This article explores the story of NBA YoungBoy’s father, a figure whose long prison sentence shaped one of hip-hop’s most prolific careers.
Born Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, NBA YoungBoy grew up largely without either parent, and that absence runs deep through his music and his life story.
Who is NBA YoungBoy?
NBA YoungBoy, whose real name is Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter born on October 20, 1999, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
He rose from a difficult upbringing to become one of the most-streamed artists in hip-hop today, with over 16 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
His stage name stands for “Never Broke Again,” a motto that reflects both his financial ambitions and his survival mentality. By 2026, he has released dozens of projects since his debut in 2015.
YoungBoy’s music is rooted in raw, autobiographical storytelling drawn directly from his childhood in Baton Rouge. He began writing lyrics in the fourth grade and started recording at 14 using a microphone purchased from Walmart.
What Happened to NBA YoungBoy Parents?
YoungBoy was raised as the middle child of three siblings, with a sister named Teelee Gaulden and a brother named Ken Gaulden.
His mother, Sherhonda Gaulden, moved out of the neighborhood when he was young, leaving him without her day-to-day presence.
His maternal grandmother stepped in to raise him. She remained the central figure in his early life until she died of heart failure, leaving him homeless and alone as a teenager.
After her death, YoungBoy moved in with fellow Baton Rouge rapper NBA 3Three and his family. The two engaged in criminal activity to pay for studio time, a period YoungBoy has spoken about openly in interviews.
What happened to NBA YoungBoy’s father?
When YoungBoy was eight years old, his father was arrested and sentenced to 55 years in prison for a robbery gone wrong, according to The FADER and multiple corroborating reports.
That sentence left Kentrell without a father figure during his most formative years. YoungBoy has referenced his father directly in his music. On his track “Cross Me,” he rapped: “Uncle told me now my Daddy doin’ 55.”
In a later Instagram post, he addressed his father by name, writing: “No matter if I see you in the right way or the wrong way again my n***a, I’m gone be smiling… I’m on top of the love, Jeff.”
The father’s publicly reported first name, Jeff, appears in that post. His surname is Gaulden, shared with the family. Some sources have referred to him as Kentrell Gaulden Sr., though that has not been formally confirmed across major outlets.
How old is NBA YoungBoy?
NBA YoungBoy is 26 years old as of 2026. He was born on October 20, 1999, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, making him a Libra.
He has already achieved more in his mid-twenties than most artists do across an entire career. His output since 2015 includes eight mixtapes in his first two years alone.
What age did NBA YoungBoy become famous?
YoungBoy started recording at 14 using a Walmart microphone and dropped his debut mixtape, Life Before Fame, in 2015 at just 16 years old.
He served a six-month sentence in a juvenile detention center in Tallulah, Louisiana, during which he wrote the material for that first project.
His 2016 mixtape 38 Baby brought wider regional attention, featuring Baton Rouge veterans like Boosie Badazz and Kevin Gates.
By 2018, his single “Outside Today” reached number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking his national breakthrough.
What is NBA YoungBoy famous for?
YoungBoy is best known for his relentless release pace and emotionally raw lyricism rooted in his lived experience. He has achieved four No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 and holds one Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
He earned a Grammy nomination in 2022 for Best Melodic Rap Performance through his feature on Tyler, the Creator’s song “Wusyaname” alongside Ty Dolla $ign.
His music catalog spans mixtapes, EPs, and studio albums, with titles including 38 Baby, AI YoungBoy, Top, and Sincerely Kentrell.
Why was NBA YoungBoy arrested?
YoungBoy’s legal history started young. He dropped out of school in ninth grade and was charged with robbery, landing in juvenile detention where he served six months. After his release, his legal troubles escalated through his teens and into his career.
In 2016, he was arrested in Austin, Texas on suspicion of attempted first-degree murder related to an alleged drive-by shooting in Baton Rouge. He took a plea deal and was released in May 2017.
In September 2020, he was arrested while filming a music video in Baton Rouge after federal agents found him in possession of firearms as a convicted felon.
In April 2024, he was arrested at his Utah residence during a raid tied to a large-scale prescription fraud ring, facing 63 charges including identity fraud, forgery, and unlawful pharmacy conduct.
How long was NBA YoungBoy in prison?
YoungBoy served approximately six months in juvenile detention as a teenager. In 2017, he spent additional time behind bars before accepting a plea deal on the attempted murder charge.
His 2020 federal gun arrest led to years of house arrest in Utah before he was formally sentenced in December 2024 to 23 months in federal prison, with credit for time already served.
He was released from federal prison in March 2025 and transitioned to home confinement. He was fully pardoned by President Donald Trump on May 28, 2025, meaning he did not need to complete his remaining probation terms.
What is NBA YoungBoy’s history of crimes?
YoungBoy’s criminal record spans roughly a decade. His offenses include a juvenile robbery charge (serving six months in 2014-2015), a 2016 attempted murder charge resolved via plea deal, and federal gun possession charges from a 2020 music video shoot in Baton Rouge.
While on house arrest in Utah, he was implicated in a prescription drug fraud scheme in 2024. He pleaded guilty to 10 misdemeanor counts related to that case, paid a $25,000 fine, and received no additional prison time for it.
His federal firearm sentence was 23 months, later wiped out by a presidential pardon.
Is NBA YoungBoy in a relationship?
NBA YoungBoy married Jazlyn Mychelle Hayes in 2023. The couple has focused on family life, particularly during his years of legal proceedings in Utah.
His most widely covered prior relationship was with Iyanna Mayweather, daughter of boxing legend Floyd Mayweather. They share a son, Kentrell Jr.
Does NBA YoungBoy have any children?
As of February 2026, YoungBoy has at least 11 children. He announced in February 2026 that Jazlyn Mychelle had given birth to their third child together.
He has been open about fatherhood playing a central role in his motivation to succeed. His children have multiple mothers, and he has spoken in interviews about wanting to be present in all of their lives.
How much is NBA YoungBoy’s net worth?
As of 2026, NBA YoungBoy’s net worth is estimated at $20 million, with many analysts citing around $15 million as a realistic midpoint. His wealth comes from streaming revenue, YouTube, album sales, merchandise, and touring.
His 2025 MASA Tour, launched after receiving his presidential pardon, added significantly to his income. He commands over 16 million monthly Spotify listeners and has amassed billions of YouTube views across his career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is NBA YoungBoy’s father?
NBA YoungBoy’s father is reportedly known by the first name Jeff and the surname Gaulden. He was sentenced to 55 years in prison for robbery when YoungBoy was eight years old.
Did NBA YoungBoy’s father go to jail?
Yes. YoungBoy’s father was sentenced to 55 years in prison for a robbery gone wrong, confirmed by multiple sources including The FADER and Capital Xtra.
How did NBA YoungBoy’s upbringing affect his music?
YoungBoy was raised by his grandmother after both parents were absent. He has frequently referenced his father’s imprisonment and his difficult Baton Rouge upbringing in his lyrics.
Was NBA YoungBoy pardoned?
Yes. President Donald Trump issued a full pardon to YoungBoy on May 28, 2025, clearing his federal gun conviction and ending his probation requirements.
How many kids does NBA YoungBoy have?
As of February 2026, YoungBoy has at least 11 children, including three with his wife, Jazlyn Mychelle Hayes.
The Bottom Line
NBA YoungBoy’s father was sentenced to 55 years in prison when YoungBoy was just eight years old, a defining event that shaped the rapper’s entire outlook and musical identity.
That absence, combined with his mother leaving early and his grandmother’s death, made YoungBoy largely self-reliant from a young age.
Despite his own serious legal history, YoungBoy received a presidential pardon in May 2025 and launched a major national tour. He has four No. 1 Billboard 200 albums and at least 11 children as of 2026.
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