Bill Kahan Kapri, better known by his stage name Kodak Black, is an American rapper and performer. Moments of mainstream success, as well as public conflicts and legal concerns, have distinguished his professional career. As of 2022, Kodak Black has a net worth of $600,000.
Background
On June 11, 1997, Kodak was born in Pompano Beach, Florida, to a Haitian immigrant named Marcelene Octave. His birth name was Dieuson Octave. Bill Kahan Kapri was his name after he legally changed it.
His mother nurtured him at Golden Acres, a Pompano Beach public housing community. He began rapping in elementary and started recording songs at a nearby trap house after school.
In fifth grade, Kodak was dismissed from school for fighting, and in middle school, he was detained for auto theft. He described his background as having two options: sell drugs or rap.
Humble Beginnings
Under the nickname J-Black, Kodak Black joined the Brutal Youngnz rap group in 2009 when he was 12 years old. He was then recruited by The Kolyons. Project Baby, Kodak Black’s first mixtape, was released in December 2013.
He gained initial fame at the age of 17 with his single, No Flockin, in 2014. Drake, a big-name Canadian rapper, uploaded a clip of himself dancing to one of Kodak’s tracks, Skrt, in October 2015.
This helped the aspiring artist gain exposure and a deal with Atlantic Records. Skrt debuted at number ten on Billboard’s “Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles” category in August 2016.
Professional Career
Lil B.I.G. Pac, his fourth mixtape, was published in June 2016 and became his first to rank on Billboard, peaking at number 49. Around this time, he was selected one among XXL magazine’s 2016 Freshman Class.
While incarcerated because of false imprisonment and armed robbery, Kodak released the song “Can I” in 2016. His first studio album, Painting Pictures, was released on March 31, 2017. Even when running in with the law multiple times, Bill was still actively making music.
As a pro musician, he also made philanthropy ventures. He’s helped out with the Jack and Jill Children’s center, Paradise Childcare, Cleburne Independent School District, the 2019 Colorado STEM shooting, and more.
Legal Issues
Kodak has been arrested many times in his youth. His adult life is the same. In 2018, he was caught inside his house on various charges related to an Instagram live video that showed him spreading marijuana and a firearm around a child.
He pleaded guilty to a gun possession charge in March 2020. He already had many legal problems before this. Donald Trump pardoned him in January 2021.
The rapper was still facing criminal sexual assault charges after his release. His most recent arrest was for trespassing at Pompano Beach, Florida, on January 1, 2022.
Current Status
Kodak Black is out of jail currently. He was shot in the leg while leaving a party for Justin Bieber on February 11, 2022. After being hospitalized, his condition has become stable. He may be in one of his million-dollar mansions with his rumored girlfriend, the model and fellow rapper Essence.