SZA has hailed NBA YoungBoy as a shining example of Black excellence, challenging conventional industry norms that place unnecessary barriers on success for Black artists. Speaking with The New York Times, the SOS singer expressed her disdain for the classist standards that define how Black musicians are often evaluated.
SZA’s Perspective on Black Excellence
SZA critiqued the industry’s tendency to celebrate only Black artists who meet a narrow set of criteria, such as mastering multiple instruments or attending prestigious programs. She believes excellence is not about ticking boxes but rather about authenticity and creative expression. “The industry leans into the classism of celebrating only those Black musicians who play 50 instruments, went to all the right schools, did all the right programs, and talked to all the right people,” SZA explained.
She specifically praised NBA YoungBoy, saying: “Black excellence is NBA YoungBoy putting out projects and speaking his heart and screaming into a microphone.”
NBA YoungBoy’s New Album Teased
The timing of SZA’s praise coincides with YoungBoy’s label, Never Broke Again, teasing his upcoming album, AI YoungBoy 3, with an Instagram clip showing him tossing a knife at a cardboard box. This highly anticipated project follows I Rest My Case, which dropped earlier this year. Fans are also speculating about another potential release titled Don’t Try This At Home, a phrase YoungBoy has been frequently using on social media.
NBA YoungBoy: A Legacy of Black Excellence
Since his debut in 2015, the Baton Rouge native has made a significant impact on Hip Hop, amassing 96 entries on the Billboard Hot 100 and 26 projects on the Billboard 200—with 12 albums in the Top 10 and four reaching No. 1.
Last year, NBA YoungBoy released an impressive eight full-length projects, including Lost Files and Ma’ I Got a Family. He revealed in a recent Billboard cover story that he has over 1,000 unreleased songs, showcasing his relentless drive to create. “‘Don’t try this at home’ then AI YoungBoy 3 album on the way,” read a cryptic social media post from the label.
Legal Battles and Resilience
NBA YoungBoy’s success comes despite personal and legal challenges. He was acquitted of federal gun charges, narrowly avoiding a seven-year prison sentence. His legal victory underscored his resilience, allowing him to maintain a steady stream of music releases while navigating his personal struggles.
By celebrating NBA YoungBoy, SZA shines a light on the broader definition of Black excellence, one rooted in passion, perseverance, and authenticity. With his upcoming projects and unstoppable work ethic, YoungBoy continues to solidify his place as a prolific force in Hip Hop.
