Parents of a young Louisiana child are facing criticism for organizing a gangster-themed party for their child, featuring realistic-looking guns and explicit rap music. The viral “NBA YoungBoy-themed” birthday party showcased five young boys dancing while flashing fake cash.
But, in response to the strong backlash, the birthday boy’s mother, Devine Brooks, said the public got it all wrong. According to her, the family sought to portray an innocent fun moment and explained that the boys believed they were shooting a music video.
Brooks said her son wanted an NBA-themed celebration, and that’s what he got. She pointed out that her boys are well-educated and involved in football, even heading to nationals, according to the Daily Mail.
The video of the party showed a group of men dancing with the children to the song “Never Broke Again” by the 24-year-old Louisiana rapper, who has 11 children.
The gangster-themed party featured decorations such as champagne bottle balloons, diamonds, wads of cash, and realistic-looking Glocks. However, the video of the event triggered online outrage, with one Instagram commenter attributing issues in the youth and younger generation to parents and people who organize parties like this.
Another commenter noted that NBA YoungBoy’s music is not suitable for kids. The rapper recently expressed an intention to be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints once his ankle monitor is removed.
Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, known as NBA YoungBoy, has 11 children with nine different women. He married his long-time girlfriend, the mother of two of his children, in January 2023. Gaulden frequently includes themes of guns and money in his music, likely influencing the gangster-themed birthday party.
Some of his lyrics mention acquiring guns and using them in daily life. In March 2021, the rapper faced charges of firearm possession, leading to a period of incarceration until he posted a $500,000 cash bond. His release was contingent on monitoring and home confinement in Utah.
Brooks revealed in an Instagram comment that her son shares a birthday with the Louisiana rapper and it was the source of inspiration for the gangster-themed party.
