Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, better known as YoungBoy Never Broke Again (NBA YoungBoy), has carved out a turbulent yet wildly successful career in hip-hop. As of 2025, his estimated net worth stands at $10 million, and at just 25 years old, he’s already lived a life full of dramatic highs and lows—both musically and personally. But how did a kid from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with a rough past and legal troubles, climb his way to the top of the charts and financial success? Let’s break it down.
How Did NBA YoungBoy Start His Rap Career?
YoungBoy’s journey started early and not under the easiest circumstances. Born on October 20, 1999, in Baton Rouge, he was raised by his grandmother after his father was sentenced to 55 years in prison. A neck injury from childhood left him with scars on his forehead—a lasting reminder of his resilience.
By his teens, Gaulden had dropped out of school and found himself in a detention center on robbery charges. That’s where he started writing music seriously. After his release—and following the death of his grandmother—he moved in with NBA 3Three, his friend and future collaborator. The two began hustling to fund studio sessions, and by 2015, NBA YoungBoy dropped his first mixtape, Life Before Fame.
What Albums and Songs Made NBA YoungBoy Famous?
NBA YoungBoy began building buzz with mixtapes like 38 Baby and his controversial back-and-forth diss tracks with Scotty Cain. But things really took off in 2017 with his mixtape AI YoungBoy, which landed at #24 on the Billboard 200. Singles like “Untouchable” and “No Smoke” brought national attention.
Then came Outside Today in 2018—a top 40 Billboard hit that pushed his debut studio album Until Death Call My Name to #7 on the charts. But that was just the beginning.
In 2019, YoungBoy teamed up with Juice Wrld on Bandit, which hit #10 on the Hot 100—his highest-charting single at the time. The same year, AI YoungBoy 2 debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, racking up over 140 million streams in just its first week. From there, he didn’t let up—38 Baby 2, Top, Sincerely, Kentrell, and The Last Slimeto all followed, keeping him in the spotlight.
Why Was NBA YoungBoy Arrested So Many Times?
Despite his commercial success, NBA YoungBoy has spent a good portion of his career battling legal issues. His arrest record started in 2016, when he was charged with attempted first-degree murder after a drive-by shooting. He later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a firearm.
He was arrested again in 2018 for kidnapping and weapons charges and in 2020 as part of a large drug and firearms bust in Baton Rouge. In 2021, he was hit with a federal gun charge and famously ran on foot from the FBI before being captured. Though he was later acquitted in 2022, the saga severely limited his ability to tour or promote his music for years.
In fact, he spent 14 months on house arrest, during which he continued to record and release music—but couldn’t perform or travel. The restrictions were lifted in March 2023, giving him more freedom and a fresh start.
What’s His Life Like Outside of Music?
For someone in their mid-20s, NBA YoungBoy has a lot on his plate—especially when it comes to family. He is the father of eleven children with nine different women. Two of his sons even appeared in his music video for Kacey Talk. In January 2023, he married long-time partner Jazlyn Mychelle, who is also the mother of two of his kids.
Despite his past, YoungBoy has spoken about turning over a new leaf. He’s stated that he plans to get baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—but is waiting until his ankle monitor is removed.
Where Does NBA YoungBoy Live Now?
In 2022, YoungBoy moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, reportedly purchasing a stunning $5.2 million mansion. The spacious home provided the privacy and security he needed while under house arrest. However, in March 2024, he put the mansion up for sale for $5.9 million, signaling yet another possible move or lifestyle shift.
What Makes NBA YoungBoy So Popular Online?
One of the keys to NBA YoungBoy’s massive success is his dominance on YouTube. Even during his legal troubles, he consistently dropped music directly to the platform, earning him a spot among the most streamed artists globally. His raw style, relentless release schedule, and loyal fan base have helped him stay relevant—even when he couldn’t tour.
He’s also proven to be a streaming giant across Spotify and Apple Music, often releasing multiple projects a year while other artists struggle to put out even one.
