Jakobi Wilburn, born June 30, 2002, is the eldest son of rapper Future and Jessica Smith. Now 23 years old, he pursues his own music career under the stage name King Kobi while navigating life as a celebrity child with seven half-siblings from his father’s various relationships.
Jakobi Wilburn carries one of hip-hop’s most recognizable last names, but his journey extends far beyond being Future’s eldest son. Born into the spotlight yet raised largely outside of it, this 23-year-old rapper is carving his own lane in the music industry. His story intertwines family complexity, personal challenges, and the determination to build an identity separate from his Grammy-winning father’s shadow.
Growing Up as Future’s Firstborn
Jakobi Wilburn entered the world on June 30, 2002, in Los Angeles, when his father was still an aspiring artist named Nayvadius DeMun Wilburn. His mother, actress Jessica Smith, became his primary caregiver after the couple separated shortly following his birth. While Future would go on to become one of trap music’s most influential figures, Jakobi experienced a childhood that balanced normalcy with the realities of having a famous father.
The relationship between Jakobi’s parents deteriorated over the years, marked by legal battles that made headlines. In 2013, Smith filed a lawsuit against Future after a paternity test confirmed he was Jakobi’s biological father. The court ordered the rapper to pay $2,800 monthly in child support. Three years later, Smith returned to court, claiming the amount was insufficient given Future’s increased earnings and alleging their son suffered behavioral and emotional issues due to paternal neglect.
Despite these public conflicts, Jakobi has spoken about his childhood with surprising positivity. In an interview with The Progress Report, he described his early years as regular, filled with bikes, park visits, and movies like any other kid. The shift came when people started recognizing his connection to Future, but Jakobi insists nothing fundamentally changed except the status attached to his name.
What is Jakobi Wilburn’s relationship with his father like?
The father-son dynamic between Jakobi and Future evolved significantly as both matured. With only 19 years separating them, their relationship sometimes resembles brotherhood more than traditional paternity. Jakobi’s decision to pursue music initially met skepticism from his father, who questioned whether his son genuinely wanted to rap or simply followed in his footsteps.
Future challenged Jakobi to prove his commitment, leading the young artist to spend even longer hours in the studio than his father. This dedication eventually earned Future’s support. Jakobi has credited his father’s musical influence while maintaining that he developed his own artistic vision. The rapper Future, whose real name is Nayvadius DeMun Wilburn, now has eight confirmed children with different women, making Jakobi the eldest in a complex family structure.
Navigating relationships with seven half-siblings, including Future Zahir, Londyn, Prince, Hendrix, Paris, Kash, and Reig, presents its own challenges. Future Zahir, his younger half-brother, gained significant media attention due to his mother being singer Ciara, who is now married to NFL quarterback Russell Wilson. Despite the complicated family tree, Jakobi reportedly maintains connections with his siblings and holds a quiet leadership role as the oldest.
The 2020 Legal Troubles That Changed Everything
January 2020 marked a turning point in Jakobi’s life when he was arrested during a police operation in Newton County, Georgia. At 17 years old, he faced serious charges including criminal gang activity, criminal trespass, and possession of a firearm with altered identification marks. Under Georgia law, 17-year-olds are prosecuted as adults, meaning Jakobi potentially faced up to 20 years in prison.
The arrest sent shockwaves through social media and put intense scrutiny on both Jakobi and his famous father. Jessica Smith issued a statement asking for privacy to protect her son during the difficult situation. Future posted $100,000 bail to secure his son’s release and hired top legal representation. The incident sparked conversations about celebrity children, privilege, and the challenges of growing up in the public eye.
While the legal proceedings eventually concluded, the experience profoundly impacted Jakobi’s trajectory. He largely stepped back from social media during this period, and the arrest became a defining moment that shaped public perception. Rather than letting this incident define him permanently, Jakobi has worked to redirect his narrative toward his music and personal growth.
King Kobi: Building a Music Career
Performing under the stage name King Kobi, Jakobi Wilburn has steadily built his presence in the music industry. He cites artists like XXXTentacion, Frank Ocean, and Pharrell as major influences, drawing from genres that extend beyond his father’s trap music foundation. This eclectic taste reflects his desire to establish a unique sound rather than simply replicating Future’s style.
His discography continues to expand across platforms like SoundCloud, Apple Music, and Spotify. Notable releases include songs like Pink Lemonade, Bricc, Bad Reception, and Outside. In April 2021, he dropped his debut album Kobi$Torm, featuring 12 tracks that showcase his versatility. The following year brought 444 Degrees, a seven-track album released in August 2022, and he has continued releasing music into 2024 and 2025.
Collaborations have helped expand his reach within the industry. He has worked with artists including Ken Car$on, Lil Cozy, and Homixide Gang on tracks like 40 Floors Up. Beyond music production, Jakobi secured a partnership with Fashion Nova as a brand ambassador, demonstrating his ability to leverage his platform beyond recording.
Jakobi’s approach to his career differs from the traditional celebrity child playbook. He maintains a relatively low profile compared to other children of famous rappers, carefully curating his public image while building credibility through his work. His Instagram account, @moneymakingkobi, has grown to over 30,000 followers, where he shares glimpses of his lifestyle and music projects without oversharing personal details.
How much is Jakobi Wilburn worth?
Financial speculation about Jakobi Wilburn varies across sources, with estimates ranging from $500,000 to $1.5 million. These figures remain unverified since Jakobi has not publicly disclosed his earnings. His income streams likely include music royalties from streaming platforms, brand partnerships like his Fashion Nova ambassador role, and social media monetization.
For context, his father Future commands a net worth estimated at $40 million to $50 million, built through decades of music production, touring, and endorsements. While Jakobi benefits from his family connections, he is still in the early stages of building his own financial empire. As his music career matures and he expands his business ventures, his net worth will likely grow substantially.
The financial support from his father, combined with child support arrangements, has provided Jakobi with opportunities many emerging artists lack. However, he faces the double-edged sword of having resources while needing to prove he earned success through his own talent rather than nepotism.
Does Jakobi Wilburn have a girlfriend?
Jakobi Wilburn keeps his romantic life entirely private. No confirmed relationships have emerged publicly, and he has not shared information about past or current girlfriends on social media. This discretion stands in stark contrast to his father’s highly publicized romantic history with multiple women and the resulting family dynamics.
By maintaining this privacy, Jakobi avoids the relationship drama that has often overshadowed his father’s career. Future’s relationships with Ciara, Joie Chavis, Brittni Mealy, and others have generated countless headlines, lawsuits, and social media feuds. Jakobi appears determined not to repeat those patterns.
What does Jakobi Wilburn look like?
Standing approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing around 143 pounds, Jakobi shares physical features with his father, including deep brown eyes and dark brown hair. His Cancer zodiac sign corresponds with his June 30 birthday. Photos shared on social media show him sporting various hairstyles, including locs that echo his father’s signature look.
His style blends streetwear aesthetics with luxury fashion, appropriate for both his Fashion Nova partnership and his position as a rapper, establishing his brand. The visual presentation he cultivates walks a line between accessibility and aspirational, maintaining authenticity while showcasing success.
Moving Beyond the Headlines
Jakobi Wilburn represents a generation of celebrity children navigating unprecedented scrutiny in the social media age. Every mistake becomes permanent, every achievement is questioned, and every move is compared to famous parents. His journey from being simply known as Future’s son to establishing his identity as King Kobi demonstrates resilience and strategic thinking.
The challenges he has faced, from parental legal battles to his own arrest, would derail many young people. Instead, Jakobi has used these experiences as fuel for personal development and artistic expression. His music reflects someone who understands struggle, privilege, and the complexity of carving an independent path while carrying a famous name.
As he continues releasing music and building his brand, Jakobi Wilburn stands at a crossroads. The next few years will determine whether he emerges as a respected artist in his own right or remains primarily known as Future’s eldest son. His work ethic, demonstrated by those long studio sessions that impressed his father, suggests he possesses the dedication necessary for lasting success.
The hip-hop industry has seen varying outcomes for children of famous rappers. Some leverage their connections to build successful careers, while others struggle under the weight of comparison. Jakobi’s measured approach, focusing on music quality over viral moments and maintaining personal privacy while building public presence, positions him favorably for long-term sustainability.
His story also reflects broader conversations about family, responsibility, and second chances. The legal troubles that could have defined his future instead became a chapter in a longer narrative about growth and redemption. As he approaches his mid-twenties, Jakobi Wilburn continues writing that narrative on his own terms, one track at a time.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jakobi Wilburn |
| Stage Name | King Kobi |
| Date of Birth | June 30, 2002 |
| Age | 23 years old |
| Parents | Future (Nayvadius DeMun Wilburn) and Jessica Smith |
| Siblings | 7 half-siblings |
| Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $500,000 – $1.5 million |
| Music Platforms | SoundCloud, Apple Music, Spotify |
| Notable Albums | Kobi$Torm (2021), 444 Degrees (2022) |
| Brand Partnerships | Fashion Nova ambassador |
The evolution of Jakobi Wilburn from celebrity child to emerging artist demonstrates that legacy can be both a burden and an opportunity. How he navigates the remaining distance between potential and achievement will define not just his career, but his place in hip-hop history beyond his father’s shadow. For now, King Kobi continues building, learning, and creating music that tells his unique story to anyone willing to listen.
