Kodak Black, born Bill Kahan Kapri, is a prominent figure in American rap music. His breakthrough arrived with the 2014 release of "No Flockin", which secured him a deal with Atlantic Records. The song's official release as a single in 2015 further boosted his profile, culminating in its appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 chart two years later.
June 11, 1997: Birth of Kodak Black
Dieuson Octave, who would become known as Kodak Black, was born on June 11, 1997.
2009: Joining Brutal Youngnz
At the young age of 12, Kodak Black, then known as J-Black, joined the rap group Brutal Youngnz in 2009, marking his early entry into the music scene.
2012: Carjacking Incident
Kodak Black was involved in a carjacking incident in 2012, which was brought up by federal prosecutors as evidence of his past violent crimes.
December 2013: Release of Debut Mixtape "Project Baby"
Kodak Black released his first mixtape, Project Baby, in December 2013.
December 2014: Release of Mixtape "Heart of the Projects"
Kodak Black followed up his debut with the mixtape Heart of the Projects in December 2014.
2014: Release of "No Flockin"
In 2014, Kodak Black released "No Flockin," a song that would later gain significant recognition and mark his entry into the Billboard Hot 100.
2014: Pursuit of Education
In 2014, Kodak Black shared that he was actively pursuing his high school diploma at Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Beach, demonstrating his commitment to education amidst a burgeoning music career.
October 2015: Drake Features Kodak Black's Song, Signing with Atlantic Records
Kodak Black experienced a significant boost in popularity in October 2015 when Canadian rapper Drake shared a video of himself dancing to his song "Skrt." This exposure led to a record deal with Atlantic Records that same month.
October 2015: Arrest in Pompano Beach
In October 2015, Kodak Black was arrested in Pompano Beach, Florida on multiple charges, including robbery, battery, false imprisonment of a child, and possession of cannabis. He was later released, but this incident marked an early instance of legal trouble in his career.
December 2015: Release of Mixtape "Institution"
Continuing his string of releases, Kodak Black dropped his mixtape Institution in December 2015.
February 2016: Upcoming Trial Announcement
While Kodak Black was on tour, a South Carolina prosecutor announced he would face trial for first-degree criminal sexual conduct related to the February 2016 alleged rape. The trial was expected in the summer or early fall, with a potential 30-year prison sentence.
February 2016: Sexual Assault Allegations and Performance at "Treasure City"
In February 2016, Kodak Black performed at "Treasure City" in Florence, South Carolina. Afterward, he was accused of sexual assault by a woman who claimed the incident occurred at his hotel room after the performance.
April 2016: Arrest in Hallandale Beach
Kodak Black's legal troubles continued in April 2016 when he was arrested in Hallandale Beach, Florida. The charges against him included possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana, and fleeing from officers.
May 2016: Collaboration with French Montana
Kodak Black collaborated with French Montana on the single "Lockjaw" in May 2016, which was featured on French Montana's MC4 mixtape. The song performed well, reaching number 23 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
May 2016: Arrest in Broward County
In May 2016, Kodak Black faced further legal challenges with an arrest in Broward County, Florida on charges of armed robbery and false imprisonment. This time, he was detained in custody, marking a more serious escalation of his legal situation.
May 2016: Announcement of "Parental Advisory Tour"
In May 2016, Kodak Black and Lil Uzi Vert, his label-mate, revealed plans for a joint national tour called the "Parental Advisory Tour." However, Kodak Black did not end up participating in the tour.
June 2016: Release of Mixtape "Lil B.I.G. Pac" and Billboard Debut
June 2016 saw the release of Kodak Black's fourth mixtape, Lil B.I.G. Pac, which marked his first appearance on the Billboard charts. It reached number 49 on the "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums" chart and number 18 on the Heatseakers Albums chart.
June 2016: Named to XXL Magazine's "2016 Freshman Class"
Kodak Black received industry recognition in June 2016 when XXL magazine included him in their prestigious annual "Freshman Class" list, which highlights up-and-coming hip-hop artists.
August 2016: Court Appearance and Plea Agreement
In August 2016, Kodak Black appeared in court in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with Atlantic Records executives present. He pleaded no contest to charges and agreed to house arrest, probation, community service, anger management, and international touring restrictions. However, his release was delayed due to outstanding warrants.
August 2016: Criticism for Colorist Remarks
In August 2016, Kodak Black faced backlash and criticism after a video surfaced of him making derogatory and colorist remarks about dark-skinned Black women. The lyrics implied that they were less attractive than light-skinned Black women, sparking accusations of misogynoir.
August 2016: "Skrt" Charts on Billboard
Kodak Black's single "Skrt" gained traction in August 2016, reaching number 10 on Billboard's "Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles" chart.
September 2016: Plea Deal and Sentencing
In September 2016, Kodak Black entered a plea of no contest to two misdemeanor drug charges. He received a four-month jail sentence, with credit for time served, and a one-year driver's license suspension.
December 1, 2016: Release on Bond
Kodak Black was released from custody in South Carolina on December 1, 2016, after posting a $100,000 bond related to sexual assault charges.
2016: Release of "Can I" While Incarcerated
Kodak Black's legal troubles in 2016 didn't halt his musical output entirely, as he released the song "Can I" while incarcerated.
2016: Positive Critical Reception for Kodak Black's Music
In 2016, The Fader recognized Kodak Black's music for its honest portrayal of poverty and hardship. The publication drew parallels to influential 90s artists such as Mobb Deep and Lil Wayne, praising Kodak's genuine reflection of his environment.
2016: South Carolina Rape Case
In 2016, Kodak Black was involved in a rape case in South Carolina, and his arrest in 2019 had the potential to revoke his bond in that case.
2016: Public Feud with Lil Uzi Vert and Lil Yachty
In 2016, Kodak Black sparked controversy by insulting fellow rappers Lil Uzi Vert and Lil Yachty during an Instagram livestream. While this led to a public back-and-forth, Lil Uzi Vert later stated that he was not fazed by the comments and still supported Kodak Black.
2016: Sexual Assault Case and Controversy
In 2016, Kodak Black faced serious legal trouble when he was convicted in a sexual assault case. This incident, later reduced to first-degree assault, cast a shadow over his career and continues to be a point of controversy.
2016: Sexual Assault Allegations
Kodak Black faced serious legal troubles in 2016 when he was accused of rape and charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct in South Carolina.
January 2017: Controversial Instagram Live Broadcast
In January 2017, Kodak Black was involved in a controversial incident broadcast on Instagram Live. The video, filmed in a Washington, D.C. hotel room, showed Kodak and several other men engaging in explicit acts with a woman. Despite the backlash, Kodak's Instagram account experienced record engagement during the broadcast. His subsequent tweet, "If I could change I swear I would... I tried everything but I'm just so hood," sparked further debate about his actions and attitude towards women.
February 8, 2017: Court Appearance
On February 8, 2017, Kodak Black appeared in court following his release on bond for sexual assault charges.
February 2017: Probation Violation and Tour Postponement
Kodak Black was arrested and held without bond in February 2017 for violating his probation. Consequently, his scheduled musical tour was postponed.
February 17, 2017: Release of Hit Single "Tunnel Vision"
Kodak Black's single "Tunnel Vision" debuted on February 17, 2017, and achieved significant chart success. It peaked at number six on the US Billboard Hot 100, marking his first top 10 hit, and reached number 17 on the Canadian Hot 100.
March 3, 2017: First Missed Concert in New York
On March 3, 2017, Kodak Black was scheduled to perform in New York but did not appear, leading to the first of three missed concerts that resulted in a lawsuit.
March 31, 2017: Release of Debut Studio Album "Painting Pictures"
On March 31, 2017, Kodak Black released his debut studio album, Painting Pictures, which achieved considerable success. It reached number three on the Billboard 200 and sold 71,000 equivalent units in its first week, a new personal best for Kodak Black.
April 2017: Second Missed Concert in New York
Following a missed concert in March, Kodak Black was rescheduled to perform in New York in April 2017 but failed to appear again. This marked the second missed concert that contributed to a lawsuit.
April 2017: Indictment and Anger Management Issues
In April 2017, a South Carolina grand jury indicted Kodak Black on a first-degree criminal sexual conduct charge. He also faced court appearances in Florida for disrupting anger management classes.
May 4, 2017: Sentencing and Life Skills Course
On May 4, 2017, Kodak Black received a 364-day sentence in Broward County Jail for violating house arrest. He became eligible for early release upon completing a life skills course.
June 5, 2017: Release from Jail and Continued Legal Supervision
Kodak Black was released from jail on June 5, 2017. However, he remained under house arrest for a year, followed by five years of probation.
June 2017: Controversial Remarks About Skin Tone
In June 2017, Kodak Black sparked controversy with comments about women's skin tones, expressing a preference for lighter skin over darker skin. His remarks, shared on Instagram and in an interview where he said he didn't "really like Black girls like that" about actress Keke Palmer, drew widespread criticism and accusations of colorism. The backlash led him to delete both his Instagram and Twitter accounts.
August 18, 2017: Release of "Project Baby 2"
Continuing his musical momentum, Kodak Black released the sequel to his earlier mixtape, Project Baby 2, on August 18, 2017.
November 2017: Release of "Project Baby 2: All Grown Up" Deluxe Version
Kodak Black followed up the release of Project Baby 2 with a deluxe edition titled Project Baby 2: All Grown Up in November 2017. The deluxe version included the single "Codeine Dreaming," which reached number 52 on the Billboard Hot 100.
2017: Release of "Tunnel Vision" and Debut Album
Kodak Black experienced success in 2017 with his single "Tunnel Vision" reaching number six on the charts. This year also marked the release of his debut studio album, Painting Pictures, which peaked at number three on the Billboard 200.
January 2018: Arrest and Release of "Heart Break Kodak" Mixtape
Kodak Black's legal issues continued in January 2018 with his arrest following a raid on his Florida residence. Despite this, he released the mixtape Heart Break Kodak on Valentine's Day.
February 22, 2018: Charges Dropped and Not Guilty Plea
Three charges against Kodak Black were dropped on February 22, 2018, and he pleaded not guilty to the remaining two charges.
May 2, 2018: Name Change and Spiritual Awakening
While incarcerated, Kodak Black embraced the Hebrew Israelite faith after studying scripture with a prison minister. This led him to legally change his name from "Dieuson Octave" to "Bill Kahan Kapri" on May 2, 2018, with "Kahan" believed to be a variation of "kohen," a term signifying priesthood in Judaism.
June 2018: Earning a GED
While incarcerated in June 2018, Kodak Black achieved a significant milestone by earning his GED, demonstrating a commitment to personal growth despite the challenges of imprisonment.
August 18, 2018: Release from Prison
On August 18, 2018, Kodak Black was released from prison after serving time for charges related to firearm and drug possession.
October 1, 2018: Donation to Jack and Jill Children's Center
On October 1, 2018, Kodak Black showed his charitable side by donating $10,000 to the Jack and Jill Children's Center. This generous act aimed to support the center's mission of providing quality early childhood education.
November 2018: Announcing Plans to Build a School in Haiti
In November 2018, Kodak Black shared his ambitious plan to build a school in Haiti. This announcement demonstrated his commitment to improving educational opportunities in the Caribbean nation.
December 14, 2018: Release of Second Studio Album, "Dying to Live"
Kodak Black's second studio album, Dying to Live, was released on December 14, 2018. The album was driven by the success of the single "Zeze," featuring Travis Scott and Offset, and included other notable tracks like "If I'm Lyin, I'm Flyin," "Take One," and "Calling My Spirit." Dying to Live reached the top spot on the Billboard 200 and remained on the chart for 15 weeks.
December 20, 2018: Generous Donation to Paradise Childcare
On December 20, 2018, Kodak Black spread holiday cheer by making a generous donation to Paradise Childcare in Broward County, Florida. His contribution was substantial enough to provide gifts for 150 children and included $5,000 for the organization's annual Christmas party.
2018: Release of "Dying to Live" and Commercial Peak
Kodak Black's second album, Dying to Live, was released in 2018, achieving significant commercial success and topping the Billboard 200. The album included the hit single "Zeze," featuring Travis Scott and Offset, which peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.
2018: Donation to Officer Terrence Carraway
In a gesture of respect and support for law enforcement, Kodak Black donated $2,500 to the family of South Carolina police officer Terrence Carraway. Officer Carraway was tragically killed in a shootout while on duty in late 2018.
2018: Support for XXXTentacion's Son
Following the tragic death of rapper XXXTentacion in 2018, Kodak Black, who shared a friendship with the late artist, reportedly donated $50,000 to XXXTentacion's son, Gekyume. This act of generosity demonstrated a commitment to supporting the family of his deceased friend and collaborator.
January 2019: False Statements on Governmental Forms
In January 2019, Kodak Black lied on governmental forms while attempting to purchase firearms, which led to federal charges.
March 2019: Possible Connection to a Shooting
Kodak Black was potentially connected to a shooting in March 2019, which was cited by federal prosecutors as a reason to revoke his bail.
April 5, 2019: Lawsuit for Missed Performances
On April 5, 2019, concert promoter Nicholas Fitts filed a lawsuit against Kodak Black for failing to appear at three scheduled concerts in New York. Fitts sought over $500,000 in damages for financial losses and reputational harm.
April 2019: Disrespectful Comments About Lauren London
Kodak Black faced severe backlash in April 2019 for making disrespectful comments about Lauren London shortly after the death of her partner, rapper Nipsey Hussle. His suggestion that he'd wait to pursue a romantic relationship with her and his insensitive language sparked outrage, leading to radio boycotts and condemnation from fellow artists like T.I. and The Game. While Kodak initially defended his comments, he issued a more sincere apology in 2020 while serving a prison sentence.
April 2019: Trial Postponement
Kodak Black's trial in Florence, South Carolina, for first-degree criminal sexual conduct, originally scheduled for April 2019, was postponed.
April 24, 2019: FBI Search During Tour
On April 24, 2019, while Kodak Black was performing at a venue during his "Dying to Live" tour, the FBI searched one of his tour buses. While he wasn't present, they found weapons and detained some crew members.
May 3, 2019: Support for Paige Cook's Educational Initiative
On May 3, 2019, Kodak Black donated $12,500 to Paige Cook, a young girl on a mission to provide pencils and notebooks to all 7,600 students in the Cleburne Independent School District in Texas. Paige's efforts in 2018 had already resulted in over 40,000 pencils being donated to the low-income district, and Kodak's contribution furthered this impactful initiative.
May 11, 2019: Arrest at Rolling Loud Miami and Federal Charges
On May 11, 2019, Kodak Black was arrested on firearm charges in Miami while preparing to perform at Rolling Loud Miami. He faced both state and federal charges related to making false statements on a governmental form to purchase firearms in January 2019.
October 25, 2019: Release of "Zombie" with NLE Choppa and DB Omerta
Kodak Black collaborated with NLE Choppa and DB Omerta on the single "Zombie," released on October 25, 2019.
November 13, 2019: Plea Bargain and Sentencing
Kodak Black took a plea bargain on November 13, 2019, and was sentenced to 46 months in prison for lying on federal paperwork. This was a reduced sentence due to his involvement in a fight with a prison guard.
2019: Offer of Support After STEM School Shooting
In the aftermath of the tragic 2019 STEM School Highlands Ranch shooting, Kodak Black's attorney reached out to the family of Kendrick Ray Castillo. Kendrick, hailed as a hero for lunging at the attacker, lost his life in the incident. Kodak offered to cover Castillo's funeral expenses and establish a $10,000 annual scholarship in his honor, aimed at supporting students pursuing science or engineering degrees.
2019: Arrest for False Statements and Weapons Possession
In 2019, Kodak Black's legal issues continued with his arrest for making false statements to possess weapons, leading to a federal prison sentence.
February 14, 2020: Release of "Because of You" and Music Video
On Valentine's Day 2020, Kodak Black released the single "Because of You," accompanied by a music video. He even pledged to release an album if the song achieved platinum certification by his birthday.
March 11, 2020: Guilty Plea in Firearms Possession Case
On March 11, 2020, Kodak Black pleaded guilty to a firearms possession case stemming from being detained at the Canadian-American border with a Glock.
May 12, 2020: Release of "Vultures Cry 2" with WizDaWizard and Mike Smiff
Kodak Black continued his collaborations with the release of "Vultures Cry 2" on May 12, 2020, featuring WizDaWizard and Mike Smiff.
June 2020: Imprisonment at USP Big Sandy
In June 2020, Kodak Black began serving his federal sentence at United States Penitentiary, Big Sandy in Kentucky.
October 2020: Transfer to USP Thomson
Kodak Black was transferred to United States Penitentiary, Thomson in October 2020.
November 11, 2020: Release of Third Studio Album, "Bill Israel", From Prison
Despite being incarcerated, Kodak Black released his third studio album, Bill Israel, on November 11, 2020.
2020: Apology to Lauren London
In 2020, while incarcerated, Kodak Black issued a more heartfelt apology to Lauren London for the disrespectful comments he made about her in the wake of Nipsey Hussle's death. This apology, coming after a period of reflection, showed a willingness to take accountability for his past actions.
2020: Conviction and Sentencing
In 2020, Kodak Black was convicted of a crime and sentenced, for which his sentence was later commuted by President Trump.
2020: Release of "Bill Israel" While Incarcerated
While imprisoned, Kodak Black continued to release music, with his third album, Bill Israel, dropping in 2020. Due to his legal situation, the album's promotion and commercial focus were limited.
January 19, 2021: Sentence Commuted by President Trump
President Donald Trump commuted Kodak Black's sentence for his 2020 firearms conviction on January 19, 2021.
January 23, 2021: Release of "Last Day In" After Prison Release
Following his release from prison, Kodak Black released the single "Last Day In" on January 23, 2021, addressing his newfound freedom due to the presidential pardon from Donald Trump.
February 6, 2021: Release of "Every Balmain"
On February 6, 2021, Kodak Black dropped the single "Every Balmain," reflecting on his life after prison.
April 28, 2021: Plea Deal in Sexual Assault Case
On April 28, 2021, Kodak Black took a plea deal in his South Carolina sexual assault case, pleading guilty to first-degree assault and battery. He received 18 months of probation.
May 14, 2021: Haitian Boy Kodak Release
On May 14, 2021, Kodak Black released his mixtape "Haitian Boy Kodak," with cover art that honored his Haitian heritage. Despite this, he was frustrated with its first-week sales of only 22,000 units, suggesting a decline in gangsta rap's popularity.
June 11, 2021: Happy Birthday Kodak Release
Kodak Black celebrated his 24th birthday on June 11, 2021, by releasing his project "Happy Birthday Kodak."
November 1, 2021: Super Gremlin Release
On November 1, 2021, Kodak Black released "Super Gremlin," a song from Syko Bob and Snapkatt's Halloween mixtape "Sniper Gang Presents Syko Bob & Snapkatt: Nightmare Babies." This track later appeared on Kodak's fourth studio album, "Back for Everything."
2021: Plea Deal and Presidential Commutation
Kodak Black's legal situation saw both resolution and change in 2021. He entered a plea deal in the 2016 sexual assault case, reducing the charge to assault and battery, and received probation. Additionally, President Donald Trump commuted his sentence related to the 2019 weapons charges.
2021: Drug Test Failure and Rehabilitation
Kodak Black failed a drug test in mid-2021, violating his supervised release terms. A judge ordered him to 90 days in a rehabilitation center, which he completed in December 2021.
January 1, 2022: Arrest for Trespassing
On January 1, 2022, Kodak Black was arrested for trespassing in Pompano Beach, Florida.
February 12, 2022: Involvement in an Altercation
Kodak Black was shot on February 12, 2022, during a fight that broke out outside an Italian restaurant in Los Angeles. The incident occurred during a Super Bowl party hosted by Justin Bieber.
February 25, 2022: Back for Everything Release
February 25, 2022, marked the release of Kodak Black's fourth studio album, "Back for Everything," which included his hit single "Super Gremlin." The album achieved significant success, peaking at number two on the Billboard 200 chart.
July 15, 2022: Arrest for Drug and Traffic Violations
On July 15, 2022, Kodak Black was stopped for illegal window tint and police discovered oxycodone pills and a large amount of cash, leading to charges of drug trafficking and possession. His license and vehicle tag were also expired.
July 20, 2022: Placement on House Arrest
Following his July 15th arrest, Kodak Black was placed on house arrest on July 20, 2022, for violating the terms of his supervised release.
October 28, 2022: Kutthroat Bill: Vol. 1 Release and Departure From Atlantic Records
On October 28, 2022, Kodak Black's final project with Atlantic Records, the mixtape "Kutthroat Bill: Vol. 1," was released and reached number 8 on the Billboard 200. This release followed the success of his viral singles like "Walk/Spin" and his announcement of leaving Atlantic for an eight-figure deal with Capitol Records.
2022: Collaboration and Controversy with Kendrick Lamar
In 2022, Kodak Black collaborated with Kendrick Lamar on the track "Silent Hill" from Lamar's acclaimed double album "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers." However, the collaboration sparked controversy due to Kodak's 2016 sexual assault case, which was later reduced to first-degree assault.
2022: Release of "Back for Everything" and Resurgence
Kodak Black made a notable comeback in 2022 with his fourth album, Back for Everything. The album's single, "Super Gremlin," achieved substantial success, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100.
December 7, 2023: Arrest for Cocaine Possession
On December 7, 2023, Kodak Black was arrested in Plantation, Florida, for possession of cocaine and tampering with evidence after he attempted to ingest the drugs when approached by a police officer.
December 16, 2023: Return to Federal Custody
After bonding out of jail, Kodak Black was returned to federal custody on December 16, 2023, for violating his probation.
2023: Release of "Pistolz & Pearlz" and "When I Was Dead"
In 2023, Kodak Black released two more albums, "Pistolz & Pearlz" and "When I Was Dead," further demonstrating his return to music creation.