In a candid revelation through his music, rapper Youngboy NBA, whose real name is Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, disclosed that he has herpes. This personal admission came to light in a song released in 2018, where the artist openly addressed his condition. Gaulden’s transparency about his health is a departure from the often-guarded nature of personal issues in the hip-hop community.
Adding to the conversation, Gaulden’s girlfriend at the time, Jania, confirmed the diagnosis during a radio interview, acknowledging that she too has herpes. Jania’s statement underscored the couple’s united front in facing the diagnosis together.
The decision to publicly disclose such information was strategic for Gaulden. It appears he aimed to disarm potential adversaries in the rap industry from using his health status as a weapon in any ongoing or future feuds. This preemptive move suggests a level of foresight and maturity, particularly for someone who was only 19 years old at the time.
Gaulden hails from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and at the time of the disclosure, he was described as a 19-year-old black male with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5’8″ tall and weighing 155 pounds. His choice to be forthright about his herpes diagnosis could be seen as an effort to control the narrative surrounding his personal life and to possibly destigmatize the condition among his fan base and peers.
While the rapper’s openness about his health may have been unexpected, it reflects a broader trend of celebrities choosing honesty over secrecy when it comes to sensitive personal matters. By sharing his experience, Gaulden may have inadvertently become a voice in the conversation about sexual health and the importance of transparency.
Summary of: Original Report
