NBA YoungBoy is opening up about his relationship with the music industry — and why he believes he operates largely outside of it.
In a new Complex cover story released on Jan. 20, the Baton Rouge rapper said he feels “blackballed” due to past controversies but has come to accept it as the cost of maintaining his independence and authenticity.
“I probably just did a lot of s— that people don’t like,” YoungBoy says in the interview. “Everybody ain’t gonna like you.”
The 26-year-old artist, born Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, has long suggested that his limited radio play and absence from award shows stem from industry resistance tied to his legal history. That includes a 2024 federal gun charge plea connected to a 2020 arrest. While YoungBoy did not cite specific executives or companies, he referenced “industry politics” and what he described as the “fake parts” of the business, such as networking events and forced collaborations.
Despite those challenges, YoungBoy remains one of the most commercially successful rappers of his generation. He has logged more than 100 entries on the Billboard Hot 100, placing him among a small group of artists to reach that milestone. His success has largely come without traditional industry support, relying instead on a highly engaged fanbase and a steady release schedule.
Academic research supports the idea that artists with criminal records often face systemic barriers. A 2022 study published in the Journal of Popular Music Studies found that artists with legal issues can see radio airplay and playlist placement reduced by as much as 30 percent due to risk-averse industry practices.
Still, YoungBoy’s independent approach has translated into significant touring success. According to Pollstar, his 2025 tour grossed approximately $15 million, reinforcing his ability to draw large audiences without heavy radio rotation or award show visibility.
During the interview, the Complex interviewer noted that recent tour success appeared to bring renewed attention from industry figures who had previously kept their distance. YoungBoy dismissed the idea, saying he prefers to “stay away” from that energy and remain focused on his own path.
His comments echo sentiments previously shared by other high-profile rappers, including Lil Wayne, who has spoken publicly about feeling marginalized during periods of industry conflict despite commercial success.
