NBA YoungBoy, the most decorated hip-hop artist in Billboard 200 history, has announced he plans to limit his future output to one or two more albums and a final tour. During an interview on the Open Thoughts podcast, the 26-year-old rapper, currently residing in Korea, revealed he has been managing an enlarged heart condition since he was on tour, a health struggle he kept private at the time.
A Career-Defining Health Disclosure
During his conversation with host Funny Marco, the rapper born Kentrell Gaulden disclosed that a doctor discovered his heart was swollen while he was actively touring. Despite the diagnosis, he chose to finish his scheduled performance dates without informing his team or the public.
According to reports from Complex, the condition remains an ongoing concern. YoungBoy noted that his heart is still enlarged, linking the physical pain to the emotional tone of his music. "That explains the music though, right?" he said while gesturing to his chest. "She’s hurting."
The End of a Prolific Recording Pace
YoungBoy’s announcement marks a significant shift for an artist known for his rapid-fire release schedule. In January, shortly after the release of his ninth studio album, Slime Cry, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) confirmed that he holds more certifications than any other rapper in history, surpassing industry titans including Drake, Jay-Z, and Kanye West.
His catalog includes nine studio albums and over 100 singles. Musicianvoice.com reports that his latest projects, including the August 2025 mixtape Deshawn and his ninth studio album Slime Cry, have maintained his high output. Despite this, YoungBoy told Funny Marco that music is no longer his primary focus, limiting his future studio work to just one or two more albums.
Legal History and Life After the United States
The rapper’s recent years have been defined by both professional milestones and significant legal challenges. In December 2024, he was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to gun-possession charges in Louisiana and Utah, with credit given for time served since May 2024.
He also navigated a separate legal case involving a fraudulent prescription drug scheme in Huntsville, which concluded with a $25,000 fine and the reduction of four felony charges to Class A Misdemeanors. In May 2025, President Trump issued a pardon for the artist. When asked during the Open Thoughts podcast if he would consider returning to the United States, YoungBoy stated he would "never" do so.
According to the RIAA, NBA YoungBoy’s rise to the top of the rankings saw him overtake E-40 for the most certifications in the history of the Billboard 200.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many more albums does NBA YoungBoy plan to release?
YoungBoy stated in his Open Thoughts interview that he has "one or two" albums left in his career.
Is NBA YoungBoy planning another tour?
Yes, the artist confirmed he intends to go on tour one more time in his life before retiring from the road.
Why did he leave the United States?
While the artist did not provide a specific reason for his relocation beyond stating he would "never" return, his career has been marked by extensive legal battles in the U.S., including a federal prison sentence and a presidential pardon received in 2025.
What health condition does the rapper have?
YoungBoy revealed that a doctor previously diagnosed him with an enlarged heart on his left side, an issue he says has persisted.
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