A 25-year-old rapper, who is on the verge of welcoming his 13th child, has ignited a discussion online regarding how this situation came to be.
NBA YoungBoy is a prominent figure in the music world, having gained popularity through the release of eight mixtapes between 2015 and 2017.
Known by his birth name, Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, and professionally as YoungBoy Never Broke Again or NBA YoungBoy, the artist is recognized for his candid lyrics that reflect his life’s truths.
Previously, he stirred the internet by revealing he has herpes, a lifelong sexually transmitted infection, in one of his songs.
In the lyrics, NBA YoungBoy claims that Jania, the mother of one of his children, transmitted the virus to him, demonstrating his transparency about dealing with the condition.
Recently, the rapper grabbed attention again with plans to have a third child with his wife, as mentioned in his new song ‘If You Need Me’. This revelation prompted many to tally up the total number of his children, concluding it to be 13.
This news prompted a variety of reactions on social media, as people speculated on how a 25-year-old could father so many children.
One user questioned: “Did he start having kids at 12? How tf do you have 13 kids when you gotta wait atleast 9 months in between.”
To this, another replied, pointing out the flaw: “Hes not the one getting pregnant bro.”
Another commenter echoed this sentiment, saying: “9 women can make 1 baby in 1 month Now do the math.”
Another added: “Men don’t need to wait 9 months…”
One more user sarcastically remarked: “Yeah, because clearly he gave birth to all 13 himself, back-to-back, like a maternity factory. Ever heard of different women, or is biology just a rumor where you’re from?”
Questions about when his journey into fatherhood began have been addressed in his music well before this.
According to the song ‘Rebel’s Kick It’, he became a father for the first time at 16. The lyrics state: “Had my first baby at 16, no Plan B, I had one dream.”
Since then, he has fathered 11 more children, with another on the way.
His first child, Kayden, was with Nisha Keller. Despite parting ways after Kayden’s birth, they later reconciled.
YoungBoy’s second son, Taylin, born in March 2017, is with ex-girlfriend Nia.
He later reunited with ex Starr Dejanee, welcoming his third son, Kamiri, the following year. He also took on the responsibility of raising Starr’s son, who he initially thought was his own until a DNA test proved otherwise.
His involvement with Jania Meshell drew attention when he was allegedly seen body-slamming her on video in February 2018, leading to his arrest on a kidnapping warrant. He later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor simple battery family violence. Despite this, they reconciled and had a son named Kacey in February 2019 before eventually parting ways.
Returning to Nisha, she gave birth to his first daughter, Armani, in June 2020, shortly followed by Drea Symone giving birth to another daughter, Kodi, five months later.
Another ex, Yaya Mayweather, gave birth to a son named Kentrell Jr. in January 2021.
He then began a relationship with Jazlyn Mychelle in 2020, marrying her in 2023. Together they have a daughter, born in August 2021, and a son, born the following September.
In 2023, he reportedly fathered two more children with different women, aligning his total number of children with that of Nick Cannon: 12.
As he anticipates the birth of his next child, he remains occupied with the many children he already has.