NBA YoungBoy Says Retirement Is Near as He Reveals Heart Condition and Plans One Final Tour

NBA YoungBoy says he may be approaching the final chapter of his music career, revealing that he believes he has only “one or two” albums left in him before retirement.

The 26-year-old Baton Rouge rapper, born Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, opened up about his future, health and decision to live outside the United States during an appearance on Funny Marco’s Open Thoughts podcast from South Korea.

When Funny Marco asked how many more albums he believes he has left, YoungBoy gave a surprisingly short answer: “One or two.”

His plans for touring appear even more definitive.

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

The comments would represent a major shift for one of hip-hop’s most prolific artists. YoungBoy has maintained an unusually aggressive release schedule throughout his career, building an enormous catalog of albums, mixtapes and singles while developing one of rap’s most dedicated streaming audiences.

YoungBoy Reveals Heart Condition

YoungBoy also disclosed a potentially serious health issue that he kept private while touring.

The rapper said a doctor informed him during his 2025 Make America Slime Again Tour that the left side of his heart was swollen.

“A doctor told me that the left side of my heart was swollen,” YoungBoy revealed.

Despite receiving the news while on the road, he said he continued performing and did not tell those around him what was happening.

“I never told nobody. I just kept doing every show,” he said.

YoungBoy added that the issue has not completely resolved, saying his heart is “kind of still” enlarged on one side.

He did not publicly identify a specific diagnosis or disclose what caused the enlargement.

The revelation gives additional weight to YoungBoy’s decision to limit how much longer he intends to record and tour.

One More Album Could Arrive Soon

YoungBoy is reportedly preparing another album, currently titled All Dogs Go to Heaven, which is expected to arrive before his 27th birthday on October 20.

The project would follow Slime Cry, his ninth studio album, which was released in January.

YoungBoy’s potential retirement would come after an extraordinary run of commercial success. In January, he was recognized as the most-certified rapper in RIAA history, with 126 certified titles.

Despite being just 26, his output has already rivaled or surpassed that of artists with careers spanning considerably longer.

YoungBoy Says He Won’t Move Back to the United States

Music was not the only major life decision YoungBoy discussed.

The rapper is currently living in South Korea and says he has no intention of permanently returning to the United States.

Asked whether he could see himself moving back, YoungBoy responded emphatically:

“Never in life. Never.”

YoungBoy said he appreciates the environment in South Korea, describing it as safe and clean. He also suggested that living abroad provides the distance he has wanted for years.

“I used to always feel like I never had the opportunity to get away or to leave that place,” he explained. “I don’t have no problem with being away. It’s nothing there for me at all.”

His children remain his strongest connection to the United States.

“The most important thing is probably my kids,” YoungBoy said, before adding, “but that’s what they got planes for.”

The international move follows a transformative period in YoungBoy’s personal and professional life. After serving time on federal weapons-related charges, he was released from prison in 2025 and later received a presidential pardon.

Now, his priorities appear to be shifting again.

At an age when many rappers are only beginning to reach their commercial peak, YoungBoy is openly discussing life after music — while managing a heart condition and establishing a new life overseas.

Whether “one or two” albums ultimately proves to be the end remains to be seen. YoungBoy has previously reconsidered plans to stop releasing music.

But this time, his message is clear: another album or two, one final tour, and then NBA YoungBoy may be ready to walk away.