Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, professionally known as NBA YoungBoy or YoungBoy Never Broke Again, is an American rapper and singer born on October 20, 1999, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Raised by his grandmother in a tough neighborhood after his father's incarceration, he discovered music as an escape, recording his first tracks at age 14 with a budget microphone from Walmart. His debut mixtape, Life Before Fame (2015), laid the groundwork, but 38 Baby (2016) propelled him to viral fame with its raw portrayal of street life, violence, and emotion.
NBA YoungBoy's signature melodic trap style, prolific output—releasing over 10 albums and dozens of mixtapes—and hits like 'Untouchable,' 'Bandit' with Juice WRLD, and 'My Window' with Lil Wayne have earned billions of streams and multiple platinum certifications. Despite immense success, his career is marred by legal troubles, including arrests for attempted murder, assault, gun charges, and prescription fraud, resulting in prison stints and house arrest. Father to 11 children from various relationships, he has spoken candidly about mental health struggles and addiction.
In 2021, he moved to Utah, expressing interest in converting to the LDS Church. As of 2026, he remains a polarizing yet influential figure in hip-hop.