NBA YoungBoy has remained one of hip-hop’s most relentless artists since breaking out in the mid-2010s. In 2018, the Louisiana rapper released six projects between April and December. In 2022, he pushed even harder, dropping seven in a single year. That same drive is carrying into 2025, even after a stint in prison.
Fresh out from serving time on fraud charges, the 25-year-old wasted no time feeding his fanbase. He dropped a 20-track compilation, More Leaks, immediately after his release. Soon after, he followed up with his latest commercial album, Make America Slime Again. The 30-track project featured Playboi Carti and Mellow Rackz, marking another large-scale release in his catalog.
The album has sparked conversation, particularly for its pro-Trump lyrics. President Donald Trump granted YB a pardon on his most recent federal charges, something the rapper publicly appreciated. “I want to thank President Trump for granting me a pardon and giving me the opportunity to keep building as a man, as a father, and as an artist,” YB said. “This moment means a lot. It opens the door to a future I’ve worked hard for and I am fully prepared to step into this.”
Despite mixed reactions to Make America Slime Again, the album became his 16th top 10 entry on the Billboard 200. Still, NBA YoungBoy is not slowing down. DJ Khaled has confirmed that the two have teamed up for a joint mixtape titled DESHAWN, named after YB’s middle name spelled DeSean. The project will feature 13 tracks, a rare move for both artists who are known for lengthy releases.
Kevin Gates, another Louisiana native, will be the only guest on DESHAWN. Khaled announced on Instagram that the tape will be released this Tuesday. With a shorter tracklist and a focused guest lineup, fans are expecting a tighter and more consistent project from YB and Khaled.
The release will mark YB’s third project of the year, further solidifying his position as one of the most productive rappers in the game.
