NBA YoungBoy opens up about heart condition amid move to Korea

NBA YoungBoy has revealed that he has a heart condition and may have only one or two albums remaining in his music career.

The 26-year-old rapper, whose real name is Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, discussed his health and future in music during an appearance on Funny Marco’s Open Thoughts podcast.

The episode was uploaded on Tuesday and was filmed in South Korea, where YoungBoy is currently based.

YoungBoy said a doctor discovered that the left side of his heart was swollen while he was on tour. He did not disclose a specific diagnosis or explain whether he is receiving treatment, but said the issue remains.

“On tour, a doctor told me the left side of my heart was swollen and I never told nobody,” he said. “I just kept doing every show. I finished my tour out like that.”

When discussing the condition further, YoungBoy said the affected side of his heart is “kind of still” enlarged.

He also joked about the connection between his health and his music, saying, “That explains the music, though, right?” before adding, “She’s hurting.”

The conversation also turned to YoungBoy’s plans for his recording career. Asked how many albums he believes he has left, the rapper answered, “One or two.” He also said he intends to tour only once more during his lifetime.

“I’m going to tour one more time throughout my whole life,” the rapper said, “and that’s it.”

YoungBoy has released nine studio albums during his career, with four reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

His latest studio album, “Slime Cry”, was released in January and peaked at No. 6, while the “ML2” compilation followed in June.