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NBA YoungBoy: full biography
NBA YoungBoy Biography (2026): Age, Real Name, Career, Family & Net Worth
Last Updated: June 2026
NBA YoungBoy, whose real name is Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, is one of the most influential and prolific rappers of his generation. Born October 20, 1999, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the 26-year-old has built one of the most devoted fan bases in modern hip-hop while becoming the youngest artist in history to chart 100 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and amassing over 15 billion YouTube views across his catalog.
Also known as YoungBoy Never Broke Again, YB, Top, AI YoungBoy, 38 Baby, and Slimeto, Kentrell Gaulden's story is one of remarkable resilience — a young man who released his first mixtape at 15, navigated repeated legal battles, and emerged in 2026 as one of the most commercially powerful artists in rap. This biography covers his early life, music career, family, achievements, and the questions fans search for most.
NBA YoungBoy Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Kentrell DeSean Gaulden |
| Stage Name | NBA YoungBoy / YoungBoy Never Broke Again |
| Date of Birth | October 20, 1999 |
| Age (2026) | 26 |
| Birthplace | Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter |
| Years Active | 2015 – Present |
| Record Label | Never Broke Again / Motown (current) |
| Former Label | Atlantic Records (2017–2022) |
| Spouse | Jazlyn Mychelle Hayes (m. 2023) |
| Children | 13 |
| Net Worth (Est.) | $6 million – $20 million |
| Latest Album | MASA (2025) |
Early Life
Kentrell DeSean Gaulden was born on October 20, 1999, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Sherhonda Gaulden and his father, who was incarcerated when Kentrell was an infant. Raised primarily by his grandmother on his mother's side, Kentrell grew up in a tough environment that would later define the emotional core of his music.
A childhood wrestling accident left him with a permanent neck injury, which is why he often wears a head brace in early photos. After his grandmother passed away when he was 13, his life took a turbulent turn — he dropped out of ninth grade and began making music full-time. By 15, he had already released his first mixtape, recording in makeshift studios around Baton Rouge.
Rise to Fame (2015–2017)
Between 2015 and 2017, NBA YoungBoy released eight independent mixtapes, including projects in his "Mind of a Menace" and "Life Before Fame" series. His emotional storytelling, melodic delivery, and prolific output set him apart from peers and built a regional fan base across Louisiana before exploding nationally.
In 2017, he signed a five-year deal with Atlantic Records and Artist Partner Group. His breakout came with the singles "Untouchable" and "No Smoke," both of which marked his first entries on the Billboard Hot 100. He also co-founded his own record label, Never Broke Again, LLC, in 2015 — a label that remains active today and is distributed by Motown Records.
Music Career and Major Albums
NBA YoungBoy's discography is remarkable for both its volume and its commercial consistency. His major studio albums and mixtapes include:
| Year | Project | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | AI YoungBoy | Breakthrough mixtape |
| 2018 | Until Death Call My Name | Debut studio album |
| 2019 | AI YoungBoy 2 | #1 Billboard 200 debut |
| 2020 | Top | #1 Billboard 200 |
| 2021 | Sincerely, Kentrell | #1 Billboard 200 (released while jailed) |
| 2022 | The Last Slimeto | #2 Billboard 200 |
| 2023 | I Rest My Case | First album with Motown |
| 2023 | Don't Try This at Home | 33-track double album |
| 2025 | MASA (Make America Slime Again) | Supported by major arena tour |
His 2018 single "Outside Today" became his first Top 40 hit and was certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA. The 2019 Juice WRLD collaboration "Bandit" gave him his first Top 10 single on the Billboard Hot 100.
In a 2026 Complex magazine cover story, NBA YoungBoy revealed he plans to release up to four albums in 2026, including projects titled Count and Slime Cry.
The MASA Tour (2025–2026)
NBA YoungBoy launched his long-awaited arena tour, the Make America Slime Again (MASA) Tour, on September 1, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. The tour — his first major live run after being released from house arrest in 2024 — has packed arenas across the United States and earned him a city proclamation in Kansas City. Rapper Offset has served as a featured act on parts of the tour. The MASA Tour is being extended into 2026.
Legal Challenges
NBA YoungBoy's career has been shadowed by legal battles. He was placed under federal house arrest in Utah while awaiting trial on federal weapons charges and a separate case involving allegations of orchestrating a fraudulent prescription operation in Cache County, Utah. He was released from house arrest in 2024, allowing him to resume touring and public appearances. Throughout these challenges, he continued to release chart-topping music — including the entire Sincerely, Kentrell album, which he recorded while incarcerated.
NBA YoungBoy's Family
NBA YoungBoy married Jazlyn Mychelle Hayes in 2023. The couple welcomed their third child together in February 2026, marking the rapper's 13th publicly known child overall. Jazlyn has become a regular presence in his public life and is widely seen as a stabilizing influence during his recent rise.
NBA YoungBoy's Children
NBA YoungBoy is the father of 13 publicly known children, born between 2016 and 2026 to multiple women. The most frequently searched names include:
- Kayden Gaulden — Oldest son (2016)
- Taylin Gaulden — Born 2017
- Kamiri Gaulden — Born 2017
- Kacey Alexander Gaulden — Born 2019
- Kodi Capri — Born 2020
- Kentrell Gaulden Jr. — Born 2021
- Love Alice Gaulden — Born 2021
- Klemenza Tru Gaulden — Born 2022
For a complete breakdown of his children and family, visit the NBA YoungBoy Kids hub and the NBA YoungBoy Family Tree page.
Achievements and Influence
NBA YoungBoy's career accolades speak for themselves:
- Youngest artist in history to chart 100 singles on the Billboard Hot 100
- 15 billion+ YouTube views across his music
- Multiple #1 albums on the Billboard 200, including AI YoungBoy 2, Top, and Sincerely, Kentrell
- Founder of Never Broke Again, LLC, an independent record label
- Multi-platinum certifications for tracks like "Outside Today," "Bandit," and "Kacey Talk"
- Major arena tour (MASA Tour) selling out venues across the U.S.
In a January 2026 Complex cover story, NBA YoungBoy was hailed as "the best rapper alive for 2025" — a testament to his enduring commercial and cultural influence.
NBA YoungBoy's Net Worth in 2026
Public estimates of NBA YoungBoy's net worth in 2026 range from approximately $6 million to $20 million. His income comes from multiple revenue streams:
- Streaming royalties from Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube
- Album sales and physical merchandise
- Touring revenue from the MASA Tour
- Label ownership of Never Broke Again, LLC
- Brand deals and endorsements
Despite a wide estimate range — reflecting his legal expenses and largely independent business operations — NBA YoungBoy is firmly established as one of the highest-earning rappers of his generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NBA YoungBoy's real name? NBA YoungBoy's real name is Kentrell DeSean Gaulden.
How old is NBA YoungBoy in 2026? He is 26 years old. He was born on October 20, 1999.
Where is NBA YoungBoy from? NBA YoungBoy was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
Is NBA YoungBoy married? Yes. He married Jazlyn Mychelle Hayes in 2023, and they have three children together.
How many kids does NBA YoungBoy have? NBA YoungBoy has 13 publicly known children, born between 2016 and 2026.
What record label is NBA YoungBoy signed to? He is signed to Motown Records and operates his own label, Never Broke Again, LLC. He was previously signed to Atlantic Records from 2017 to 2022.
What is NBA YoungBoy's most successful album? AI YoungBoy 2 (2019), Top (2020), and Sincerely, Kentrell (2021) all debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200.
What is NBA YoungBoy's latest album? His latest album is MASA (Make America Slime Again), released in 2025. He has confirmed multiple new projects for 2026, including Count and Slime Cry.
What is NBA YoungBoy's net worth in 2026? Estimates range from $6 million to $20 million, depending on the source.
Why is NBA YoungBoy so popular? His consistent release schedule, emotional and autobiographical lyrics, massive streaming numbers, and intensely loyal fan base have made him one of the most influential rappers of his generation.
Related Pages
- NBA YoungBoy Kids — Complete List
- NBA YoungBoy Family Tree (2026)
- NBA YoungBoy Baby Mothers — Complete List
- NBA YoungBoy's Wife — Jazlyn Mychelle
- NBA YoungBoy Net Worth (2026)
- Kayden Gaulden — Oldest Son