Rapper Kodak Black, born Dieuson Octave on June 11, 1997, in Pompano Beach, Florida, comes from a family of Haitian immigrants. He was raised primarily by his mother, Marcelene, who played a key role in shaping his early life. During his time at C. Robert Markham Elementary School, Kodak Black began showing a strong interest in music and songwriting. To improve his craft, he’d often spend time flipping through dictionaries and thesauruses—anything to expand his vocabulary and lyrical depth.
Known around his neighborhood as Black, he started spending a lot of time at a local recording studio, where he connected with other aspiring young rappers. His talent stood out, even among older artists, many of whom eventually became his role models. By the age of 12, Kodak Black had already joined a local rap group called Brutal Yungenz. When the group disbanded, he later moved on to join another collective, The Kolyons, continuing to build his presence in the underground scene.
In 2014, Kodak Black adopted his now-famous stage name and dropped his first mixtape, Heart of the Projects, which gave listeners a raw look into his world. Over the next few years, he released several more projects, steadily growing his fanbase. It wasn’t long before his fourth mixtape, Lil B.I.G. Pac, made waves by landing on not one but two Billboard charts in 2016—a major milestone for Kodak Black.
Much of Kodak Black’s music draws from his upbringing in Golden Acres, a public housing project where opportunities were scarce and survival often meant turning to crime. His lyrics reflect those realities, painting vivid pictures of struggle, ambition, and resilience. In 2017, Kodak Black signed with Atlantic Records and released his debut studio album, Painting Pictures, which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200—an impressive achievement that solidified his place in the industry.
Then, on Valentine’s Day in 2018, Kodak Black surprised fans with a more personal project: Heartbreak Kodak, an album centered around love and emotional vulnerability. It showed another side of him, proving that Kodak Black wasn’t just about street narratives—he could also connect through heart and melody. Through every chapter of his journey, Kodak Black has remained a compelling voice in modern hip-hop.
When it comes to Kodak Black’s creative work, fans often wonder which of his projects have made the biggest impact. Kodak Black’s highest rated movie, film, or music release tends to reflect moments where his artistry truly shines, showcasing his unique voice and raw emotion. On the other hand, Kodak Black’s lowest rated movie, film, or music effort usually sparks more mixed reactions, whether due to production choices or public perception at the time. Still, each piece contributes to the evolving journey of Kodak Black as an artist. Over the years, Kodak Black has continued to push boundaries, making it clear that even in less-acclaimed works, there’s always a piece of his story. And as opinions shift, what was once considered a low point might just gain new appreciation down the line—all part of the legacy Kodak Black is building.