View source for NBA Youngboy

{{short description|American rapper from Louisiana (born 1999)}}{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2021}} {{Infobox musician
| name             = YoungBoy Never Broke Again
| image            = NBA YOUNGBOY 2018.png
| caption          = YoungBoy in 2018
| alt              =
| alias            = {{hlist|NBA YoungBoy|Lil Top|YoungBoy|YB}}
| birth_name       = Kentrell DeSean Gaulden
| birth_date       = {{Birth date and age|1999|10|20}}
| birth_place      = [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana]], U.S.
| occupation       = {{hlist|Rapper|singer|songwriter}}
| years_active     = 2015–present
| genre            = {{hlist|[[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]|[[southern hip hop]]|[[gangsta rap]]}}
| label            = {{hlist|[[Never Broke Again]]|[[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]] }}
{{Infobox person 
| child = yes
| children = 9
| website =
{{URL|youngboynba.com}}
}}
}} '''Kentrell DeSean Gaulden''' (born October 20, 1999), known professionally as '''YoungBoy Never Broke Again'''<ref name="XXLBreak">{{cite news|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/11/nba-youngboy-interview-the-break/|title=The Break Presents: YoungBoy NeverBrokeAgain|work=[[XXL (magazine)|XXL]]|last=C.M.|first=Emmanuel|date=November 18, 2016|access-date=August 18, 2017}}</ref><ref name="XXL20">{{cite news|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/08/best-lyrics-youngboy-never-broke-again-ai-youngboy-album/|title=20 of the Best Lyrics From YoungBoy Never Broke Again's 'AI YoungBoy' Mixtape|work=XXL|date=August 7, 2017|access-date=August 18, 2017}}</ref> (also known as '''NBA YoungBoy''' or simply '''YoungBoy'''), is an American rapper. Between 2015 and 2017, he released six independent mixtapes and steadily garnered a cult following through his work. In late 2017, Gaulden was signed to [[Atlantic Records]]. In January 2018, he released the single "[[Outside Today]]", which peaked at number 31 on the [[Billboard (magazine)|''Billboard'']] [[Billboard Hot 100|Hot 100]] chart.<ref name="US100">{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/youngboy-never-broke-again/chart-history/hsi/|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again – Chart history (Billboard Hot 100)|work=Billboard|access-date=November 28, 2017}}</ref> The song became the lead single for his debut studio album ''[[Until Death Call My Name]]'' (2018) which peaked at number 7 on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]].

In October 2019, Gaulden released the single "[[Bandit (song)|Bandit]]" (with [[Juice WRLD]]), which became his first top-ten single.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again Chart History|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/youngboy-never-broke-again|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> A week later, he released ''[[AI YoungBoy 2]]'' (2019), which debuted at number one on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8533603/youngboy-never-broke-again-first-no-1-album-billboard-200|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again Nabs First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> In April 2020, he released ''[[38 Baby 2]]'', becoming his second chart-topping project on the ''Billboard'' 200. Later that year, Gaulden released his second studio album ''[[Top (album)|Top]]'' (2020), which followed suit as his third chart-topping project in less than a year.<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=September 20, 2020|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again Achieves Third No. 1 Album in Less Than a Year on the Billboard 200 Chart With 'Top'|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9452588/youngboy-never-broke-again-top-billboard-200-number-one|access-date=September 23, 2020|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> In September 2021, ''[[Sincerely, Kentrell]]'' (2021) was released during his incarceration, topping the charts again, making him the third artist besides [[2Pac]] and [[Lil Wayne]] to have a chart-topping album while incarcerated.<ref name=":1">{{Cite magazine|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again Earns Fourth No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 With 'Sincerely, Kentrell'|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9640259/youngboy-never-broke-again-sincerely-kentrell-billboard-200/|access-date=2021-10-04|magazine=Billboard|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Harris|first=Christopher|date=2021-10-04|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again's 'Sincerely, Kentrell' takes Drake's 'Certified Lover Boy' No. 1 spot on Billboard 200|url=https://www.revolt.tv/news/2021/10/4/22707653/youngboy-never-broke-agains-sincerely-kentrell-dethrones-drakes-certified-lover-boy|access-date=2021-10-05|website=REVOLT|language=en}}</ref> In August 2022, he released his fourth studio album, ''[[The Last Slimeto]]'', which marked his final project with Atlantic Records.

Despite his success, Gaulden's career has been marked by a long history of legal issues that began in 2016, and has released multiple projects during his incarcerations.<ref>{{Cite web|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again's Federal Investigation and Legal Situation, Explained|url=https://www.complex.com/music/nba-youngboy-federal-investigation-explained/|access-date=2021-12-10|website=Complex|language=en}}</ref>
==Early life==
Kentrell Gaulden was born on October 20, 1999, in [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana]]. He broke his neck while wrestling as a toddler, the injury requiring a head brace until the spine healed. The brace left permanent scars on his forehead.<ref name="FaderProdigy">{{Cite news|url=http://www.thefader.com/2017/10/10/youngboy-nba-never-broke-again-cover-story-interview|title=The teen rap prodigy worth rooting for|work=The FADER|access-date=February 26, 2018}}</ref> Gaulden was raised mainly by his maternal grandmother due to his father being sentenced to 55 years in prison.<ref name="FaderProdigy" /> He dropped out of high school in ninth grade. While in juvenile detention for a robbery charge, he began writing lyrics for his debut project.<ref name="XXLBreak" />

After he was released, Gaulden's grandmother died of [[heart failure]] and he moved in with his friend and fellow Baton Rouge rapper, NBA 3Three (also known as OG 3Three). The two then used acts of criminality to begin to pay for studio time.<ref name="FaderProdigy" />
==Career==
===2015–2017:  Career beginnings and ''AI YoungBoy''===
Gaulden first began producing music with a microphone he bought from [[Walmart]] when he was fourteen years old.<ref name="FaderProdigy" /> He released his first mixtape, ''Life Before Fame'' in 2015. A string of other mixtapes followed including ''Mind of a Menace'', ''Mind of a Menace 2'', and ''Before I Go''. Gaulden attracted attention with his October 2016 mixtape, ''38 Baby''<ref name="XXLBreak" /><ref name="XXLPrison">{{cite news|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/02/youngboy-never-broke-again-prison-interview/|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again Says He's Finding Himself in First Interview From Prison|work=XXL|last=Weinstein|first=Max|date=February 1, 2017|access-date=August 18, 2017}}</ref> which featured fellow Baton Rouge natives, [[Boosie Badazz]], [[Kevin Gates]], and fellow rappers Stroke Tha Don and NBA 3Three.<ref name="XXL38">{{cite news|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/10/nba-youngboy-38-baby-mixtape-kevin-gates-boosie-badazz/|title=NBA YoungBoy Drops '38 Baby' Mixtape Featuring Kevin Gates, Boosie BadAzz and More|work=XXL|last=Ivey|first=Justin|date=October 27, 2016|access-date=August 18, 2017}}</ref> A week later, Gaulden released another mixtape titled ''Mind of a Menace 3'' on November 4, 2016''.'' Gaulden’s quick rise to popularity could also be attributed to his "song-for-song rap beef" with fellow Baton Rouge rapper Scotty Cain in December 2015, in which songs from both rappers included death threats. Although no real violence ever occurred between the two Baton Rouge rappers, their feuding attracted a lot of attention.<ref name="XXLPrison" /><ref name="XXL38" />

In November 2016, Gaulden was arrested in [[Austin]], [[Texas]] on suspicion of attempted first-degree murder in connection with an alleged [[drive-by shooting]].<ref name="XXLPrison" /><ref name="XXLDetails">{{cite news|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/12/details-youngboy-never-broke-agains-attempted-murder-case/|title=Details Emerge in YoungBoy Never Broke Again's Attempted Murder Case|work=XXL|last=Coleman II|first=C. Vernon|date=December 10, 2016|access-date=August 18, 2017}}</ref> While in jail in [[East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana]],<ref name="XXLPrison" /> Gaulden re-released his two mixtapes, ''Before I Go'' and ''Mind of a Menace 3''. Gaulden was released from prison in May 2017 after taking a [[plea deal]] and posting bail.<ref name="XXLPlea">{{cite news|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/05/youngboy-never-broke-again-released-jail-pleading-lesser-charges/|title=Youngboy Never Broke Again Was Released From Jail After Pleading Guilty to Lesser Charges|last=Berry|first=Peter A.|date=May 30, 2017|work=XXL|access-date=August 18, 2017}}</ref> A week after leaving prison, Gaulden released the single, "[[Untouchable (YoungBoy Never Broke Again song)|Untouchable]]".<ref name="FaderUn">{{cite news|url=http://www.thefader.com/2017/05/30/nba-youngboy-untouchable-video|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again Returns With A New Video For "Untouchable"|work=The Fader|last=Dandridge-Lemco|first=Ben|date=May 30, 2017|access-date=August 18, 2017}}</ref>

In July 2017, Gaulden released a video for his song, "41", that included cameos from notable artists including, [[Meek Mill]], [[Young Thug]], [[21 Savage]], Boosie Badazz, and [[Yo Gotti]].<ref name="Fader41">{{cite news|url=http://www.thefader.com/2017/07/05/nba-youngboy-41-video-young-thug-21-savage|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again Levels Up In His "41" Video|last=Dandridge-Lemco|first=Ben|date=July 5, 2017|work=[[The Fader]]|access-date=August 18, 2017}}</ref> On August 3, 2017, he released his mixtape, ''AI YoungBoy'' which charted at 24 on the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Weinstein|first=Max|date=August 3, 2017|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again Drops 'AI Youngboy' Mixtape - XXL|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/nba-youngboy-never-broke-again-ai-youngboy-mixtape/|access-date=August 18, 2017|website=XXL Mag|language=en}}</ref> The single, "Untouchable", peaked at number 95 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart.<ref name="Chart">{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/youngboy-never-broke-again/chart-history/bsi/|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again – Chart History – Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=January 30, 2018}}</ref> The second single from the project, "[[No Smoke (YoungBoy Never Broke Again song)|No Smoke]]", peaked at number 61 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref name="BB">{{Cite news|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again Chart History|work=Billboard|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/youngboy-never-broke-again/chart-history/hsi/|access-date=February 26, 2018}}</ref>
===2018–2019: ''Until Death Call My Name'' and ''AI YoungBoy 2''===
Gaulden released the single "[[Outside Today]]" on January 6, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again Drops ''Outside Today'' Video - XXL|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/video/2018/01/youngboy-never-broke-again-outside-today-video/|access-date=February 26, 2018|website=XXL Mag}}</ref> The song became Gaulden's highest charting song, peaking at number 31 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref name="BB" /> He announced his debut studio album, ''[[Until Death Call My Name]]'' on January 11, shortly after signing a joint venture deal with [[Atlantic Records]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.45678/title.youngboy-never-broke-again-announces-until-death-call-my-name-album#|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again Announces "Until Death Call My Name" Album|work=HipHopDX|access-date=February 26, 2018}}</ref> The album was released on April 27, 2018.<ref>{{Citation|title=Until Death Call My Name by YoungBoy Never Broke Again on Apple Music|date=April 27, 2018|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/until-death-call-my-name/1332878271|access-date=February 26, 2018}}</ref> Despite being arrested in February 2018, Gaulden promised a new mixtape.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/nba-youngboy-promises-new-mixtape-despite-legal-drama-news.44635.html|title=NBA YoungBoy Promises New Mixtape Despite Legal Drama|work=HotNewHipHop|access-date=February 26, 2018}}</ref> Gaulden was released from jail on March 15, and his next mixtape ''Master The Day Of Judgement'' was released on May 19, 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/youngboy-nba-returns-with-master-the-day-of-judgement-mixtape-new-mixtape.118067.html |title=YoungBoy NBA Returns With "Master The Day of Judgement" Mixtape |publisher=Hotnewhiphop.com |date=May 19, 2018 |access-date=October 11, 2019}}</ref> Throughout the summer of 2018, Gaulden released a series of four EPs, each containing four tracks. The first of which, ''4Respect'', was released on August 24, followed by ''4Freedom'', ''4Loyalty'' and ''4WhatImportant'' on August 30, September 6 and 14, respectively. In conjunction with the final part being released, all four EPs were combined into a 16-track compilation titled ''4Respect 4Freedom 4Loyalty 4WhatImportant''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/youngboy-never-broke-again-drops-4respect-4freedom-4loyalty-4whatimportant-new-mixtape.118407.html |title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again Drops "4Respect 4Freedom 4Loyalty 4WhatImportant" |publisher=Hotnewhiphop.com |date=September 14, 2018 |access-date=October 11, 2019}}</ref> On September 7, Gaulden released his mixtape ''Decided'', featuring a sole guest appearance from [[Trippie Redd]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/decided/1436651757 |title=Decided by YoungBoy Never Broke Again on Apple Music |date=September 7, 2018 |publisher=Itunes.apple.com |access-date=October 11, 2019}}</ref> On December 20, Gaulden released another mixtape, ''Realer'', featuring guest appearances from [[Lil Baby]] and [[Plies (rapper)|Plies]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/realer/1447442327 |title=â€ŽRealer by YoungBoy Never Broke Again on Apple Music |date=December 20, 2018 |publisher=Itunes.apple.com |access-date=October 11, 2019}}</ref>

By January 2019, Gaulden was on [[YouTube]]'s Top Music Artists list in the United States for the previous 101 weeks, which made him the most-watched musician across all genres.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2019/01/youngboy-never-broke-again-king-of-youtube|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again Is the Unlikely King of YouTube|last=Alston|first=Trey|website=Complex|access-date=July 12, 2019}}</ref> This was mainly due in part to his consistency of releasing music regularly and exclusively on YouTube. He was also the 9th best selling artist on the 2019 [[Billboard (magazine)|''Billboard'']] Mid-Year Charts and was seventh in the top ten artists ranked by on-demand audio streams without dropping a project in the first six months of 2019.<ref name=":0" />

Gaulden was sentenced to 14 months on house arrest following a probation violation earlier in 2019. Due to the house arrest, he was unable to record music from anywhere besides his house.<ref name=":3">{{cite web|last=A.|first=Aron|date=October 10, 2019|title=Youngboy Never Broke Again "AI Youngboy 2" Arrives Earlier Than Expected|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/youngboy-never-broke-again-ai-youngboy-2-arrives-earlier-than-expected-new-mixtape.119645.html|access-date=October 10, 2019|website=HotNewHipHop}}</ref> On September 25, 2019, Gaulden released the "aptly titled" single "House Arrest Tingz".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hypebeast.com/2019/9/nba-youngboy-house-arrest-tingz-music-video-official-watch|title=NBA YoungBoy Shares New Song and Video, "House Arrest Tingz"|last=Groce|first=Nia|date=September 26, 2019|website=HYPEBEAST|access-date=October 10, 2019}}</ref>

On October 4, 2019, Gaulden released the song "[[Bandit (song)|Bandit]]", with rapper [[Juice WRLD]], released as the final new song by Juice WRLD as a lead artist before his death. The song reached number 10 on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100, becoming NBA Youngboy's highest charting single.

On October 10, 2019, Gaulden released his mixtape ''[[AI YoungBoy 2]]'', and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200.<ref name=":4" /> The mixtape is a sequel to his 2017 breakout ''AI Youngboy'' and features 18 songs, including the previously released song "Slime Mentality".<ref name=":3" /> Gaulden was able to get his first number one album on the ''Billboard'' 200 because the album had accumulated 144.7 million on-demand audio streams during its first week, becoming one of the top ten biggest streaming debuts of 2019.<ref name=":4" />
===2020–2021: ''38 Baby 2'', ''Top'', and ''Sincerely, Kentrell''===
In February 2020, Gaulden released his mixtape, ''[[Still Flexin, Still Steppin]]''. It debuted at number two on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], becoming his second-highest charting album after his 2019 number-one album ''[[AI YoungBoy 2]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2020/02/youngboy-never-broke-again-still-flexin-still-steppin-album/|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again Still Flexin, Still Steppin: Listen|work=[[XXL (magazine)|XXL]]|last=Centeno|first=Tony M.|date=February 21, 2020|access-date=June 20, 2020}}</ref> On April 24, 2020, Gaulden released his mixtape ''[[38 Baby 2]]'', debuting at number one on the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9370601/youngboy-never-broke-again-38-baby-2-tops-billboard-200|title='Baby' One More Time: YoungBoy Never Broke Again's '38 Baby 2' Bounces DaBaby From No. 1 on Billboard 200|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=May 3, 2020|access-date=May 4, 2020}}</ref> On August 20, 2020, Gaulden announced the release of his second studio album titled ''[[Top (album)|Top]]'', which was released on September 11. It includes the Hot 100-charting singles "[[All In (YoungBoy Never Broke Again song)|All In]]", "[[Kacey Talk]]", and "[[My Window]]" featuring [[Lil Wayne]].<ref name="Powell">{{cite web|url=https://www.revolt.tv/platform/amp/new-music/2020/8/17/21372074/youngboy-never-broke-again-kacey-talk-video|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again hangs with his children in "Kacey Talk video|work=[[Revolt (TV network)|Revolt]]|last=Powell|first=Jon|date=August 17, 2020|access-date=August 24, 2020|archive-date=January 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122004703/https://www.revolt.tv/platform/amp/new-music/2020/8/17/21372074/youngboy-never-broke-again-kacey-talk-video|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|url=https://twitter.com/GGYOUNGBOY/status/1296506666448334854|title=September 11th TOP" the album 18 songs #PreOrder now|user=GGYOUNGBOY|number=1296506666448334854|date=August 20, 2020}}</ref> The album debuted at number one on the ''Billboard'' 200 and became his third number-one album in under one year.

On November 11, 2020, Gaulden released his fourth solo project of 2020, the mixtape ''Until I Return''. It was released exclusively on YouTube, and was made available three days later to streaming services with four additional songs. The mixtape has no guest features.<ref name="Return">{{cite web|last=Saponara|first=Michael|date=November 14, 2020|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again Releases 'Until I Return' Mixtape Onto Streaming Services|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.59012/title.youngboy-never-broke-again-releases-until-i-return-mixtape-onto-streaming-services|access-date=November 14, 2020|work=[[HipHopDX]]}}</ref> On November 20, 2020, Gaulden released a collaborative project with [[Rich the Kid]], titled ''Nobody Safe''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rich the Kid and YoungBoy Never Broke Again Connect for Joint Album 'Nobody Safe'|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2020/11/rich-the-kid-youngboy-never-broke-again-nobody-safe-album-stream|access-date=November 29, 2020|website=Complex}}</ref>

On September 24, 2021, Gaulden released his third studio album, ''[[Sincerely, Kentrell]]'' from prison. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 making him the third artist besides [[Tupac Shakur|2Pac]] and [[Lil Wayne]] to have a number one album while incarcerated.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

Following his release from jail in late October 2021, he released a number of singles beginning in November, including "Heart and Soul", "Alligator Walk", and "Blackball". The singles led up to his collaborative mixtape with Birdman, ''From the Bayou'', which was released on December 10, 2021, after initially being announced in March 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Birdman Unleash 'From the Bayou' Mixtape|url=https://www.complex.com/music/youngboy-never-broke-again-birdman-from-the-bayou-mixtape|access-date=2021-12-11|website=Complex}}</ref>
===2022-present: ''Colors'', ''The Last Slimeto'', and ''Realer 2''===
Gaulden released another mixtape, titled ''[[Colors (mixtape)|Colors]]'', on January 21, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again Releases ‘Colors’ Mixtape|url=https://www.complex.com/music/youngboy-never-broke-again-colors-mixtape-stream|access-date=2022-01-21|website=Complex}}</ref> This mixtape garnered attention due to the singles released previously, in which he [[Diss (music)|dissed]] rappers [[King Von]] and [[NLE Choppa]] on the tracks "[[Bring the Hook]]" and "Know Like I Know", respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-01-20|title=NBA YoungBoy Issues Threat Following NLE Choppa & Lil Durk Diss: 'You N-ggas Gon Die'|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.67387/title.nba-youngboy-lil-durk-nle-choppa-threat-beef|access-date=2022-01-21|website=HipHopDX}}</ref>

On April 1, 2022, YoungBoy Never Broke Again released the ''Last Slimeto Sampler''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.complex.com/music/youngboy-never-broke-again-the-last-slimeto-project-new-songs|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again Shares 7 New Tracks From 'The Last Slimeto' Project|access-date=April 1, 2022}}</ref> This led up to his fourth studio album, ''[[The Last Slimeto]]'', which is also his final album with Atlantic Records, and was released on August 5, 2022. In May, it was reported that Gaulden rejected CEO [[Craig Kallman]]'s $25 million dollar offer to renew his Atlantic deal, calling the label out on its artist integrity. He also called to be released from the label along with fellow ex-labelmate [[Meek Mill]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-10 |title=NBA YoungBoy Joins Meek Mill & PnB Rock On Anti-Atlantic Records Train |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.67949/title.nba-youngboy-atlantic-records-diss-meek-mill-pnb-rock |access-date=2022-05-29 |website=HipHopDX}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NBA Youngboy And Meek Mill Call Out Their Record Label {{!}} WGCI-FM |url=https://wgci.iheart.com/featured/keke/content/2022-02-01-nba-youngboy-and-meek-mill-call-out-their-record-label/ |access-date=2022-05-29 |website=KeKe |language=en}}</ref> Additionally, in July 2022, he terminated his performance rights management deal with [[American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers|ASCAP]] and joined [[Irving Azoff]]-headed Global Music Rights.

Through Never Broke Again's Instagram page, it was announced that YoungBoy had finally completed his contract with Atlantic Records.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/ChJowwsOaBg/?hl=en|title="The Last Slimeto" thanks for everyone that supported "Top & @neverbrokeagainllc we completed a contract that most artist stuck in they whole life , welcome to a new journey of life , we will own all our rights to our music , Top say he going in hiding till January, court in a few days let the world say a prayer for TOP & them 5’s " Be on look out for @neverbrokeagainllc dropping a tape on "Halloween" it’s been a great time with @atlanticrecords @artistpg we defeated the whole industry @og_3three @1225ktwice @nba_selfpaid @forevermb10x @nbakd2x @bbgbabyblow4x @herm_dha_blacksheep_ forgot to mention ddawg got less then 30 days left|access-date=August 12, 2022}}</ref>

On September 4, 2022, YoungBoy released the [[YouTube]] exclusive single "Purge Me".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-05 |title=NBA YOUNGBOY ANNOUNCES NINTH CHILD, RELEASES NEW VIDEO ‘PURGE ME’ |url=https://thesource.com/2022/09/05/nba-youngboy-announces-ninth-child-releases-new-video-purge-me/ |access-date=2022-09-04 |website=[[The Sun (magazine)|The Sun]]}}</ref> On September 5, 2022, through DJ Akademiks it was announced that YoungBoy would release a surprise mixtape titled ''[[Realer 2]]'', presented as a sequel to his December 2018 ''Realer''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Akademiks/status/1566833834582220802|title=Breaking: NBA Youngboy deactivates his Instagram page. I talked to him and asked why... He said 'Realer 2' is dropping tonight!!!!|access-date=September 5, 2022}}</ref> However, the mixtape did not release according to plan. On September 6, 2022, at around 4 PM EST, the mixtape was released primarily to YoungBoy's YouTube channel. Just a day later on September 7, the mixtape was added to all digital streaming platforms; despite YoungBoy's departure from Atlantic Records, the mixtape was distributed through the label.
==Musical style==
NBA YoungBoy has been noted for his melodic vocals and "signature aggressive punch and high energy".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hypebeast.com/2020/9/youngboy-never-broke-again-snoop-dogg-callin-new-song?amp=1|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Snoop Dogg Drop New Single "Callin"|work=Hypebeast|last=Johnson|first=Patrick|date=September 1, 2020|access-date=September 8, 2020}}</ref> He is known for his consistency in releasing music, with his work ethic described as being of a "rapid fire pace".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2020/11/youngboy-never-broke-again-new-mixtape-until-i-return|title=Listen to YoungBoy Never Broke Again's New Mixtape 'Until I Return'|work=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]|last=FNR|first=Tigg|date=November 11, 2020|access-date=November 14, 2020}}</ref> YoungBoy has released a total of twenty-six studio albums, EP's, and mixtapes since 2015.
==Legal issues==
Despite his success as a musical artist, Gaulden had been involved in numerous criminal run-ins and a civil lawsuit.
===2014: Robbery charge and juvenile detention===
In late 2014, Gaulden was arrested for [[robbery]] and sent to a detention center in [[Tallulah, Louisiana]]. He was released after serving 6 months.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lamarre |first=Carl |date=2018-02-28 |title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again’s Legal Problems: A Timeline of Trouble |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/youngboy-never-broke-again-legal-troubles-timeline-8221654/ |access-date=2022-08-24 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-10-04 |title=NBA Youngboy's Criminal Record: A Brief History |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/nba-youngboys-criminal-record-a-brief-history-news.118908.html |access-date=2022-08-24 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-10-04 |title= Meet NBA YoungBoy, Baton Rouge’s Rawest New Rapper|url= https://www.thefader.com/2016/10/04/nba-youngboy-interview-gen-f/amp|access-date=2022-08-27|website= The FADER}}</ref>
===2016-17: Attempted murder===
On November 28, 2016, U.S. Marshals arrested Gaulden before a concert in [[Austin, Texas]], accusing him of jumping out of a vehicle and opening fire on a group of people on a South Baton Rouge street. Gaulden was charged with two counts of [[attempted murder]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thefader.com/2016/12/08/nba-youngboy-charge-attempted-first-degree-murder|title=NBA YoungBoy Charged With Attempted First Degree Murder|work=The FADER|access-date=February 26, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Advocate">{{cite news|url=http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/courts/article_d56c01a4-875c-11e7-913e-efe6249899e1.html|title=Baton Rouge teen rapper Kentrell Gaulden lectured by judge, given probation in drive-by shooting|date=August 23, 2017|access-date=August 23, 2017}}</ref> Gaulden was in jail until May 2017 for attempted first degree murder.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/05/youngboy-never-broke-again-released-from-jail/|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again Released From Jail – XXL|website=XXL Mag|access-date=February 26, 2018}}</ref> Speaking on his incarceration, he said "I don't think they really target, but if you got a name, they know who you is, you do something, they gonna come get you, and whoever you're with and whatever they do, you're accountable for it just because you got the biggest name. That's how that shit go."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/02/youngboy-never-broke-again-prison-interview/|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again Gives His First Interview From Prison - XXL|website=XXL Mag|access-date=February 26, 2018}}</ref> Facing two counts of attempted first-degree murder, he pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of aggravated assault with a firearm. On August 22, 2017, he was sentenced to a suspended 10-year prison term and three years of active probation.<ref name="Advocate" />
===2018: Assault, weapons and kidnapping===
Gaulden was arrested before a concert at The Moon nightclub in [[Tallahassee, Florida|Tallahassee]] on February 25, 2018. Gaulden had a warrant in the state of [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] for allegedly committing assault, weapons violations and kidnapping.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2018/02/youngboy-never-broke-again-arrested-warrant-in-florida/|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again Arrested in Florida – XXL|website=XXL Mag|access-date=February 26, 2018}}</ref> Hotel surveillance footage leaked shortly following his arrest showing Gaulden assaulting his former girlfriend.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2018/02/youngboy-never-broke-again-altercation-girlfriend-surveillance-footage/|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again Caught On Surveillance Footage getting Into Altercation With Girlfriend|website=XXL Mag|access-date=February 26, 2018}}</ref> On March 15, 2018, he was released from jail on $75,000 bail.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thefader.com/2018/03/16/nba-youngboy-bailed-assault-kidnap|title=NBA YoungBoy released on bail|work=The FADER|access-date=March 19, 2018}}</ref>
===2019: Assault and battery lawsuit===
On March 12, 2019, it was reported that Gaulden and Never Broke Again artist Tyquian "[[Quando Rondo]]" Bowman were filed suit by a man claiming to be the rappers' bodyguard, tour manager and/or tour DJ for [[assault]], [[Battery (crime)|battery]] and [[Distress (medicine)|emotional distress]]. The lawsuit claims that on December 21, 2018, during a concert in [[Florence, South Carolina]], the two performers were annoyed by a crazed fan resulting in an argument. The claimant states that he, Gaulden, Bowman and members of their entourage were escorted backstage by management, venue owners and concert organizers where he claims to have been assaulted by the two aforementioned. The person, who claimed was confronted by the two defendants, commented that Bowman (although unprovoked) instigated the incident by attempting to force him back onstage to break up the fan craze to secure his team, but after he refused, Bowman and Gaulden immediately assaulted him as he tried to explain to both parties of his deeds. It resulted in the victim sustaining a "cracked tooth, bloody face and injuries to his reputation". Gaulden's attorney stated that he had no prior knowledge of the incident, but would look into the outcome of the lawsuit.<ref>{{Cite web |last=jgyan@theadvocate.com |first=JOE GYAN JR {{!}} |title=Baton Rouge rapper NBA Youngboy sued over alleged 'violent attack' in South Carolina |url=https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/courts/article_4275faa2-45a2-11e9-a765-9f8c0e2632d7.html |access-date=2022-08-24 |website=The Advocate |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Foster |first=Kevin |title=LAWSUIT: Man claims rappers NBA Youngboy, Quando Rando attacked him in South Carolina |url=https://www.wafb.com/2019/03/14/lawsuit-man-claims-rappers-nba-youngboy-quando-rando-attacked-him-south-carolina/ |access-date=2022-08-24 |website=https://www.wafb.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title='NBA Youngboy,' 'Quando Rando' sued after alleged SC assault |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article227691724.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fitzgerald |first=Trent FitzgeraldTrent |title=NBA YoungBoy, Quando Rondo Sued for Violent Attack - XXL |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/youngboy-never-broke-again-quando-rondo-sued-alleged-violent-attack/ |access-date=2022-08-24 |website=XXL Mag |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Quando Rondo Sued by DJ for Alleged Attack at Concert |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2019/03/nba-youngboy-quando-rondo-sued-by-dj-alleged-attack |access-date=2022-08-24 |website=Complex |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-03-15 |title=NBA Youngboy & Quando Rondo Sued For Alleged "Violent Attack" At Concert |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/nba-youngboy-and-quando-rondo-sued-for-alleged-violent-attack-at-concert-news.74584.html |access-date=2022-08-24 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}}</ref>
===2019: Miami shooting, probation violation and house arrest===
While Gaulden was on probation, on May 12, 2019, he was involved in a shooting in [[Miami]] in which he returned fire after a shooter in a black [[Cadillac Escalade]] opened fire, injuring Gaulden's girlfriend and killing a bystander.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wafb.com/2019/08/15/nba-youngboy-released-prison-awaits-probation-hearing/|title=Judge ends rapper NBA Youngboy's probation; rapper expected to leave state|first1=Mykal|last1=Vincent|first2=Scottie|last2=Hunter|first3=Kevin|last3=Foster|website=WAFB}}</ref> Though Gaulden's charges for the shooting itself were dismissed, he was found to be in the company of Ben Fields and Trulondrick "Boomer" Norman, which violated a special condition of his probation; for this violation, the judge ordered him to spend 90 days in jail, banned him from performing for the next 14 months, and sentenced him to house arrest with electronic monitoring for the remainder of his probation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/courts/article_a30cda56-93af-11e9-826d-933d21cff6d1.html|title=Baton Rouge rapper NBA Youngboy gets 90 days in jail, house arrest, and 14-month performance ban|first=Joe|last=Gayen|website=The Advocate|access-date=June 23, 2021}}</ref>
===2019-20: Probation termination and renewal===
On December 13, 2019, the judge officially terminated Gaulden's probation for two counts of attempted murder.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/nba-youngboy-is-finally-off-probation-news.98219.html|title=NBA YoungBoy Is Finally Off Probation|website=HotNewHipHop|date=December 13, 2019}}</ref> However, it was renowned after he was sentenced to a year of probation five days later after he pleaded guilty to simple assault in the case involving his ex-girlfriend.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/nba-youngboy-cops-plea-deal-and-avoids-jail-in-ex-gf-assault-kidnapping-case-news.98662.html|title=NBA YoungBoy Cops Plea Deal & Avoids Jail In Ex-GF Assault, Kidnapping Case: Report|website=HotNewHipHop|date=December 19, 2019}}</ref>
===2020: Baton Rouge arrest for firearm and drug offenses===
On September 28, 2020, Gaulden was among sixteen people arrested in [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana]] on various charges, including distribution and manufacturing of drugs and possession of stolen firearms. His lawyer denied any guilt, stating "There was no indication that he had any guns or drugs on him at the time of the arrest".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/youngboy-never-broke-again-arrest-drug-firearm-charges-1068401/amp/|title=Youngboy Never Broke Again Arrested on Drug, Firearms Charges|work=[[Rolling Stone]]|last=Bilstein|first=Jon|date=September 29, 2020|access-date=September 29, 2020}}</ref> As news of his arrest surfaced, Gaulden deleted all of his social media, including his Instagram and Twitter accounts.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Reslen|first=Eileen|date=September 29, 2020|title=NBA YoungBoy arrested in Baton Rouge reportedly over firearm charges|url=https://pagesix.com/2020/09/29/nba-youngboy-arrested-in-baton-rouge-reportedly-over-firearm-charges/|access-date=September 29, 2020|website=Page Six|language=en-US}}</ref>
===2021-22: Federal firearm charge===
On March 22, 2021, Gaulden was arrested by federal agents in [[Los Angeles]] executing a federal warrant stemming from his September 2020 arrest in [[Baton Rouge]]. Officers attempted to stop a vehicle with Gaulden in it to serve the warrant when Gaulden took off on foot. After a search that involved using a [[Police dog|K9]], Gaulden was found and booked on federal firearms charges.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NBA YoungBoy Arrested, Cops Use K-9 to Track Him After He Flees|url=https://www.tmz.com/2021/03/22/nba-youngboy-arrested-los-angeles-warrant-feds-lapd-k9-foot-pursuit/|access-date=March 23, 2021|website=TMZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last = Gyan|first = Joe, Jr.|date=2021-03-24|title = Feds indict Baton Rouge rapper NBA YoungBoy firearms charges; lawyer criticizes 'surprise' arrest|url = https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/courts/article_7e2f3500-8c99-11eb-91e0-1f35a01f01df.amp.html|website = The Advocate|access-date = 2022-05-04}}</ref> On October 26, 2021, he was released from jail on a $1.5 million bail.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last1=Dillon|first1=Nancy|date=2021-10-26|title=NBA YoungBoy Released from Jail in Louisiana|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/nba-youngboy-is-getting-out-of-jail-1248473/|access-date=2022-01-01|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}}</ref>

On July 15, 2022, Gaulden was found not guilty on his federal firearms charges from California, due to a lack of evidence linking him to intentionally possessing the weapons found.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-15 |title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again Found Not Guilty in Federal Case |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/youngboy-never-broke-again-found-not-guilty-in-federal-case/ |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dillon |first=Nancy |date=2022-07-15 |title=NBA YoungBoy Found Not Guilty in L.A. Gun Trial: 'I'm Feeling Great' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/nba-youngboy-verdict-los-angeles-gun-case-not-guilty-1383748/ |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Personal life==
At 22 years old, Gaulden is the father of eight children with seven different women.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ibile|first=Fagbo|date=2022-08-16|title=How many kids does NBA YoungBoy have?|url=https://www.capitalxtra.com/features/facts/nba-youngboy-trivia/kids-children|url-status=live|access-date=2022-08-16|website=CapitalXtra.com}}</ref><ref name="THE">{{Cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.59979/title.youngboy-never-broke-again-is-a-7x-dad-welcomes-baby-with-yaya-mayweather|title=NBA YoungBoy Welcomes Seventh Child|last=Ibile|first=Fagbo|work=hiphopdx.com|date=January 9, 2021|access-date=January 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rap-up.com/2020/12/01/nba-youngboy-drea-symone-welcome-baby-girl/|title = NBA YoungBoy and Drea Symone Welcome Baby Girl}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2021/01/youngboy-never-broke-again-yaya-mayweather-welcome-baby|title=YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Yaya Mayweather Welcome Baby Boy|website=[[Complex Networks]]}}</ref> Two of his sons, Kayden and Kacey, appeared in the video for his single, "[[Kacey Talk]]".<ref name="Powell" />

In a 2017 profile for ''[[The Fader]]'', Gaulden named Kamron as one of his sons. Kamron was born in July 2016 to Starr Thigpen just weeks after Kayden.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefader.com/2017/10/10/youngboy-nba-never-broke-again-cover-story-interview|title = The teen rap prodigy worth rooting for}}</ref> However, a DNA test later confirmed that he was not the biological father.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/nba-youngboy-unloads-on-baby-mama-starr-do-we-need-another-dna-test-news.116820.html|title = NBA Youngboy Unloads on Baby Mama Starr: "Do We Need Another DNA Test?"|website = HNHH|date = August 28, 2020}}</ref>
==Discography==
{{main|YoungBoy Never Broke Again discography}}
*''[[Until Death Call My Name]]'' (2018)
*''[[Top (album)|Top]]'' (2020)
*''[[Sincerely, Kentrell]]'' (2021)
*''[[The Last Slimeto]]'' (2022)
==Awards and nominations==
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|-
! scope="col" |Award
! scope="col" |Year
! scope="col" |Recipient(s) and nominee(s)
! scope="col" |Category
! scope="col" |Result
! scope="col" class="unsortable" |{{Abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
![[American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers|ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards]]
|2021
|"[[Bandit (song)|Bandit]]" (with [[Juice WRLD]])
<small>(only on behalf of Gaulden himself)</small>
|Winning Rap Songs
|{{won}}
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ascap.com/news-events/awards/2021/rs-awards |title=2021 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards|website=ASCAP|access-date=June 23, 2021}}</ref>
|-
![[BET Hip Hop Awards]]
|[[2019 BET Hip Hop Awards|2019]]
|"I Am Who They Say I Am" (with [[Kevin Gates]] and [[Quando Rondo]])
|Best Impact Track
|{{nominated}}
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Nominees Revealed for the 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards &#124; BET &#124; 2019 Hip Hop Awards &#124; Hip Hop Awards|url=https://www.bet.com/shows/hip-hop-awards/2019/nominees-announced.html|access-date=October 11, 2019|publisher=BET}}</ref>
|-
![[BMI Film & TV Awards|BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards]]
|2021
|"Bandit" (with Juice WRLD)
<small>(only on behalf of Juice WRLD (posthumously) and [[Nick Mira]])</small>
|Most Performed R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
|{{won}}
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bmi.com/award-shows/r-and-b-hip-hop-2021/|title = 2021 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards}}</ref>
|-
![[Grammy Awards]]
|[[64th Annual Grammy Awards|2022]]
|"[[WusYaName]]" (with [[Tyler, the Creator]] and [[Ty Dolla Sign]])
|[[Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance|Best Melodic Rap Performance]]
|{{nominated}}
|<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/2022-grammys-complete-winners-nominees-nominations-list|title = 2022 GRAMMYs Awards Show: Complete Nominations List|date = November 23, 2021}}</ref>
|-
|}
==See also==
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
*[https://soundcloud.com/nba-youngboy YoungBoy Never Broke Again] on [[SoundCloud]]
*[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClW4jraMKz6Qj69lJf-tODA YoungBoy Never Broke Again] on [[YouTube]]