From Baton Rouge to Billboard: The Story of NBA YoungBoy

Known to the world as Kentrell Gaulden, and to the streets of Baton Rouge as Lil Top, NBA YoungBoy has transformed from a troubled teenager into one of rap’s most influential and controversial figures. His musical creativity is more than exceptional. With over 80 million digital units sold and historical chart topping albums, YoungBoy’s impact on the genre is undeniable.

The story begins with hardship. Born on October 20, 1999, YoungBoy faced physical and emotional challenges from a young age. A traumatic neck injury as a toddler left permanent scars on his face and shoulders, symbolizing the first of many battles he would fight in his life.

Raised primarily by his grandmother, Gaulden’s early life was marked by poverty and violence. At the age of 14, he turned to music, a decision that would ultimately change his life.

However, music wasn’t just a creative outlet, but a survival mechanism. Bouncing from juvenile detention and group homes, his lyrics began to reflect the pain of his environment. His tracks slapped in raw emotions detailing his experience growing up in a violent world.

After moving in with fellow Baton Rouge rapper OG3three Never broke Again, he released his first mixtape "Life before fame" in 2015, followed by "Mind of a menace" and "Before I go". This set a stage for his entry into the mainstream earning him a loyal regional following before signing a major deal with Atlantic Record.

In 2017, he took a major step forward in his career with the release of "AI YOUNGBOY", his seventh mixtape. The album contained the single "UNTOUCHABLE" which was a breakthrough moment for him, reaching the billboard 100, putting him on the map internationally.

The work of art is about NBA YoungBoy returning to his path of success and pledging loyalty to the folks in his circle. A music video was released alongside the single featuring footages of the first day he was released from jail.

One of the defining features of Kentrell’s career is his unparalleled work ethic. Since his breakthrough in 2017, he has released astonishing amount of music, often putting out multiple albums and mixtapes.

The rapid releases such as "38 baby2", "Top", "Sincerely Kentrell" and "colors" have kept him on the spotlight cementing his reputation as a prolific artist who makes quantity as much as quality.

What is more impressive, is his ability to remain relevant despite the legal constraints and constant media scrutiny. His 2019 house arrest, 2020 probation violation and 2024 Utah drug fraud charges are just examples of his legal battles.

Kentrell’s artistry has been compared to Lil Wayne and Legendary Tupac Shakur. However, he cited the late Lil phat as his primary influence in 2016 interview with Fader. His music is described as spiritual due to the way he evokes emotions, noted in his melodic voice.

In 2020, he released his 2nd studio album titled "Top" which consisted of singles, "Kacey Talk", "All in" and "House arrest tingz". The album sold 126,000 album units in a week becoming his second highest selling album before the release of "Sincerely Kentrell", his third studio album which sold 137,000units.

Despite all this success, many critics argue his music glorifies violence and promotes dangerous lifestyle. While others defend it as raw reflection of his environment. But YoungBoy maintained that he raps what he knows and what is true to him.

With his 2024 release “I just got a lot on my shoulders”, he remains at the crossroads of fame and personal growth. At 25, he has already achieved more than most artists do in a lifetime.

His journey is far from over. The raw emotions in his music has made him the most influential artists of the past decade. His music continuous to evolve and he is inspiration to many.