Lecture Notes: YoungBoy Never Broke Again

Background

• Name: Kentrell DeSean Gaulden
• Stage Names: NBA YoungBoy, YoungBoy Never Broke Again
• Born: October 20, 1999
• Birthplace: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
• Genres: Southern hip hop, gangsta rap, trap
• Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter
• Labels: Never Broke Again, Motown, Atlantic, Artist Partner Group
• Children: 12

Career Overview

• Early Career (2015-2017)

  • Released eight independent mixtapes, gaining regional attention
  • Signed with Atlantic and Artist Partner Group in 2017

• Breakthrough and Albums

  • Singles like "Untouchable" and "No Smoke" entered Billboard Hot 100
  • "Outside Today" peaked in Top 40 and certified quadruple platinum
  • Debut album "Until Death Call My Name" (2018), peaked at #7 on Billboard 200

• Major Releases and Collaborations

  • "Bandit" with Juice WRLD reached top ten of Billboard Hot 100
  • "AI YoungBoy 2" (2019) debuted at #1 on Billboard 200
  • "38 Baby 2" and "Top" topped Billboard 200 in 2020
  • Released "Sincerely, Kentrell" from prison, also peaked at #1
  • "The Last Slimeto" (2022) peaked at #2, last album with Atlantic
  • Recently signed with Motown, releasing "I Rest My Case" and "Don't Try This at Home" in 2023

Achievements

• Over 85 million digital sales in the US
• 15 billion YouTube views
• Youngest artist to chart 100 singles on Billboard Hot 100
• Most RIAA platinum certified albums from 2015-2025
• Multiple nominations and awards, including BET Hip Hop Awards and a Grammy nomination

Legal Issues

• Ongoing legal troubles since 2016
• Arrested for various charges including attempted murder, assault, and federal firearm charges
• Spent significant time under house arrest and in prison

Personal Life

• Influenced by Boosie Badazz, Kevin Gates, and Lil Wayne
• Cites Lil Phat as a primary influence
• Known for a high work ethic and rapid musical output
• Music reflects personal experiences and is often raw and emotional
• Has experimented with southern hip hop, hardcore hip hop, and rap rock genres

Philanthropy

• Donated cash to local communities
• Supported high school graduates
• Hosted back-to-school and holiday drives to support families

Conflicts and Controversies

• Feuds with other artists like Lil Durk and King Von
• Engaged in public disputes with Joe Budden and Charlamagne Tha God

Record Label and Other Ventures

• Founded "Never Broke Again" label
• Entered a joint venture with Motown
• Ran a short-lived radio show with Amazon's Amp

Health and Personal Beliefs

• Publicly spoke about struggles with depression and substance abuse
• Expressed interest in joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Notable Studio Albums

1. Until Death Call My Name (2018)
2. Top (2020)
3. Sincerely, Kentrell (2021)
4. The Last Slimeto (2022)
5. I Rest My Case (2023)
6. Don't Try This at Home (2023)
7. I Just Got a Lot on My Shoulders (2024)