8 Months That Changed Everything: The Full Story Behind NBA YoungBoy's Viral '2016 I Got Locked In That Cell' Lyric And The 2025 Trend

The phrase "2016 i got locked in that cell" has transcended its origins as a raw, reflective lyric to become a cultural touchstone, experiencing a massive resurgence as a viral meme and sound on TikTok in early January 2025. This powerful line, delivered by Baton Rouge rapper NBA YoungBoy (Kentrell DeSean Gaulden), is far more than a catchy soundbite; it is the opening line of his track "Graffiti" and points directly to one of the most tumultuous and transformative periods of his early life and career. The confinement detailed in the song was a pivotal moment that cemented his gritty, uncompromising public persona and fueled his ascent to hip-hop stardom.

The story behind the lyric—a period of nearly eight months in custody—is a stark reminder of the legal battles and personal hardships that have defined the young artist's journey. Understanding the true context of the 2016 arrest, the subsequent jail time, and the recent explosion of the phrase into a fresh, new digital trend provides a complete picture of why this single line continues to resonate with millions of fans and content creators today.

NBA YoungBoy: A Complete Biography and Timeline of Kentrell Gaulden

Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, known professionally as YoungBoy Never Broke Again or NBA YoungBoy, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter whose prolific output and controversial life have made him one of the most streamed artists in the world. His music often details the harsh realities of his upbringing and legal struggles in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

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• Full Name: Kentrell DeSean Gaulden
• Date of Birth: October 20, 1999
• Place of Birth: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.
• Monikers: YoungBoy Never Broke Again, NBA YoungBoy, YoungBoy, Lil Top
• Active Years: 2015–present
• Musical Style: Trap, Southern Hip Hop, Melodic Rap
• Early Life: Raised primarily by his maternal grandmother after his father was incarcerated. He suffered a neck injury at age four that required a head brace, leaving permanent scars.
• Career Start: Began producing music at age 14. Released his first mixtape, Life Before Fame, in 2015.
• Breakthrough Mixtape: 38 Baby (2016), which was released just before his major legal issues.
• Major Albums/Mixtapes: AI YoungBoy (2017), Until Death Call My Name (2018), Realer (2018), AI YoungBoy 2 (2019), Top (2020), Sincerely, Kentrell (2021), The Last Slimeto (2022).
• Key Legal Incidents: First arrest for robbery (2015), the pivotal 2016 arrest (attempted homicide), and subsequent arrests on various charges including drug and weapons possession.

The 2016 Confinement: The Origin of the 'Locked In That Cell' Lyric

The now-famous line, "2016 I got locked in that cell and they ain't let me out," is the definitive opening to the first verse of NBA YoungBoy's song "Graffiti." The lyric is a direct and unvarnished reference to a significant period of incarceration that occurred at a critical juncture in his burgeoning career.

The incident that led to this confinement took place in November 2016. At the time, YoungBoy was arrested in Austin, Texas, after an alleged high-speed police chase. This arrest was connected to a non-fatal drive-by shooting that had occurred weeks prior in his hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The charges levied against the then-teenager were severe, including two counts of attempted first-degree murder.

This was not a short stint. The "cell" he refers to became his home for approximately eight months. He was held in custody from November 2016 until his release on bail in May 2017. This time was formative, forcing the young artist to reflect on his life and the path he was on. Many fans and critics consider this period to be the crucible that forged the raw, emotionally intense style that defines his music.

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During his time locked up, YoungBoy’s profile continued to rise, largely due to his relentless output of music prior to the arrest, including the successful mixtapes 38 Baby and Mind of a Menace 3. The absence only intensified the demand for his return, transforming his legal troubles into a narrative of struggle and resilience that deeply resonated with his core audience. When he was released, he immediately capitalized on this momentum, releasing the mixtape AI YoungBoy, which included hit songs like "Untouchable" and "No Smoke," catapulting him into the mainstream.

From Deep Cut Lyric to Viral 2025 TikTok Trend

Despite being a lyric from a track released years ago, the phrase "2016 i got locked in that cell" experienced a massive and unexpected cultural revival as a TikTok trend that dominated the platform in January 2025. This phenomenon is a perfect example of how old content can find new life through social media remix culture.

The trend took on a humorous, self-deprecating, and often highly specific narrative form. Users began creating short-form videos, often styled as Instagram Story recreations, that used the lyric as a caption or voiceover to describe a situation where they were metaphorically "locked in" or confined to a certain place or activity in a past year. The key to the trend’s virality was the juxtaposition of a serious, intense lyric with mundane or relatable situations.

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Common iterations of the trend included:

• The Basketball Story: One of the most popular versions involved creators posting old photos or videos of themselves intensely focused on basketball, with the caption implying their dedication to the sport in 2016 was a form of self-imposed isolation.
• The Gaming Confinement: Users shared images of their old gaming setups or specific video games they were obsessed with, suggesting they were "locked in that cell" of their room playing titles like *Call of Duty* or *Fortnite*.
• The Academic Grind: Students posted pictures of textbooks or study sessions, humorously claiming they were "locked in that cell" of their school library or dorm room to achieve academic success.
• The Relationship Isolation: Some content creators used the sound to describe being intensely focused on a new relationship or friendship in 2016, isolating them from their other social circles.

The trend's explosion in 2025 demonstrates the enduring power of NBA YoungBoy’s music. His genuine, raw expression of confinement and struggle was reinterpreted by a new generation to describe their own intense, focused, or isolating experiences. This viral success, years after the song’s debut, brought a fresh wave of attention to the rapper's extensive discography and the powerful narrative woven into tracks like "Graffiti."

Topical Authority: The Legacy of NBA YoungBoy’s Early Mixtapes

The story of the "cell" is inextricably linked to the music that defined NBA YoungBoy's early career. His mixtapes from the 2016-2017 era are considered foundational texts in his discography, providing the context for his lyrical themes of street life, loyalty, and perseverance. Key projects that built his topical authority include:

• 38 Baby (2016): Released just before his November arrest, this project solidified his reputation in the Southern rap scene and features other key tracks like "I Ain't Hiding."
• Before I Go (2016): Another project released in the same year, showcasing his prolific nature.
• AI YoungBoy (2017): Released immediately after his release from the 2016 confinement, this mixtape was a major commercial success. It features the hit song "Untouchable," which directly addresses his legal issues and time in jail, serving as a powerful companion piece to "Graffiti."
• Fed Up: A track that further explores the themes of police scrutiny and the justice system, frequently cited alongside "Graffiti" when discussing his legal battles.

The lyric "2016 i got locked in that cell" is more than just a line; it is a timestamp marking the end of his teenage anonymity and the beginning of his life as a famous, yet constantly embattled, public figure. It remains a powerful symbol of the intensity and authenticity that his fans connect with, proving that the deepest, most personal lyrics often have the longest cultural shelf life.