Dennis Rodman has never lived quietly. From championship rings to headline-grabbing fashion moments, the NBA Hall of Famer has always done things his way. Now, his love life is once again pulling focus, thanks to his steady relationship with rapper Yella Yella. The two have been going strong since 2022, and while they keep some things private, their public moments together paint a story that is equal parts bold, loyal, and very on brand for Rodman.
Their romance first caught the public eye when Yella Yella shared a behind-the-scenes video in 2022 showing her and Rodman spinning records at a music event. It was a relaxed, playful clip, but fans picked up on the chemistry right away. From that moment on, the former Chicago Bulls star and the rising rapper slowly began appearing more often on each other’s social media feeds, signaling that something real was happening.
How Dennis Rodman and Yella Yella First Went Public
Yella officially introduced Rodman to her Instagram followers in July 2022. In the now well-known video, Rodman welcomed her onto the stage behind a DJ booth while she filmed the moment with her phone in one hand and a drink in the other. She captioned the clip with excitement about new music coming soon and tagged Rodman, making it clear he was more than just a casual friend.
After that post, things went quiet for a few months. Rodman did not pop up again on her page until February 2023. Once he did, though, he became a regular presence. By spring, the couple was clearly comfortable being seen together online, with Yella Yella even throwing Rodman a surprise birthday party in May 2023. The images showed them surrounded by friends, smiling and relaxed.
Who Is Yella Yella
Yella is a rapper who has been steadily building her music career for years. She released the single “Eyes Roll Back” in 2019 and followed it with “Ride the Wave” in 2020, two tracks that helped establish her sound and style. Known for her confidence and playful energy, she brings a creative edge that fits surprisingly well with Rodman’s fearless personality.
Beyond music, Yella Yella has leaned into digital platforms as a way to connect with fans. That includes her growing social media presence and, more recently, a joint YouTube channel she launched with Rodman. The channel gives fans a closer look at their lives together, mixing everyday moments with their shared love for entertainment and culture.
The Tattoo That Made It Official
While fans suspected the relationship was serious, Rodman made it undeniable in July 2023 when he revealed a tattoo of Yella Yella’s face on his right cheek. The black and white portrait, done by celebrity tattoo artist Van Johnson, covers nearly the entire side of his face and is so detailed it looks like a photograph.
Yella Yella admitted she was not thrilled at first. She told TMZ Sports she actually told him not to do it, calling the idea crazy. Still, once it was done, she was clearly moved by the gesture. For Rodman, the tattoo was his way of showing devotion in the most permanent way he knows how.
Johnson shared the reveal on Instagram, writing that he spent the day tattooing a living legend. “So I ain’t do too much today, cooled out at my townhome tattooed a living legends face of his woman on his face, that’s about it,” wrote Johnson, known from the tattoo reality show Black Ink Crew: Chicago. “What y’all do?” he asked his followers.
A month later, Rodman doubled down by getting another tattoo of Yella Yella’s face on his left butt cheek, placed right next to a portrait of himself. He shared a video of the new ink on Instagram with the caption “Always By My Side,” adding a playful touch to his already over-the-top tribute.
Red Carpet Moments and Big Statements
The couple made their red carpet debut at the 2023 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, where Rodman served as a team coach. Walking in together, they looked confident and comfortable, confirming that their relationship was not just a social media thing but a real partnership.
Around the same time, Rodman hinted that he sees Yella Yella as his future. Speaking with TMZ Sports, he described her as “very lovely” and said she showed him what unconditional love really means. He even suggested that this could be his last dance with a woman. "And I thank her for loving me the way I am — and that's why I did it for her,” he added.
Since 2022, Dennis Rodman and Yella Yella have grown from a low-key music event moment into one of the most eye-catching celebrity couples around. Between shared Instagram posts, their joint YouTube channel, and those unforgettable tattoos, their bond keeps finding new ways to stand out.