The rapper shares plans for a limited musical future and discusses his life changes during a recent podcast interview
Category: Arts & Culture
Multiplatinum rapper NBA YoungBoy, whose real name is Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, has announced that he has relocated to South Korea permanently, leaving behind a tumultuous life in the United States marked by legal troubles and health issues. During an appearance on the "Open Thoughts" podcast hosted by Funny Marco, which aired on August 11, 2026, YoungBoy revealed that he has been diagnosed with a swollen heart and indicated he likely has only one or two albums left in his career.
This candid disclosure has captured the attention of fans and media alike, as YoungBoy, a prominent figure in contemporary hip-hop, shared insights into his decision to move abroad. "Never in life" will he return to the U.S., he stated emphatically when asked about the possibility of moving back. He expressed a sense of relief and safety in South Korea, describing it as "very safe here and very clean," and noted that he appreciates the country for being "out the way." This marks a stark departure from his chaotic past, including a series of arrests and legal challenges.
YoungBoy's move follows a series of personal and legal upheavals that have plagued his career. Known for his prolific output, he has released nine studio albums, with several achieving platinum status. His first four albums—"Until Death Call My Name" (2018), "Top" (2020), "Sincerely, Kentrell" (2021), and "The Last Slimeto" (2022)—were particularly successful. The rapper's candidness about his health issues adds a new layer to his narrative, as he shared that he finished his last tour with an enlarged heart, stating, "I never told nobody, I just kept doing every show. My heart kind of still is enlarged on this little side. That explains the music, though, right? She’s hurting." This reflection on his health suggests that his experiences have deeply influenced his artistry.
The podcast episode has already amassed over 2 million views, indicating a strong interest in YoungBoy's life and career. In the interview, he mentioned that he plans to tour only one more time in his life, a sobering statement for his dedicated fanbase. "I’ll go on tour one more time throughout my whole life, and that’s it," he said, signaling a potential end to his live performances.
Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, YoungBoy's life has been marked by challenges from a young age. He has spent time in juvenile detention and faced numerous legal issues throughout his career. In 2018, he was charged with kidnapping and assault, though his girlfriend later recanted her allegations. More recently, in December 2024, he received a 23-month federal sentence for gun-related charges stemming from a 2020 arrest during a music video shoot. The rapper was found guilty of firearm possession as a convicted felon, which led to a suspended 10-year prison term and three years of probation.
His legal troubles culminated in a presidential pardon from Donald Trump in May 2025, which cleared his sentence and allowed him to move forward without the constraints of probation. YoungBoy's tumultuous relationship with the law has been a recurring theme in his music, often serving as inspiration for his lyrics.
YoungBoy's decision to relocate to South Korea appears to be an attempt to escape the scrutiny and challenges he faced in the U.S. He expressed a desire for a fresh start, emphasizing that he enjoys the new environment and the opportunity to travel, something he felt he missed out on during his youth. "I don’t have a problem with being away, it’s nothing new for me," he said during the interview.
Looking ahead, YoungBoy is preparing to release a new album titled "All Dogs Go to Heaven," which he hopes to debut before his 27th birthday in October 2026. This upcoming project is expected to continue exploring themes of reflection and personal growth, which have become hallmarks of his recent work. The rapper's fans are eager to see how his experiences in South Korea will influence his music.
In the meantime, YoungBoy has expressed a commitment to maintaining his distance from the U.S., stating, "There’s nothing there for me, nothing else there for me at all." This sentiment reflects a broader desire to prioritize his well-being and artistic integrity over the pressures of fame and past controversies. He also mentioned that he remains focused on his children, indicating that family will always be a priority, even as he embraces a new lifestyle abroad.
As YoungBoy navigates this new chapter in his life, his story serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between celebrity, personal struggles, and the quest for redemption. Fans and observers alike will follow closely closely to see how his artistic output evolves in this fresh setting, especially as he prepares for what he has described as his final tour.
With his next album on the horizon, YoungBoy's transition to South Korea may well mark a turning point in his career, one that offers both challenges and opportunities for growth.