DaBaby

Lore & Background

Jonathan Lyndale Kirk was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, at age six. He attended Zebulon B. Vance High School and later the University of North Carolina at Greensboro for two years without completing his studies. He began taking music seriously between 2014 and 2015, releasing his debut mixtape Nonfiction in 2015 under the stage name Baby Jesus, which he later changed. After signing with South Coast Music Group and a short-lived distribution deal with Roc Nation, he landed a seven-figure recording deal with Interscope Records in January 2019.

His debut studio album Baby on Baby (2019) spawned the top-ten single "Suge." Later that year, his second album Kirk debuted atop the Billboard 200. In 2020, his third album Blame It on Baby also reached number one, and its single "Rockstar" spent seven non-consecutive weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100. That same year, he guest performed on the remix of Jack Harlow's "Whats Poppin" and Dua Lipa's "Levitating," both peaking at number two on the Hot 100.

In July 2021, Kirk faced backlash for remarks made at the Rolling Loud Festival that were widely regarded as homophobic. Several festival appearances were cancelled, and radio stations substituted a version of the "Levitating" remix without his contribution, resulting in his credit being removed from the Billboard Airplay Charts. He later released the collaborative mixtape Better than You (2022) with YoungBoy Never Broke Again and his fourth album Baby on Baby 2 (2022). His fifth album, Be More Grateful (2026), included the top-40 single "Pop Dat Thang."

Reader's Guide

DaBaby's collaboration with Dua Lipa on the remix of "Levitating" in 2020 marked a significant crossover moment, blending his rapid-fire rap style with her pop sound. The remix climbed the charts in 2021, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, and became one of the most commercially successful tracks of his career. However, following his controversial remarks at the Rolling Loud Festival in July 2021, radio stations began substituting a version of the remix without his verse, and his credit was removed from the Billboard Airplay Charts on August 9, 2021. This response highlighted the impact of public controversy on collaborative works. Despite this, the "Levitating" remix remains a key entry in both artists' discographies, demonstrating the reach of cross-genre collaborations in the streaming era. DaBaby's earlier hits, including "Rockstar" and "Suge," had already established him as a dominant force in hip-hop, and his feature on Dua Lipa's track expanded his audience to pop listeners. The remix was released in late 2020 and continued to gain traction into the following year.

Early life

Jonathan Lyndale Kirk was born on December 22, 1991, in Cleveland, Ohio, and moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, at age six. He graduated from Zebulon B. Vance High School in 2010 and attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro for two years, leaving without completing his studies, stating he only went for his parents' sake. Growing up, he listened to Eminem, 50 Cent, and Lil Wayne with his two older brothers.

Music

Charles Holmes of Rolling Stone described Kirk's flow as a staccato, precise, and brutal rapping style that often seems to start before the beat, with "Suge" as a key example. Kirk has cited Future, Lil Wayne, and Kanye West as influences, noting he studied their progression and marketing. Jeff Weiss of The Guardian compared him to Busta Rhymes, Eminem, Missy Elliott, and Ludacris, highlighting his inventive rap style and humorous videos. Kirk has said he cannot sing but will occasionally hit notes. His music videos, often made with Reel Goats, are noted for their comedic and fun elements.

Legal issues

In November 2018, Kirk shot and killed 19-year-old Jaylin Domonique Craig at a Walmart in Huntersville, North Carolina, claiming self-defense. The most serious charges were dropped in March 2019, and he pleaded guilty to carrying a concealed weapon. In April 2022, Rolling Stone released the surveillance tape, renewing scrutiny after Kirk shot a trespasser at his Troutman estate; no charges were filed. In January 2020, he was arrested in Miami on a Texas warrant for battery after an alleged assault and robbery of a promoter. He was charged with battery and released after 48 hours. During a 2020 tour, he slapped a female fan who had her phone too close to his face, later apologizing but stating he would have responded the same way regardless of gender. In 2022, he assaulted DaniLeigh's brother at a bowling alley and was later charged with felony battery for an assault on a rental property owner, pleading guilty to misdemeanor simple battery in 2024.