The rise of Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, known globally as NBA YoungBoy (or YoungBoy Never Broke Again), is one of the most prolific stories in modern hip-hop history. For fans and music historians tracking the origins of the Baton Rouge sensation, identifying the exact first song can be a complex task. While he is now a chart-topping artist with dozens of platinum records, his beginnings were rooted in raw, independent recordings and a relentless drive to document his reality.

NBA YoungBoy's first professional song is widely recognized as "Life Before Fame," the title track of his debut mixtape released in 2015. However, the story of his first recordings dates back even further to his early teenage years, involving a cheap microphone and a makeshift home studio.

What is the first song NBA YoungBoy ever recorded?

If we distinguish between a professional release and the very first time he put his voice to a beat, the answer changes. Before the fame and the high-end studio sessions in Los Angeles or Atlanta, NBA YoungBoy was a 14-year-old in Louisiana trying to find a way out of his circumstances.

Most music historians and long-time followers of the Baton Rouge scene point to his earliest uploads on platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube around 2014 and 2015. While "Life Before Fame" was his formal introduction, he began experimenting with music shortly after dropping out of the ninth grade. At the age of 14, he purchased his first microphone from a local Walmart. This hardware allowed him to record his initial tracks, many of which were never officially mastered or released on major streaming services. These early recordings laid the groundwork for his "Pain Music" style—a raw, emotional blend of street narratives and vulnerability.

The Story of the Walmart Microphone and the 2015 Era

The lore of NBA YoungBoy’s first song is inseparable from the story of his first equipment. In 2014, with limited resources, YoungBoy used money he had saved to buy a basic microphone from Walmart. This detail is often cited by fans as evidence of his "Never Broke Again" hustle and his dedication to his craft from a young age.

Recording at home allowed him to bypass the high costs of professional studios in Baton Rouge. During this era, he was influenced by the local legends of Louisiana rap, such as Lil Boosie and Kevin Gates. His first recordings reflected this southern influence, featuring heavy bass, rhythmic drawls, and lyrics centered on his daily struggles. While these early tracks might lack the polished production of his later hits like "Outside Today" or "Bandit," they captured the authentic energy of a teenager with nothing to lose.

A Track-by-Track Look at the Life Before Fame Mixtape

Released in 2015, Life Before Fame stands as the definitive starting point for NBA YoungBoy’s discography. To understand his "first song" in a professional context, one must look at the tracks that defined this debut project.

"Life Before Fame" (The Title Track)

As the lead song of his first mixtape, this track served as his manifesto. It wasn't just a song; it was a declaration of his intent to change his life through music. The lyrics focused on the transition from the streets to the recording booth, a theme that would dominate his career for the next decade.

"For A Reason"

Often mentioned by hardcore fans as one of the most significant early songs, "For A Reason" showcased YoungBoy's ability to create a melodic hook while maintaining a gritty lyrical edge. This song helped him gain local traction in Baton Rouge and proved that he had the potential to reach an audience beyond his immediate neighborhood.

"Don't Matter"

Even in his first mixtape, YoungBoy was experimenting with different flows. "Don't Matter" displayed a more aggressive side of his artistry, contrasting with the more melodic and soulful tracks on the project.

The Mysterious Weight Gang Recordings

Before he was NBA YoungBoy, there are reports that Kentrell Gaulden recorded music under the name "Weight Gang" when he was as young as 11 years old. These recordings are largely considered "lost media" or underground relics.

The Weight Gang era represents the absolute infancy of his musical journey. While these tracks were not part of his mainstream commercial history, they indicate that his interest in rap was not a sudden pivot but a lifelong passion. These early childhood recordings were likely influenced by the music he heard in his community and served as a developmental stage where he learned the basics of rhyming and rhythm. However, for most listeners, the "NBA YoungBoy" era truly begins with the 2015 materials.

How His First Songs Defined the "Pain Music" Subgenre

One cannot discuss NBA YoungBoy's first songs without addressing the emotional weight they carried. From the very beginning, his music was characterized by "Pain"—a subgenre of trap music that focuses on trauma, loss, and the psychological toll of street life.

In his early tracks like "Life Before Fame," he spoke openly about his father being sentenced to 55 years in prison and being raised by his grandmother. This level of transparency was rare for a 15-year-old rapper. By being his own first producer (in the sense of selecting beats and recording himself), he maintained an unfiltered voice. His early songs weren't trying to fit a radio mold; they were a form of therapy. This authenticity is why his first songs, despite their lower production quality, still garner millions of views on YouTube from fans who relate to his struggle.

The Influence of Baton Rouge on YoungBoy Earliest Lyrics

The geography of his upbringing played a massive role in his first songs. Baton Rouge has a specific sound—darker, slower, and more menacing than the bounce music of New Orleans or the trap music of Atlanta.

YoungBoy's first recordings were deeply rooted in this local aesthetic. He often referenced specific blocks, local figures, and the specific dangers of his environment. This hyper-local focus actually helped his global appeal; listeners could feel the reality of his situation through his specific descriptions. The tracks on Life Before Fame and the subsequent Mind of a Menace mixtapes established him as a voice for the disenfranchised youth of Louisiana.

The Evolution from First Song to Billboard Hits

It is fascinating to compare "Life Before Fame" to his later work. In his first songs, you can hear the raw talent, but the technical execution was still developing.

  1. Vocal Delivery: In 2015, his voice was higher and more frantic. Over time, he developed a more controlled, "slurred" melodic style that became his signature.
  2. Production: His first songs used "type beats" found online or produced by local collaborators. By 2017 and 2018, he was working with top-tier producers like Wheezy and CashMoneyAP.
  3. Subject Matter: While he has always stayed true to his roots, his later songs deal with the complexities of fame, wealth, and high-profile legal battles—topics that were unimaginable when he was recording with his Walmart mic.

Why NBA YoungBoy Early Music Still Matters Today

In the fast-paced world of digital music, many artists' early work is forgotten. However, NBA YoungBoy's first songs remain highly relevant. They serve as a blueprint for the hundreds of "YB clones" that have emerged in the rap scene. Moreover, these songs are a testament to the power of independent platforms. YoungBoy did not wait for a label to find him; he used YouTube as his primary distribution channel from the very first song.

For new fans, going back to the Life Before Fame era is essential to understanding the man behind the music. It provides context for his lyrics and shows the incredible trajectory of an artist who started with nothing but a cheap microphone and a story to tell.

Summary

In conclusion, while there isn't one "first" song that defines the very second NBA YoungBoy stepped into music, the 2015 track "Life Before Fame" is the most accurate answer for his professional debut. His journey began at 14 with a Walmart microphone, recording underground tracks that paved the way for his eventual dominance of the YouTube and Billboard charts. Whether it was the unreleased "Weight Gang" recordings or the local hit "For A Reason," his early music was the foundation of a legacy that continues to grow.

FAQ

What was the first mixtape NBA YoungBoy released?

His first official mixtape was Life Before Fame, released in 2015. It was followed quickly by the Mind of a Menace series later that same year.

Did NBA YoungBoy use a Walmart mic for his first song?

Yes, NBA YoungBoy famously started his recording career using a microphone he purchased from Walmart at the age of 14, shortly after he began focusing on music full-time.

How old was NBA YoungBoy when he started rapping?

He began writing and recording seriously around age 14, although some reports suggest he was experimenting with music as early as age 11 under different monikers.

What is considered NBA YoungBoy's breakout song?

While "Life Before Fame" was his first professional song, "38 Baby" (2016) and later "Untouchable" (2017) are considered his major breakout hits that brought him national attention.

Where can I listen to NBA YoungBoy's first songs?

Most of his early work, including the Life Before Fame mixtape, can be found on YouTube and SoundCloud, where he initially built his massive following.