Early Life and Background
Cortlen Malik Henry, better known by his stage name YNW Bortlen, was born in 1999 in the small Florida town of Gifford, located near Vero Beach. From a young age, Bortlen faced a difficult upbringing and had brushes with the law.
Growing up in an impoverished community, Bortlen turned to petty crime and illegal activities to make ends meet from his early teens. This led to multiple run-ins with law enforcement and juvenile detention stints. However, Bortlen was able to channel these experiences into his music when he discovered rap.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Bortlen’s natural talent and lyrical abilities shone through. Music quickly became an escape and creative outlet for him. While still a teenager, he adopted the name YNW Bortlen and began recording songs and releasing them online. This planted the seeds for what would become a promising hip hop career, before serious legal troubles derailed things.
Joining YNW and Rise to Fame
YNW Bortlen, born Cortlen Malik Henry, grew up in the small town of Gifford, Florida near Vero Beach. He had a difficult childhood and early brushes with the law. As a teenager, Bortlen found an outlet in music and connected with the emerging YNW rap crew based in his hometown.
YNW stood for "Young N**** World" and was made up of Melvin Noble (known as YNW Melly), Anthony Williams (YNW Sakchaser), Christopher Thomas Jr. (YNW Juvy) and Cortlen Henry (YNW Bortlen). The four young rappers developed a tight bond and signature melodic, auto-tuned SoundCloud rap style.
Bortlen was particularly close with YNW Melly, forging both a personal friendship and creative partnership. Though lesser known at first, Bortlen started gaining more notoriety when he released his debut single "Literally" in 2017. The song quickly gained traction within Florida’s rap scene, amplifying Bortlen’s name and profile. His connection to Melly also gave him a boost as YNW started making waves. Bortlen’s ride to fame had begun.
Breakout Hits and Music Style
YNW Bortlen started gaining more widespread recognition in 2018 with the release of his debut mixtape "Don’t Worry Abt It". The mixtape showcased his melodic rap style and built momentum for the rapper.
However, his biggest breakout hit came in 2019 when he collaborated with YNW Melly on the song "Through It All" which also featured rapper Hotboii. The song highlighted Bortlen’s talent for catchy hooks and lyrics. With over 15 million views on YouTube, "Through It All" gave Bortlen major exposure and cemented his status as an up-and-comer in the Florida rap scene.
Bortlen is known for his melodic flow that often blends rapping and singing. His lyrics frequently touch on themes of struggle, betrayal, and overcoming adversity in the streets. Songs like "Stick Up Kid" showcase his ability to tell compelling street stories over hard-hitting yet catchy beats.
As he continues to release more music, Bortlen is developing a distinctive style that melds together modern trap with a more soulful delivery. If he can avoid the legal troubles that have plagued other members of the YNW crew, Bortlen has the potential for a long and successful rap career ahead built on his youthful charisma and talent.
Presence on Streaming Platforms
YNW Bortlen has established a strong presence across major streaming platforms like YouTube, SoundCloud and Spotify. He frequently releases new music videos on his YouTube channel, which has over 200,000 subscribers. Many of his hits like "Literally", "Crank Dat" and "Stick Up Kid" consistently rack up hundreds of thousands or millions of views.
On SoundCloud, Bortlen has over 30,000 followers and his tracks have been played millions of times. He uses the platform to debut new singles and loose tracks. Meanwhile, on Spotify, his monthly listeners count is rapidly growing, currently sitting at over 500,000. His biggest songs like "Through It All" with YNW Melly have over 10 million streams.
Bortlen has been prolific in releasing new music and visuals across these digital services. He provides a steady stream of content to engage his fans. This has built excitement for his debut studio album "Life of Betrayal" slated for release in 2023. The streaming numbers and fanbase Bortlen has already cultivated points to a promising future if he can maintain momentum.
Massive Instagram Following
YNW Bortlen has amassed a massive Instagram following of over 1 million dedicated fans. He leverages the platform as his main channel for directly engaging with his audience and giving them an inside look at his music and lifestyle.
Bortlen frequently shares new music video clips, behind-the-scenes footage from the studio, and promotional snippets of upcoming releases on his Instagram page. This gives fans a sense of connection and allows them to support his new tracks.
He also posts content from his shows and tours. Images of Bortlen performing on stage and interacting with crowds provide an authentic look into his live performances. Videos backstage and traveling city to city further involve his followers in his touring lifestyle.
In addition to music, Bortlen uses Instagram to showcase his fashion, jewelry, and luxury purchases. Photos with designer clothing, flashy cars, and extravagant purchases let fans live vicariously through his lavish lifestyle as a rapper. This aspirational content resonates with his young audience.
Fans actively engage with Bortlen’s Instagram posts through likes, comments, and shares. He maintains active communication with followers by replying to comments and having a consistent posting schedule. This high engagement from over 1 million loyal fans provides invaluable exposure and buzz around Bortlen’s music and personal brand.
Double Murder Charges
In October 2018, two members of the YNW crew, Anthony Williams and Christopher Thomas Jr, were shot dead in South Florida. The next day, YNW Bortlen and YNW Melly were arrested in connection with the murders.
Police alleged that Bortlen and Melly were involved in killing the two men and staging the crime scene to appear like a drive-by shooting. According to the charges, Bortlen and Melly drove around with the dead bodies in the car and later called 911 to report they had been victims of a drive-by shooting.
Bortlen was charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Additionally, he faced charges of accessory after the fact and tampering with evidence. Prosecutors claimed Bortlen and Melly tampered with evidence and intimidated witnesses to avoid prosecution.
The double murder charges were highly controversial given Bortlen and Melly’s success as rappers. At the time, Bortlen had just released his mixtape and was starting to gain more mainstream recognition. The arrests put his budding music career on indefinite hold as he prepared to fight for his innocence in court.
Release from Jail
In 2020, after over a year in jail following his arrest, Bortlen was released on house arrest as he continued to await trial for the double murder charges. His trial date has been pushed back multiple times, frustrating Bortlen and his legal team. He was required to wear an ankle monitor and remain confined to his home in Florida as a condition of his release.
Bortlen has expressed frustration with the delays in his case, saying he wants to clear his name and resume his budding music career. But the restrictions of house arrest make it difficult for him to record new music or promote himself. His career momentum has stalled significantly since his initial breakthrough, and it’s unclear if he can regain it with these serious charges hanging over him. For now, Bortlen passes time on social media and tries to keep his name relevant among fans. But until the trial concludes, his music ambitions remain sidelined by ongoing legal predicaments.
Upcoming Album Release
YNW Bortlen has his debut studio album Life of Betrayal slated for release in 2023. This album marks a pivotal make-or-break moment for Bortlen’s solo music career.
Life of Betrayal was recorded and completed before Bortlen’s arrest on murder charges in 2019. The album has been repeatedly delayed due to Bortlen’s ongoing legal troubles, which have completely overshadowed his music career. Promotion and rollout plans for the album have stalled as Bortlen remains restricted to house arrest pending his murder trial.
Nonetheless, Life of Betrayal represents Bortlen’s big chance to establish himself as a solo artist. The album title alludes to the controversy surrounding the alleged murders, while the music itself will showcase Bortlen’s melodic rapping talent. Life of Betrayal has significant potential, but Bortlen’s ability to properly promote it amidst his legal woes remains uncertain.
The album’s performance will likely make or break Bortlen’s aspirations for mainstream success. If Bortlen is acquitted and can actively push the album, it may open major label opportunities. However, if he is convicted, Life of Betrayal could end up being the last music released during Bortlen’s prison sentence, crippling his promising career. The stakes are high for Bortlen’s solo debut in 2023.
Potential Trial Outcomes
YNW Bortlen’s highly publicized murder trial has been repeatedly delayed, leaving the rapper in limbo as he awaits his fate. If acquitted of the charges, Bortlen has the potential to achieve mainstream success and ink a major label record deal. His debut album "Life of Betrayal" could be his breakthrough moment and open doors to collaborate with top artists.
However, if convicted, Bortlen’s budding music career would almost certainly be over. The lengthy prison sentence for murder would sideline his career indefinitely. He would likely lose his record deal and any sponsorships. His loyal fanbase could also dissolve without the ability to release new music and engage regularly on social media.
At the moment, the outcome of Bortlen’s trial remains highly uncertain. Proceedings have stalled and Covid-related court closures have caused extensive delays. While Bortlen has garnered public sympathy from fans claiming he was wrongfully accused, the prosecution maintains it has a strong case. Until a verdict is reached, Bortlen’s fate hangs in the balance along with his hopes of hip hop stardom.
The Future for Bortlen
The future remains highly uncertain for Bortlen as his music career hangs in the balance while the legal process plays out. Despite the serious murder charges, Bortlen is expected to continue collaborating with Melly given their close creative partnership and friendship. Their musical chemistry has yielded hit songs before and they will likely want to recapture that success. However, the scope of any new releases depends on the outcome of Bortlen’s trial.
If Bortlen is acquitted, he could leverage the publicity to finally launch his solo career in earnest. A major label deal seems possible if he’s found not guilty, allowing him to drop his rumored debut album and capitalize on his notoriety. However, a conviction would effectively end his music career due to the near-certainty of a lengthy prison sentence. It’s impossible to predict how his trial will conclude and uncertainty clouds his future. For now, Bortlen seems focused on creating new music with Melly until a legal resolution forces him to alter course. Where his career goes from here largely hinges on the jury’s verdict.