Kodak Black Biography: Rap Star, Love Life, Songs & Career

With his distinctive Southern drawl, raw, blues-infused melodies, and deeply personal lyrics, Kodak Black stands as one of the most compelling and influential voices in modern hip-hop. Emerging from Florida’s vibrant rap scene, Kodak bridged the gap between traditional storytelling and modern trap, crafting multi-platinum anthems and critically acclaimed albums while building an empire centered on artistic independence.

Published exclusively for Tushstories.com, here is the ultimate, up-to-date look into the biography, career evolution, defining discography, net worth, family roots, personal relationships, controversies, and modern endeavors of Kodak Black.

Biography

Kodak Black smiling

Born Dieuson Octave on June 11, 1997, in Pompano Beach, Florida, he was raised by his mother, Marcelene Octave, a Haitian immigrant, in the Golden Acres public housing project. Growing up without his father present, he turned to reading dictionaries and thesauruses as a youth to expand his vocabulary, writing lyrics and recording music in a local trap house after school. In 2018, he legally changed his name to Bill Kahan Kapri.

Kodak joined local rap groups like Brutal Youngnz and The Kolyons in his early teens. Taking his stage moniker from his early Instagram handle, inspired by the photography brand Kodak and his childhood nickname “Black”, he dropped his debut solo mixtape, Project Baby, in 2013, laying the foundation for his ascension in Southern hip-hop.

Kodak Black Age

Born in June 1997, Kodak Black is 29 years old. He continues to record new music, release independent projects under his Sniper Gang imprint, and headline hip-hop festivals globally.

Career

The trajectory of Kodak Black career represents a story of viral breakouts, chart dominance, and independent resilience:

  • Breakout Mixtapes & National Recognition (2014–2016): Kodak earned massive local and national buzz with his 2014 single “No Flockin”. Drake posted a video dancing to his single “Skrt” in 2015, helping propel Kodak into the national spotlight. He followed up with critically acclaimed mixtapes including Heart of the Projects (2014) and Lil BIG Pac (2016).
  • Studio Debut & Billboard Hot 100 Success (2017–2020): Kodak released his debut studio album, Painting Pictures, in 2017, debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and featuring the top-ten hit single “Tunnel Vision”. His second studio album, Dying to Live (2018), topped the Billboard 200, driven by the multi-platinum single “ZEZE” featuring Travis Scott and Offset.
  • Super Gremlin & Ongoing Output (2021–Present): After completing a federal prison sentence following a presidential commutation in 2021, Kodak scored a major commercial comeback with his multi-platinum smash single “Super Gremlin” (2021), anchoring his album Back for Everything (2022). He subsequently released Kutthroat Bill: Vol. 1 (2022) and When I Was Most Needed (2023), signed new distribution partnerships, and continues to release music under his Sniper Gang imprint.

ALSO READ: 21 Savage Biography: Hip-Hop Star, Life With Latto & Rap Career

Kodak Black Songs

Kodak Black (Bill Kapri) performing on stage during the 4th Annual TIDAL X: Brooklyn concert at the Barclays Center in New York City on October 23, 2018

Across his catalog, Kodak Black songs showcase his emotional transparency, catchy hooks, and unique Florida cadence. Signature tracks include:

  • “No Flockin” (2014) – The multi-platinum breakout single that introduced his signature style.
  • “Tunnel Vision” (2017) – A top-ten Billboard Hot 100 hit produced by Metro Boomin.
  • “ZEZE” (feat. Travis Scott & Offset) (2018) – A global top-charting hit single.
  • “Super Gremlin” (2021) – A multi-platinum single that peaked in the top five of the Billboard Hot 100.
  • “Roll in Peace” (feat. XXXTentacion) (2017) – A fan-favorite collaboration from Project Baby 2.
  • “Wake Up in the Sky” (with Gucci Mane & Bruno Mars) (2018) – A multi-platinum pop-rap hit.

Kodak Black Net Worth

Supported by streaming royalties, album sales, live touring revenue, executive label operations with Sniper Gang, and music publishing, the estimated Kodak Black net worth stands at approximately $5 million.

Family

The Kodak Black family roots remain tied to his Haitian-American heritage and growing household:

  • Parents: Son of Marcelene Octave, a Haitian immigrant who raised him in Pompano Beach, Florida.
  • Siblings: He has an older brother named John Wicks, who is also involved in music.
  • Children: Kodak is a father to four children, including son King Khalid and daughters Queen Yuri, Izyah, and Prince Kapri, guarding aspects of their private lives while frequently sharing warm family moments online.

Personal Life & Key Relationships

Kodak Black and Jayda Cheaves

The public connection surrounding Kodak Black and Jayda Cheaves sparked social media interest following online banter and mutual public appearances at music industry gatherings. While media outlets speculated on a romantic connection, both Kodak and entrepreneur Jayda Cheaves clarified that their connection was built on mutual professional respect and shared social circles.

ALSO READ: Lil Yachty Biography: Trap Star, Love Life & Rap Career

Kodak Black and Cuban Doll

Kodak Black and Cuban Doll

The relationship between Kodak Black and Cuban Doll represented a high-profile romantic chapter in the late 2010s. The two rappers dated and engaged in playful social media moments, even teasing engagement rumors online. Although their relationship eventually came to an end, both artists continued their respective careers in music and fashion.

Kodak Black and Mjae

Kodak Black and Mjae

The bond between Kodak Black and Mjae (Daijanae Ward) represents a significant personal relationship and co-parenting partnership. The couple welcomed their daughter, Queen Yuri Kapri, together in 2022. Though they have had an on-and-off relationship in the public eye, they remain connected through shared parental responsibilities.

Kodak Black and Mellow Rackz

Kodak Black and Mellow Rackz

The whirlwind romance between Kodak Black and Mellow Rackz made major media headlines in early 2021. The two artists announced an engagement shortly after connecting, sharing public displays of affection and music video collaborations. However, the pair split later that year, focusing on their individual music careers.

Controversies

Throughout his public career, Kodak Black controversies and legal hurdles have frequently made national headlines:

  • Legal Charges & Incarceration: Kodak has faced several legal battles dating back to his youth, including weapons charges, probation violations, and federal firearm cases. In 2019, he was sentenced to federal prison before receiving a presidential commutation from Donald Trump in January 2021.
  • Court Cases & Rehabilitation: Following legal issues related to court-ordered drug testing, Kodak spent time in a residential rehabilitation program in late 2021. He has spoken openly about his struggles with substance abuse, personal growth, and his ongoing pursuit of self-improvement.

Instagram

On social media, Kodak Black Instagram (@kodakblack) serves as a direct line of communication for over 12 million followers. He uses the platform to share behind-the-scenes recording studio updates, Sniper Gang merchandise drops, music previews, and reflections on his personal journey.

Conclusion

Rapper Kodak Black attends the 2022 American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on November 20, 2022

Kodak Black’s biography is a testament to raw artistic voice, resilience, and musical impact. From growing up in Pompano Beach’s Golden Acres to topping global music charts and managing his independent label, his legacy as a defining icon of Florida hip-hop remains firmly established.

ALSO READ: Lil Uzi Vert Biography: Music Star, Love Life & Rap Career

Aniekan Andikan
Aniekan Andikan

Aniekan Andikan is a senior entertainment writer and researcher at Tushstories, specializing in the intersection of pop culture history and global celebrity legacies and relationships. With over 5 years of experience in blogging, Aniekan focuses on uncovering the lesser-known narratives of movie, sports and music icons. He holds a degree in Education and is dedicated to providing readers with deeply researched, human-centered biographies that go beyond basic facts. When not digging into film archives, Aniekan can be found exploring local art galleries in Ikot Ekpene

Articles: 1131

Leave a Reply