State Champ Radio NBA YoungBoy
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Today marks the 26th birthday of YoungBoy Never Broke Again (born Kentrell DeSean Gaulden), which makes it a fitting moment to reflect on his evolving legacy. Rising from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, YoungBoy quickly made his mark with a raw vulnerability, unmatched output, and distinct melodic-trap voice that echoes both pain and ambition. He’s built an extremely loyal fanbase in an era when streaming and YouTube views matter as much, or more, than traditional radio play. His hustle and consistency (dropping mixtapes, albums, videos and staying connected with fans) have made him one of the most durable voices in rap today.
In terms of impact, YoungBoy’s influence goes beyond just numbers. His very personal delivery, which is at times anguished and other times aggressive, helped elevate a style of rap that blends melody and Southern street stories. His songs often read like journal entries, and fans can connect with that type of authenticity. He’s also shown business savvy, running his own label (NeverBrokeAgain), and carving out independent paths in an industry that often demands artists to conform.
Some of his biggest tracks and accomplishments include the breakout single “Outside Today,” which helped him break into more mainstream consciousness. He’s also racked up multiple number one albums on the Billboard 200, which is extremely rare for an artist his age and without always relying on the major radio-push model. His impact on streaming (YouTube views, digital sales) is enormous and his ability to keep heavy output while maintaining relevance is truly special. For many up-and-coming artists, he stands as a blueprint.
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YoungBoy is currently touring in support of his latest album. His MakeAmericaSlimeAgain Tour kicked off in September 2025 and spans dozens of arenas across the U.S. The tour is notable for being his first major headlining trek in several years, showing that he’s elevating his status from a streaming juggernaut to a full-blown arena headliner. His set-lists pull from across his catalog, highlighting how many albums and moods he’s built. For fans who’ve followed him from the early days, the tour is a milestone and a testament to his growth as an artist.
On this birthday, it’s clear that YoungBoy is at a crossroads of sorts. He’s broken through the proverbial superstar ceiling and is now consolidating his place as a heavyweight in hip-hop. With history behind him and plenty ahead, it’s the perfect time to revisit his studio albums and do our best to rank them. Let us know if you agree with our list and if not, drop your own rankings in the comment section. HAPPY 26TH BIRTHDAY TO YOUNGBOY!
1. Sincerely, Kentrell
Released while YoungBoy was behind bars, Sincerely, Kentrell stands as one of his most emotional and reflective projects. Despite his legal troubles, the album still debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, proving his connection with fans runs deep.
2. Top (2020)
This album marked YoungBoy’s leap into the mainstream. With hard-hitting street anthems and melodic cuts, Top showed off both his versatility and consistency, solidifying him as one of rap’s most dominant young stars.
3. The Last Slimeto (2022)
A long, ambitious project that highlights YoungBoy’s range and relentless work ethic. While it’s a bit uneven at times, it captures him experimenting with new sounds and styles while staying true to his raw storytelling roots.
4. Until Death Call My Name (2018)
His official debut album introduced the world to YoungBoy’s pain, hunger, and intensity. It’s the project that laid the foundation for his career and gave fans a glimpse of the artist he was destined to become.
5. I Rest My Case (2023)
His first release under Motown, I Rest My Case finds YoungBoy trying new directions and sounds. It’s a bold, creative step forward that may not please everyone, but it shows his willingness to evolve.
6. Don’t Try This At Home (2023)
This album delivered some standout moments and solid performances, but it didn’t quite reach the emotional depth of his strongest projects. Still, it showcased how effortlessly YoungBoy can flood the game with quality music.
7. I Just Got A Lot On My Shoulders (2024)
True to its title, this album carries a heavier tone, revealing a more mature and introspective side of YoungBoy. It’s thoughtful and personal, even if it lacks some of the spark from his earlier releases.
8. MASA (2025)
His latest and most ambitious project to date, MASA features over 30 tracks that touch on fame, fatherhood, and faith. It’s big, bold, and full of energy! Although its size makes it a bit uneven at times, it’s a clear statement of where YoungBoy is currently in his young life.
RELATED: Atlanta Mayor’s Office Calls Cap On Giving NBA YoungBoy Key To The City
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Rapper Kentrell D. Gaulden, better known by his stage name YoungBoy Never Broke Again or NBA YoungBoy, received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump on Wednesday
The 25-year-old Louisiana native, who has become one of the most streamed artists of his generation, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to move forward without the weight of his legal troubles. “This means everything to me,” Gaulden said in a statement. “It gives me the chance to grow—not just as an artist, but as a father and a man.”
YB also gave special recognition to Alice Marie Johnson, a key figure in Trump’s clemency efforts. Johnson, whose own drug-related life sentence was commuted by Trump during his first term after public advocacy from Kim Kardashian, has since played a central role in reviewing pardon cases. YoungBoy’s pardon comes after years of legal complications stemming from gun-related charges. He pleaded guilty in December to being a felon in possession of a firearm, closing a long chapter of legal entanglements that stretched across multiple states and interfered with his rising career.
Despite the setbacks, he has maintained a massive fanbase and consistent commercial success.
With this legal hurdle now behind him, Gaulden can focus on his music and personal life without the looming threat of past charges. The pardon represents more than just legal relief—it marks a clean slate for an artist whose story continues to evolve in the public eye.
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Terrance “Gangsta” Williams, Birdman’s brother, recently claimed that NBA YoungBoy allegedly knocked out an inmate at FCI Talladega federal prison in Alabama for repping Lil Durk’s collective, OTF.
This incident is just another chapter in the ongoing feud between YoungBoy’s 4KT camp and Durk’s OTF crew, a beef that has been boiling since the tragic night in Atlanta when Quando Rondo’s associate, Lil Tum, shot and killed King Von during a fight outside a club. Since then, the tension between both camps has only escalated, with diss tracks, social media shots, and street politics keeping the rivalry alive. Interestingly, despite the long-standing issues, there might be a path to peace. Quando Rondo, one of YoungBoy’s closest affiliates, recently converted to Islam, the same faith that Lil Durk and many around him follow.
Activist Zül Qarnain met with Quando and asked if, now that he’s Muslim, he would consider ending the beef between 4KT and OTF. Quando’s response? He wouldn’t be opposed to it.
While his answer wasn’t a full commitment to peace, it’s a notable shift considering how deep the feud runs. Whether or not this leads to any real reconciliation remains to be seen, especially with new incidents like YoungBoy’s alleged prison fight keeping tensions high. But if Quando Rondo is open to squashing the beef, it could be the first step toward ending one of the most heated rivalries in modern hip-hop.
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YoungBoy Never Broke Again’s “More Leaks” album brings that raw emotion we expect from him, diving into betrayal, pain, and personal struggles.
Every track shows a different side of YB’s life, from his Louisiana roots to dealing with losses and love gone wrong. Let’s break down the hits and misses on the album:
“Trapped Out” hits hard with YoungBoy reflecting on betrayal. He talks about having people’s backs in the past, only to find out they weren’t loyal. It’s deep and relatable, a solid track that’ll hit home for anyone who’s felt the sting of fake love.
“Rich Junkie” brings the classic YB sound with a heavy Louisiana beat. If you’re a fan of him talking his talk, flexing and popping his ish, this one’s for you. It’s got that fire energy, making it one of the album’s standouts. “Jingle Bells” takes a wild turn, flipping the classic Christmas tune into something more gangster. YB sounds like he’s praying and venting about how he feels like his prayers ain’t being answered. It’s different and gives a vulnerable side to his usual bravado. “5 Night” is another solid track with beautiful violin production. YB comes through with a killer flow, making this one of the more memorable songs on the album.
Then we get “Cut Throat,” which feels kinda weak. It’s the same old YB slide talk, and the random line about his ex Deja doesn’t really fit. “On Me” has YB deep in his feelings, reminiscing about the friends he’s lost to the streets. While it’s emotional, it doesn’t quite hit the same as some of his other tracks.
Overall, “More Leaks” gives us a mixed bag of tracks. Some hits show YB’s vulnerability and emotional depth, while others are a bit repetitive. He’s definitely experimenting with his sound, but there’s still room for growth.
Look below for the full ratings and overall score of the album.
1. Trapped Out – 7/10
2. Rich Junkie – 8/10
3. Jingle Bells – 6.5/10
4. 5 Night – 7.5/10
5. Cut Throat – 5/10
6. On Me – 5/5/10
7. 86 Prayers – 4/10
8. Trap 101 – 5.5/10
9. GD Galaxy – 5/10
10. I Need A Doctor – 5/10
11. Paparazzi – 4.5/10
12. Of Late – 4/10
13. Dump Truck – 4.5/10
14. Letter To The North – 4/10
15. Demon Seed – 6/10
16. Hey Hey – 6.5/10
17. What You Want Do – 4/10
18. Out My Mind – 7/10
19. Take Me Slow – 3.5/10
20. She A Demon – 4.5/10
YoungBoy Never Broke Again (a.k.a. NBA YoungBoy) has been sentenced to 23 months in federal prison, according to new documents filed in federal court on Tuesday (Dec. 10), followed by 60 months’ probation following his release. The sentence comes nearly four months after it was reported that the 25-year-old rapper, born Kentrell Gaulden, would plead […]
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Earlier this year, NBA YoungBoy found himself on the wrong side of the law when he was busted for weapons and drugs possession. Now, the “Bandit” rapper has seemingly taken a plea deal in the case in an effort to avoid a lengthy prison sentence.
According to ABC4 , NBA YoungBoy, whose real name is Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, has pleaded guilty to running a prescription drug fraud ring outside of his multimillion dollar home in Huntsville, Utah. The 25-year-old rapper was originally slapped with 46 charges related to this massive drug bust and ultimately pleaded guilty to two counts of third-degree felony identity fraud, two counts of third-degree felony forgery, and six counts of misdemeanor unlawful pharmacy conduct.
Though he was staring at a lengthy prison stint had he fought the case, the guilty plea will help keep him out of the bing, and he’ll be asked to pay a $25,000 fine as the four felony charges will be reduced to Class A Misdemeanors. Man, did that man avoid a couple of bullets there.
Per ABC4:
Logan District Judge Spencer Walsh agreed to suspend a prison sentence as Gaulden is expected to serve a “substantial” 27 months in federal prison for related charges in a federal case stemming out of Weber County. Following his release, Gaulden will then be placed on five years of federal supervised probation.
“This is somewhat of a unique case where there have been multiple jurisdictions involved both in the federal and the state systems,” said state prosecutor Ronnie Keller. “This is just really a smaller cog in the bigger wheel of ultimately seeking justice.”
Luckily, for YoungBoy, he had an empathetic judge overseeing his case in Judge Walsh who explained why he didn’t want to throw the book at him.
“I’ve seen so many times where you have young men and women who have a lot of talent and potential. They can be robbed of that potential when they start to really struggle with their addictions,” Walsh told Gaulden. “I don’t want that for you.”
Walsh continued saying, “I’m sure that in your future, once you’re done with your federal prison time, you can be really successful on federal probation and have a really bright future where you can reach your full potential in every aspect of your life. Best of luck to you, Mr. Gaulden.”
Hopefully, NBA YoungBoy makes the most out of this second chance gifted to him by the legal system.
What do y’all think about NBA YoungBoy pleading guilty and avoiding prison time? Let us know in the comments section below.
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One of Rap’s brightest stars has found himself in trouble again. NBA YoungBoy has been arrested on weapons and drugs.
As reported by Variety magazine, the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native was booked on several charges Wednesday, April 17. According to police records, NBA YoungBoy (Kentrell DeSean Gaulden) was brought in by the Cache County Police Department for possession of a dangerous weapon, possession of a controlled substance, forgery, identity fraud and attempting to procure a drug prescription. According to KSL, he is also suspected of participating in a “large-scale prescription fraud ring.” The FBI also allege that he holds a high-ranking position within a local Louisiana gang.
This is not the first time the “Right Foot Creep” performer has landed himself in the long arm of the law. In 2014, he was arrested for robbery and served six months at a detention center. He was also accused of opening fire at a crowd on South Baton Rouge in 2016, assault in 2019 and a multitude of other charges throughout the years. In 2020, he was booked on federal gun charges which resulted in him being placed on house arrest. In December 2023, a judge eased his house arrest allowing him to participate in mental health programs pre-approved by the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office.
No bail has yet to be set for NBA YoungBoy’s most recent charges.
Federal prosecutors are accusing NBA YoungBoy (a.k.a. YoungBoy Never Broke Again) of violating the terms of his house arrest by using unspecified drugs — and of telling his supervising officers that he has “no intentions” of stopping. In a filing Thursday (Feb. 29), prosecutors asked a Louisiana federal judge to set a hearing to deal […]
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Joe Budden is no stranger to attracting controversy, especially after his ascension as one of the top podcasters in entertainment media. After Joe Budden critiqued the music and talent of NBA YoungBoy, which prompted a fiery response, the retired rapper apologized for the jab.
It has been a month of apologies for Joe Budden, this after he called Lupe Fiasco a “clout chaser” for rapping over one of Andre 3000’s songs from the Outkast rapper’s instrumental New Blue Sun album.
Because of the reach of Budden’s voice, his critiques typically find their way to the target. NBA YoungBoy was a topic on a recent episode of Budden’s eponymously named podcast where he called the Lousiana rapper “horrible” and didn’t understand how he’s got his streaming numbers as high as they’ve been.
NBA YoungBoy went on a fiery video rant, blasting Budden’s fame, and also took a shot at the rapper’s sexual prowess among other choice words. NBA also invited Budden to “Gravedigger Mountain,” which we can assume is the rapper’s residence in the mountains.
On the latest episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, Budden apologized to NBA around the 26-minute mark of the show, explaining that he listened back and didn’t like how he attacked the young rapper’s musical ability. Because Budden is typically masterful at the craft of podcasting, he joked around a bit in his response, but the apology didn’t lack sincerity.
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Birdman, who comes across as someone who isn’t about the funnies, issued a warning to retired rapper turned top podcaster, Joe Budden. The Cash Money Records honcho told Budden to halt his critiques of NBA YoungBoy and leave the Louisiana rapper alone, this after YoungBoy shared some thoughts too.
On episode 680 of The Joe Budden Podcast, the cast spoke briefly about the latest single from NBA YoungBoy, which turned into a moment for Budden to express his disdain for the rapper, who is currently on house arrest in Utah. Among the rappers of his generation, YoungBoy has a lengthy discography despite his relative youth and a highly supportive fanbase.
Although Birdman hails from New Orleans, YoungBoy has expressed sincere admiration for the mogul and explained that the pair are friends despite hailing from two different cities in their home state. That connection was on full display after the New Orleans boss took to Instagram Stories and sternly told Budden to back off from commenting on his young colleague.
“@JOEBUDDEN YOU F*KIN WITH SOMETHIN YOU SHOULD LEAVE ALONE,” read a portion of the message, which features an image of YoungBoy’s fiery response to Budden in which he also took a dig at the “Pump It Up” star’s sexual prowess along with telling Budden to not “rat” on him and inviting him to Gravedigger Mountain, which is presumably where the rapper lives in the Beehive State.
As one can imagine, NBA YoungBoy’s fanbase is giving Joe Budden the business due to the fact that he’s no longer an official Hip-Hop artist. Some on the other side are saying that because Budden was indeed nice in his day, he has a right to his opinion. Further, some are wondering why the opinion of a, in their words, failed rapper, has artists reacting in this fashion.
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