In the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop, few artists have managed to carve out a unique space quite like NBA YoungBoy. Known for his raw lyricism, emotional depth, and prolific output, NBA YoungBoy has captivated fans worldwide. But behind his success lies a web of influences—rappers who have shaped his sound, style, and career trajectory.
In this article, we’ll explore NBA YoungBoy’s top five rappers, delving into how each artist has impacted him and why they are essential in understanding his artistry. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to his music, understanding these influences provides deeper insight into NBA YoungBoy’s place in modern hip-hop.
Who Is Youngboy Never Broke Again?
Before diving into his influences, it’s important to understand NBA YoungBoy’s background. Born Kentrell DeSean Gaulden in 1999 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he rose to fame with his raw, emotionally charged music that often reflects his life struggles, personal experiences, and street realities. His ability to blend melodic hooks with gritty rap verses has made him a standout artist in the trap scene.
NBA YoungBoy’s prolific output—releasing dozens of mixtapes and albums—has cemented his status as one of the most influential young rappers of his generation. But like many artists, his style is heavily influenced by the legends and contemporaries who came before him.
NBA YoungBoy’s Top Five Rappers Who Influence His Music
1. Lil Wayne
Influence Overview:
Lil Wayne is arguably the most significant influence on NBA YoungBoy. The New Orleans legend’s innovative wordplay, melodic versatility, and storytelling ability have profoundly impacted YoungBoy’s approach to music.
Why Lil Wayne?
NBA YoungBoy has often cited Lil Wayne as his idol. The way Wayne fused rap with melody and his prolific nature inspired YoungBoy to pursue a relentless creative process. Tracks like “Karate Chop,” “No Love,” and YoungBoy’s own mixtapes showcase his admiration for Wayne’s style.
Impact on NBA YoungBoy:
- Incorporation of melodic flows alongside traditional rap verses
- Emphasis on lyrical storytelling, especially about personal struggles
- Emulating Lil Wayne’s energy and adaptability in different styles
Key Track:
“Untouchable” — shows YoungBoy’s lyrical prowess reminiscent of Lil Wayne’s storytelling.
2. Tupac Shakur (2Pac)
Influence Overview:
Tupac’s influence on NBA YoungBoy is rooted in his emotional depth, social commentary, and raw honesty. 2Pac’s ability to express vulnerability while addressing societal issues resonates deeply with YoungBoy’s lyrical themes.
Why Tupac?
YoungBoy’s music often reflects Tupac’s spirit—raw emotion, introspection, and social awareness. YoungBoy’s willingness to open up about mental health, pain, and street life echoes Tupac’s legacy.
Impact on NBA YoungBoy:
- Emphasis on storytelling that captures real-life struggles
- Incorporation of social and emotional themes into his lyrics
- A desire to make music that has meaning beyond entertainment
Key Track:
“Murder Business” — encapsulates raw emotion and storytelling akin to Tupac’s style.
3. Juvenile
Influence Overview:
Hailing from Louisiana like NBA YoungBoy, Juvenile’s influence is rooted in regional authenticity and street storytelling. Juvenile’s gritty lyrics and Southern rap style have guided YoungBoy’s approach to capturing his Louisiana roots.
Why Juvenile?
The influence is both cultural and musical. Juvenile’s success proved that Southern rap could dominate mainstream charts, inspiring YoungBoy to embrace his regional sound.
Impact on NBA YoungBoy:
- Use of Southern slang and regional dialects in lyrics
- Focus on street life and personal experiences
- Incorporation of bounce-heavy beats and melodies
Key Track:
“3 Thangz” — a classic Juvenile track that exemplifies Louisiana rap storytelling.
4. Lil Durk
Influence Overview:
Lil Durk is a contemporary rapper whose emotional, melodic trap music aligns closely with NBA YoungBoy’s style. Their frequent collaborations and similar soundscapes highlight mutual influence.
Why Lil Durk?
YoungBoy admires Lil Durk’s ability to blend melodic hooks with street-oriented lyrics. Their shared experiences and lyrical themes create a natural synergy.
Impact on NBA YoungBoy:
- Emphasis on melodic, emotionally raw hooks
- Focus on street credibility and personal pain
- Collaborations that showcase their shared influences
Key Track:
“All In” — a song that exemplifies their stylistic similarities.
5. Chief Keef
Influence Overview:
Chief Keef’s drill sound revolutionized Chicago rap and has significantly influenced NBA YoungBoy’s delivery and production choices.
Why Chief Keef?
YoungBoy looks up to Keef’s gritty, aggressive style and his role in popularizing drill music. Keef’s raw energy and street authenticity are qualities YoungBoy aspires to emulate.
Impact on NBA YoungBoy:
- Aggressive delivery and energetic flow
- Use of dark, gritty beats
- Emphasis on street credibility and authenticity
Key Track:
“No Flockin” — a song that showcases YoungBoy’s admiration for Keef’s style.
How These Influences Shape NBA YoungBoy’s Music
NBA YoungBoy’s music is a tapestry woven from these influences. His ability to switch seamlessly between melodic hooks and gritty raps reflects Lil Wayne’s versatility. The emotional honesty in his lyrics echoes Tupac’s social consciousness. His regional authenticity and storytelling draw from Juvenile and Chief Keef, while his melodic street anthems are inspired by Lil Durk.
This blend of influences has created a distinctive style that resonates with fans who appreciate raw emotion, street narratives, and melodic innovation. His prolific output and consistent storytelling are testaments to the inspiration drawn from these legendary and contemporary artists.
Why Recognizing NBA YoungBoy’s Influences Matters
Understanding the artists who influence NBA YoungBoy provides valuable context for appreciating his music. It highlights the lineage of hip-hop and the way new artists build upon the foundations laid by their predecessors.
It also underscores the importance of regional sounds, emotional vulnerability, and lyrical storytelling in modern rap. NBA YoungBoy continues this tradition, adding his unique voice to the genre.
Conclusion
NBA YoungBoy’s rise to fame is no accident. His influences—Lil Wayne, Tupac, Juvenile, Lil Durk, and Chief Keef—have played vital roles in shaping his sound, lyrical themes, and artistic identity. Recognizing these influences enriches our understanding of his music and why he remains a pivotal figure in hip-hop today.
As NBA YoungBoy continues to release new music and evolve as an artist, his influences will undoubtedly continue to shape his future projects, ensuring that his music remains authentic, emotional, and impactful.
If you’re interested in more content about hip-hop legends and rising stars, stay tuned to Roovet News Media for the latest updates and in-depth analyses.
