What Happened to Kentrell DeSean Gaulden?

Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, known professionally as NBA YoungBoy or YoungBoy Never Broke Again, has carved out a unique and often controversial path in the music industry since his debut. Hailing from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, his career has been marked by both immense musical output and persistent legal troubles. He gained a regional following between 2015 and 2017 with numerous mixtapes, eventually signing with Atlantic Records and Artist Partner Group. His singles "Untouchable" and "No Smoke" marked his first entries on the Billboard Hot 100, followed by his mainstream breakthrough "Outside Today" in 2018.

Gaulden's legal issues began early in his life, including a robbery charge in 2014 and subsequent arrests for attempted murder, assault, and weapons charges. These legal entanglements frequently led to periods of incarceration or house arrest, yet he consistently released music, maintaining a strong connection with his fanbase. A significant turning point occurred in 2020 when he was involved in a federal gun charge incident, leading to his arrest in 2021. While under house arrest in Utah awaiting trial for the federal gun charge, he was arrested again in April 2024 for his alleged role in a large-scale prescription drug fraud ring, facing 46 charges including identity fraud and forgery.

Despite the severity of these charges, Gaulden's legal team worked to secure plea deals. In November 2024, he 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, as well as federal gun charges. Initially, he was expected to be released in July 2025, but his release date was moved up to April 26, 2025. Following his release, he received a pardon from President Trump in May 2025, related to federal weapons charges, which he stated opened the door to a future he had worked hard for.

Since his release and pardon, NBA YoungBoy has maintained his prolific musical output. In 2025, he released multiple projects, including "More Leaks," "MASA," and "DESHAWN," and embarked on his "MASA Tour." His ninth studio album, "Slime Cry," was released on January 16, 2026, debuting at number six on the US Billboard 200. In January 2026, he was a passenger in a car stopped by Utah Highway Patrol where illicit drugs were found, but he faced no charges as others claimed responsibility. As of April 2026, he continues to release singles like "Hoe Phase" and "Deep End." He is also slated to headline Rolling Loud Orlando from May 8-10, 2026. In a notable January 2026 interview, YoungBoy expressed regret over past spending on jewelry, advocating for generational wealth and redefining his 'Never Broke Again' mantra to focus on saving and securing his future rather than temporary displays of wealth.