Rapper Kodak Black, born Dieuson Octave, recently had a heartfelt reunion with his childhood babysitter in his hometown of Golden Acres, Florida. The emotional moment, captured during a community outreach event, revealed the deep bond between the star and the woman who cared for him as a child. Her powerful words of encouragement and prayer, shared during their encounter, have touched fans and shed light on the influences that shaped Kodak’s journey from a tough upbringing to hip-hop stardom.
While visiting Golden Acres to pay rent for over 200 families, Kodak was approached by his former babysitter, whose identity remains private. In a moment filled with warmth, she offered a prayer and words of support that echoed her faith in his resilience.
“You can, but somebody try to mess up you, you’ll be OK. You’ll be alright. I pray for you,”
she said, her voice steady with conviction. She added,
“I follow you on Instagram with you. That’s my real family. Nobody can touch my family.”
Her message culminated in a powerful declaration:
“They trying to mess you up but they can’t, God is with you.”
The babysitter’s words, shared widely on social media platforms like X, struck a chord with Kodak and his fans. She expressed pride in his success, urging him to “stay up” and reassuring him,
“I love you baby.”
Kodak, visibly moved, responded with gratitude, saying,
“Thank you, thank you.”
This exchange highlighted the enduring impact of her care and encouragement during his formative years.
Kodak Black came of age within the Golden Acres housing project, one of Pompano Beach’s low-income neighborhoods plagued by poverty, as well as crime. Growing up with his single mother, Haitian immigrant Marcelene Octave, Kodak encountered challenges early on after his father abandoned the family. His mother, whom he referred to as both “momma and daddy” during a 2021 interview, worked double-time to support his needs. Despite the struggles, Kodak turned to music, first beginning to rap as an elementary student, with influences from artists such as Lil Boosie.
The Golden Acres environment exposed Kodak to petty crime and drug dealing as a young boy, but figures like his babysitter offered guidance and hope. Her recent words suggest she saw his potential even then, praying for his protection against those who might “try to mess you up.” This reunion underscores the role of community support in Kodak’s life, a theme he’s carried into his philanthropy.
Kodak Black first rose to prominence in 2014 with such breakouts as “No Flockin” and “Skrt” that went platinum and landed a deal with Atlantic Records. His 2017 record “Tunnel Vision” went as high as six on the Billboard Hot 100, his debut album, Painting Pictures, made it as high as three on the Billboard 200, and later discs such as Dying to Live (2018) and Back for Everything (2022) cemented his spot within the genre, with songs such as “Zeze” and “Super Gremlin” becoming hits.
In spite of his achievement, Kodak’s career is plagued by run-ins with the law, including assault, possession of drugs, and weapons charges. His recent December 2023 arrest for violating his probation came after a string of court skirmishes, though he’s also been granted clemency, most notably by former President Donald Trump in 2021. In between, Kodak has produced plenty, including two new albums, Pistolz & Pearlz and When I Was Dead, as well as collaborations with artists such as Kendrick Lamar.
Kodak’s visit to Golden Acres was not simply a sentimental return but an opportunity to give back. His action of paying rent for more than 200 families is indicative of his devotion to his heritage. He’s even contributed to college scholarships and early child education, demonstrating a commitment to elevating the next generation. These actions support the babysitter’s trust that he would be able to overcome his struggles and make a difference.
The reunion with his babysitter serves as a reminder of the personal connections that have grounded Kodak Black amid fame and controversy. Her prayer,
“They trying to mess you up but they can’t, God is with you,”
encapsulates the resilience that has defined his journey.
