Last Updated on April 7, 2025 by Bertrand Clarke

Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, more famously known as YoungBoy Never Broke Again, is a name that resonates with millions. A controversial figure, both celebrated and scrutinized, Gaulden’s journey from the streets of Baton Rouge to the heights of hip-hop stardom is a complex narrative of struggle, talent, and resilience. While known predominantly for his music, understanding Gaulden requires delving into the life experiences that shaped him, the challenges he overcame, and the evolution of a young man constantly under the public eye. This is the story of Kentrell Gaulden, a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, even amidst adversity.

A Childhood Forged in Hardship:

Born on October 20, 1999, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Kentrell’s early life was far from idyllic. His father was largely absent, and his mother struggled with addiction, leaving a young Kentrell to be raised primarily by his maternal grandmother. This instability permeated his childhood, exposing him to the harsh realities of poverty, violence, and the pervasive drug culture that plagued his neighborhood.

At the age of four, a pivotal incident occurred that would leave a lasting physical and emotional scar. While playing with friends, young Kentrell broke his neck. The injury required him to wear a head brace for an extended period, a period during which he was relentlessly teased and bullied. This experience instilled in him a sense of vulnerability and a deep desire for acceptance, inadvertently laying the foundation for his later artistic expression.

School was a struggle for Gaulden. He suffered from attention deficits and struggled to focus, leading to behavioral problems and frequent suspensions. By the ninth grade, he had dropped out of school, feeling that the traditional academic environment offered him little in the way of opportunity or understanding. Instead, he found solace and purpose in the streets, a decision that would have profound consequences for his future.

Finding a Voice Through Music:

Despite the turmoil surrounding him, Gaulden found an outlet for his emotions and frustrations in music. Inspired by artists like Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane, and Boosie Badazz, he began rapping at the age of fourteen, using lyrics as a tool to document the realities of his life and the lives of those around him. The gritty, unflinching honesty of his early tracks resonated with a local audience, particularly those who shared similar experiences of hardship and struggle.

Early collaborations with local Baton Rouge artists provided Gaulden with invaluable experience and exposure. He learned the nuances of recording, producing, and marketing his music, honing his craft and building a loyal following. These early collaborations weren’t just about music; they were about building community, a sense of belonging that he had lacked throughout much of his young life.

Financial struggles were a constant obstacle. Gaulden and his close-knit group of friends often resorted to petty crimes to make ends meet, further entangling them in the cycle of poverty and violence that defined their lives. However, even amidst these challenges, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of music, recognizing it as his only viable path to a better future.

From Local Buzz to National Recognition:

In 2015, Gaulden released his first mixtape, “Life Before Fame,” under the moniker YoungBoy Never Broke Again. The mixtape showcased his raw talent and unique lyrical style, quickly generating buzz within the local rap scene. Emboldened by this initial success, he continued to release a steady stream of mixtapes, each one building upon the last and expanding his reach beyond Baton Rouge.

The breakthrough moment came in 2017 with the release of his mixtape “AI YoungBoy.” The project garnered national attention, fueled by the popularity of tracks like “Untouchable” and “No Smoke.” The mixtape’s success propelled Gaulden into the mainstream, earning him a record deal with Atlantic Records. He had finally broken through, but the journey had just begun.

His debut studio album, “Until Death Call My Name,” was released in 2018 and further solidified his position as a rising star in the hip-hop world. The album debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200 chart and featured collaborations with established artists like Future and Birdman. However, despite the commercial success, Gaulden continued to grapple with personal struggles and legal issues, constantly finding himself at the center of controversy.

Navigating Success and Controversy:

Gaulden’s meteoric rise to fame was accompanied by a series of legal troubles, ranging from gun possession charges to aggravated assault. These legal battles often overshadowed his musical accomplishments, portraying him as a troubled youth unable to escape the grip of his past. He spent time in jail and on probation, experiences that he often reflected upon in his music, offering listeners a glimpse into his inner turmoil.

Despite the controversies, Gaulden remained remarkably prolific, releasing a steady stream of mixtapes, EPs, and studio albums. His work ethic was undeniable, fueled by a relentless desire to provide for his family and escape the cycle of poverty that had plagued his childhood. He embraced a unique strategy, often releasing music independently and directly to his fans, bypassing traditional industry gatekeepers.

Some of Gaulden’s most successful projects include “Top” (2020), which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, and “Sincerely, Kentrell” (2021), released while he was incarcerated. These projects showcased his versatility as an artist, demonstrating his ability to blend introspective lyrics with catchy melodies and hard-hitting beats.

Beyond the Music: Personal Growth and Redemption:

In recent years, Gaulden has shown signs of personal growth and a desire to move beyond the controversies that have plagued him. He has spoken openly about his struggles with mental health and addiction, seeking help and advocating for others to do the same. He has also made efforts to reconcile with his family and focus on being a positive role model for his children.

His move to Utah, away from the environment that fostered much of his past troubles, signals a conscious effort to create a more stable and positive environment for himself and his family. He has expressed a desire to use his platform to inspire others to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams, regardless of their circumstances.

Legacy in Progress:

Kentrell Gaulden, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, is more than just a rapper. He is a symbol of resilience, a testament to the power of music to transform lives. His story is a complex tapestry of struggle, talent, and redemption, a journey that continues to unfold before the eyes of the world. While his past is undeniable, his future remains unwritten, a testament to his enduring spirit and his unwavering determination to carve out a better life for himself and his loved ones. Whether you agree with all his choices or not, his journey is an undeniable example of someone who continues to fight for a better life. He embodies the notion that the path to greatness is not always linear, often filled with setbacks and missteps, but ultimately defined by resilience and a commitment to personal growth.