The meaning of NBA YoungBoy's name stems not only from his early experiences but his development as a rapper as a whole. Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, also known as NBA YoungBoy, has recently created a great name for himself in the music industry. He hails from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and has gained much popularity since his debut by creating mixtapes. His breakout project, 38 Baby, was released in 2016. Below, we'll review a few details about NBA YoungBoy, his career, personal life, and more, to reveal how he got his name and what it represents.
How Did Kentrell Become NBA YoungBoy?
His career in the music industry first started in 2015 with the release of Life Before Fame. After the release of his first project, his social media began booming with popularity, with fans praising his mixtape projects. Over the next few years, projects like Mind of a Menace, Al YoungBoy, and Before I Go made some huge waves within his fanbase and the rap community as a whole.
The breakthrough mixtape, 38 Baby, had a hit single titled "Outside Today." The track helped YoungBoy smash his way into success by reaching the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. After that initial release, he continued to share tracks that spoke to his audience and, thus, expanded his career. With the release of Al Youngboy 2, he reached a great spot of No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 2019. YoungBoy's success has fascinated the industry because he tops the charts with little to no radio support. Regardless of his legal troubles, the rapper's dedicated fanbase tunes in to every move he makes.
Personal life
One way to look at NBA YoungBoy is from the perspective of his song's meanings. His lyrics, raps, and themes often involve hardship and realism. NBA YoungBoy's music is known for its raw and emotional quality, often reflecting his experiences with poverty, violence, and relationships. He also grew up in a rough neighborhood and was allegedly involved in criminal activity from a young age. He dropped out of school in the ninth grade to focus on his music career. His lyrics address loyalty, trust, and betrayal themes, and his passionate delivery has earned him a dedicated fan base.
He has attempted to keep his personal life mostly under wraps, but as his popularity grew, so did those interested in any skeletons hiding in his closet. He was rumored to have dated a woman named Nisha, with whom he had his first child, Kayden. Nisha was reportedly 16 years old at the time. Also, in June 2020, he was said to have had another child with her named Armani. Several other children have followed, and YoungBoy is now a married man. He's enjoying life in Utah alongside his wife, Jazlyn Mychelle, and their children.
Legal Issues
He's had several legal bumps in the road before coming into his own in his career. For instance, in 2016, YoungBoy was arrested for attempted murder and given ten years of probation. In other examples of him clashing with the law, he's been arrested on charges related to weapons, assault, and drugs. In March 2021, he was also arrested on a federal warrant for his alleged involvement in a 2020 shooting in Los Angeles. He later beat the firearms charges and won his case in July 2022.
Despite these challenges, he has continued to create music, and his fans remain loyal. Fans did show some worry after his arrest, fearing that his time as a musician was over. However, they soon had their worries laid to rest when he began releasing music again from jail. His music has been compared to fellow Southern, Louisiana rappers like Lil Wayne and Kevin Gates. NBA YoungBoy has released several mixtapes and albums throughout his career. Some of his most popular projects include:
The Meaning Behind The Name NBA YoungBoy
"NBA" stands for "Never Broke Again," which was also the name of his first mixtape released in 2014. He adopted it as a reflection of his determination to escape poverty and succeed in the music industry. The meaning of his title may stem from events in his personal life. He's had an admittedly tumultuous youth, something he often reflects through his music. Now a man and father, the "YoungBoy" title may be outdated; however, it's reflective of the journey he's taken from childhood to adult life. The true origin of his name may be a secret—or it could be as obvious as a "young boy" looking to shape a successful future. Whatever the case, NBA YoungBoy continues to be a leader in rap.