significant rap icons of the 21st century.
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