Cortlen Malik Henry (born January 24, 1999), better known by his stage name YNW Bortlen, is an American rapper, singer and songwriter from Gifford, Florida. YNW Bortlen is a member of the music group, YNW and is close friends with incarcerated rapper YNW Melly.

Bortlen began recording music for his cousin, JGreen and YNW Melly however did not pursue making music until he tried and got told by Melly that he is good at it.

YNW Bortlen grew up listening to rappers such as Future, Lil Wayne, Boosie Badazz, Gucci Mane, and Young Scooter. He also listened to music his father enjoyed when he lived with him, such as B.G..

Bortlen’s music often draws from his lived experiences, evidenced by his 2019 incarceration for double murder in the first degree of childhood friends YNW SakChaser and YNW Juvy. YNW Bortlen and YNW Melly have yet to be found guilty of such crimes and have yet to even start the trial.

His music broke through in mid-2020 when he was released on bond and released his debut single, a first day out titled “Been Thru”. After this, he obtained features from Hotboii and Boss Top.

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