As of teh latest Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certifications, NBA youngboy, born Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, has solidified his place as one of the most prolific and commercially triumphant rappers of the last decade. Despite facing legal challenges,including a 23-month incarceration stemming from a federal gun charge conviction in late 2024,his musical output remains unwavering. The RIAA recognizes YoungBoyS achievements, acknowledging him as a force in the hip-hop industry.

the numbers speak for themselves. According to irwebonline.com, NBA YoungBoy boasts “71 gold-selling singles and four gold-selling albums, along with five platinum-selling projects and 38 platinum-selling songs.” While sources vary, it is indeed clear that NBA YoungBoy has at least three platinum albums.This honor places him among the elite in a genre where sustained success is frequently enough fleeting.

A Look at the Numbers

As bursting onto the scene in 2015, NBA YoungBoy has amassed an impressive catalogue, including six studio albums, 26 mixtapes, and three compilation albums. This relentless work ethic has translated into critical acclaim and commercial success, with several projects achieving platinum status.

The RIAA has certified the following projects as platinum:

• AI Youngboy
• Top
• Realer
• 4Respect, 4Freedom, 4Loyalty
• AI Youngboy 2
• Sincerely, Kentrell
• Until Death Call My Name
• Still Flexin, Still Steppin

Notably, AI Youngboy 2, his highest-selling album, has achieved double-platinum certification, signifying over two million units sold.Until death Call My Name has also earned a double-platinum certification, further underscoring his widespread appeal. When an album is certified “platinum” by the RIAA it has moved 1 million equivalent units in the US, which includes album sales, TEA (track equivalent albums) and SEA (streaming equivalent albums).

Early Beginnings and Breakthrough

YoungBoy’s journey began with the release of his debut mixtape, Life Before Fame, in 2015. He followed this with a series of underground projects, including Mind of a Menace and 38 Baby in 2016, building a dedicated fanbase through consistent releases and a raw, unfiltered lyrical style. His breakthrough moment arrived in 2017 with AI YoungBoy, featuring the hit single untouchable. This project catapulted him into the mainstream, establishing him as a prominent voice in hip-hop.

Like many up-and-coming artists, NBA YoungBoy took advantage of the online landscape to grow his career. Free mixtapes and videos on YouTube made an icon of the lyricist, and helped him secure his place as a major player in hip-hop.

He has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including DaBaby, Birdman, Moneybagg Yo, Rich The Kid, and Quando Rondo. These collaborations demonstrate his versatility and ability to connect with different audiences within the hip-hop community. For example, his work with Birdman, the Cash Money Records co-founder, represents a merging of generations in the rap.

More Leaks: Music from Behind Bars

The release of More Leaks during his incarceration further solidifies YoungBoy’s position as a dominant force. Even while facing legal challenges, his creative output remains prolific and impactful. The album showcases his signature blend of hard-hitting trap rhythms and introspective melodies, exploring themes of betrayal, loss, and survival with unflinching honesty.

Production on More Leaks is handled by a lineup of acclaimed producers, including Cheese, Bnyx, F1lthy, Harry Fraud, and London On Da Track.These producers contribute to the album’s dynamic sonic landscape, creating a backdrop that amplifies the emotional weight of YoungBoy’s verses.

Critics and fans have lauded More Leaks for its unfiltered emotion and raw honesty. His ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level,even from behind bars,speaks to his authenticity and unwavering dedication to his craft. The album reinforces his influence and strengthens his connection with his audience,proving that his voice remains powerful and relevant despite his legal battles.

The continued success of NBA YoungBoy, even amidst personal and legal turmoil, is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and the unwavering support of his fanbase. He stands as a prominent figure in contemporary hip-hop, and his journey continues to captivate audiences across the U.S. and beyond.