Where We Come From: NBA Youngboy
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In this blog post, we take a look at the life and work of NBA Youngboy, one of the most popular rappers in the world today. We explore where he comes from, what drives him, and what his music means to his fans.
NBA Youngboy’s Early Life
NBA Youngboy, born Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Youngboy was raised by his grandparents due to his mother’s drug addiction and his father’s incarceration. When he was just four, his mother was shot in the head and permanently brain damaged. As a result, Youngboy was placed in the custody of his grandparents.
His Humble Beginnings
NBA Youngboy was born Kentrell DeSean Gaulden on October 20, 1999, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was raised by his mother, Shawanda Gaulden, and his maternal grandmother. His father was largely absent from his life. When he was eight years old, his mother was killed in a drive-by shooting; shortly thereafter, his grandmother also passed away. These early tragedies had a profound effect on NBA Youngboy, who turned to music as an outlet for his grief and anger.
NBA Youngboy began rapping at the age of 11 and started releasing music independently when he was just 14 years old. His first mixtape, “Life Before Fame”, attracted the attention of local record labels and led to him signing a deal with Atlantic Records in 2015. Since then, he has released a series of mixtapes and singles that have made him one of the most popular rappers in the country. NBA Youngboy is known for his candid lyrics about violence, street life, and his own personal struggles. He has been arrested several times and has spent time in prison; most recently, he was sentenced to 10 months in jail for assault charges in 2018.
Despite his legal troubles, NBA Youngboy’s career continues to rise; he is one of the most streamed artists on Spotify and Apple Music, and he has sold out arenas across the country. His latest album “AI Youngboy 2” debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and received rave reviews from critics. NBA Youngboy is currently working on new music and plans to release a new album in 2019.
His Rough Childhood
NBA Youngboy was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on October 20, 1999. He was raised in the city’s notorious crime-ridden neighborhoods by his mother and grandmother. His mother was a drug addict who frequently abused him and his siblings, both physically and emotionally. His father was absent for much of his childhood, and when he was around, he was often abusive as well. As a result of his chaotic home life, NBA Youngboy often resorted to violence and crime to cope with his pain.
He dropped out of school in the eighth grade and began selling drugs. He also started getting into trouble with the law; he has been arrested multiple times on charges ranging from assault to attempted murder. In 2016, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to attempted second-degree murder. However, he only served 17 months of his sentence before being released on parole.
Since his release from prison, NBA Youngboy has continued to make music and has become one of the most popular rappers in the world. He has also continued to get into trouble with the law; in 2019, he was arrested on charges of kidnapping and assault stemming from an incident in which he allegedly beat and kidnapped his girlfriend.
NBA Youngboy’s Music Career
His First Mixtape
In 2014, NBA Youngboy released his first mixtape, “Life Before Fame.” The project was originally self-released but was later picked up by Keem the Cipher. The mixtape featured 17 tracks, many of which were produced by Tee-Glizzy. “Life Before Fame” was well-received by fans and helped to solidify NBA Youngboy’s place in the Baton Rouge rap scene.
His First Big Break
In 2017, NBA Youngboy’s career took off when his song “Untouchable” went viral on social media. The song, which was originally released on SoundCloud, caught the attention of many people, including record labels and music industry executives. As a result, NBA Youngboy was signed to a record deal and his career has been on the rise ever since.
NBA Youngboy is now one of the most popular rappers in the world and he has released several successful albums and mixtapes. He is also known for his controversial personal life, which has often made headlines. However, despite all of the drama, NBA Youngboy remains focused on his music and he continues to put out new material that his fans love.
NBA Youngboy’s Personal Life
NBA Youngboy, real name Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, was born on October 20, 1999, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was raised by his mother, Leslie Gaulden, and his father, Kentrell Gaulden Sr. NBA Youngboy has eleven siblings, including his half-sister, Chernice, who was killed in a drive-by shooting when she was just four years old.
His Relationship With His Mother
NBA Youngboy has had a difficult relationship with his mother, Sherhonda Gaulden, throughout his life. He has said that she was addicted to drugs and would often leave him and his siblings home alone for days at a time. When she was around, she would be abusive both physically and emotionally. In an interview with No Jumper, he recalled her beating him with extension cords and hangers. Despite all of this, he still professes his love for her; in the song “Mama I’m Sorry”, he apologizes for all the pain he has caused her.
His Relationship With His Father
NBA Youngboy’s father, Kentrell Gaulden Sr., was not a part of his life while he was growing up. NBA Youngboy’s mother, Sherhonda Gaulden, raised him and his two siblings on her own. NBA Youngboy has said that his father was a drug addict and was not able to be a part of his life. However, NBA Youngboy has reconnected with his father in recent years and they have a good relationship.
NBA Youngboy’s Controversies
NBA Youngboy, born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been wrapped up in many controversies throughout his young career. From assault charges, to drug possession, to his music being banned from high schools – it seems like NBA Youngboy can’t stay out of trouble. Despite all of his legal issues, NBA Youngboy’s music continues to be popular among fans.
His Legal Issues
Since he was a teenager, Kentrell Gaulden—better known as NBA Youngboy—has dealt with a number of legal issues. In 2015, he was arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder after shooting a man outside a motel in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The charges were later reduced to aggravated assault with a firearm and he was sentenced to two years in prison. He was released in March 2017 after serving 10 months of his sentence.
In September 2017, Gaulden was arrested on charges of kidnapping, aggravated assault, and gun possession after an altercation with his girlfriend Jania Jackson. He was released on bond in November 2017.
In January 2018, Gaulden was arrested on federal weapons charges stemming from the September 2017 incident. He pleaded guilty to the charges in April 2018 and was sentenced to three years and five months in prison.
Gaulden was released from prison in August 2019 and immediately put on house arrest. He was released from house arrest in February 2020.
His Gang Affiliations
NBA Youngboy has been embroiled in a number of controversies, the most prominent of which is his gang affiliations. Youngboy is a member of the 3N’G street gang, and has been arrested on multiple occasions for his involvement in gang-related activities. In 2016, he was arrested for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and in 2017 he was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.
Youngboy’s involvement in gangs has led to him being banned from performing at certain venues, and has also resulted in death threats from rival gangs. Despite this, he continues to be affiliated with the 3N’G street gang and has used his platform to promote their activities.
