NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Rapper Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, better known as NBA YoungBoy, has been granted a full presidential pardon by President Donald Trump, just weeks before he was scheduled to be released from prison.
The White House confirmed the pardon in a statement to news outlets on Wednesday (May 29). The news was also reported by CNN’s Jasmine Wright, who said, “President Trump has also issued a full pardon to rapper NBA YoungBoy... one of the most streamed rappers.”
Eight others, including former GOP Congressman Michael Grimm and real estate entrepreneurs Todd and Julie Chrisley, have been granted clemency.
YoungBoy, a Baton Rouge native, was set to walk out of prison in July 2025 following a plea deal in a Utah gun possession case.
In a statement shared on his social media pages, YoungBoy thanked Trump and others involved in securing his pardon.
“I want to thank President Trump for granting me a pardon and giving me the opportunity to keep building — as a man, as a father, and as an artist,” he wrote. “This moment means a lot. It opens the door to a future I’ve worked hard for and I am fully prepared to step into this.”
NBA YoungBoy posts emotional message following apparent pardon from President Donald Trump
NBA YoungBoy posts emotional message following apparent pardon from President Donald Trump(Instagram)
He went on to thank Trump’s criminal justice reform advocate Alice Marie Johnson, also known as the “Pardon Czar,” and his attorney, Brittany K. Barnett.
NBA YoungBoy is one of the most streamed artists in the world. Despite relatively limited mainstream media exposure, he has developed a massive and loyal fan base, with billions of views on YouTube and multiple chart-topping albums.
He is currently preparing for his first-ever headlining tour — the MASA Tour — which begins on Sept. 2 and includes back-to-back performances at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on October 19 and 20.
NBA YoungBoy ends first tour in 5 years with New Orleans homecoming
NBA YoungBoy ends first tour in 5 years with New Orleans homecoming(LiveNation)
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