On Wednesday, President Donald Trump granted a pardon to Louisiana-born rap artist NBA YoungBoy, who had been handed down a sentence of just under two years in prison for firearm-related offenses. Among the myriad of high-profile pardons issued by Trump this week were those of a former New York congressman, a labor union leader, and a reality TV star couple, with NBA YoungBoy, whose real name is Kentrell Gaulden, standing out prominently.
In an online statement, Gaulden expressed his gratitude, saying, "I want to thank President Trump for granting me a pardon and affording me the chance to continue growing as a man, a father, and an artist."
Two White House officials, speaking anonymously to disclose details that had yet to be officially announced, confirmed Gaulden's pardon on Wednesday evening.
Gaulden's legal ordeal began in 2024 when a federal judge in Utah sentenced him after he admitted to possessing firearms despite his felon status. He struck a deal that resolved both state and federal charges against him. One federal charge led to a 23-month sentence, while the other mandated five years of probation and a $200,000 fine.
According to his attorney, Drew Findling, Gaulden was released from federal prison in March and transferred to home confinement, which ended last month. With the pardon, Gaulden is relieved of the probation terms, including drug testing.
Findling expressed his excitement that Gaulden's legal battle had finally concluded. "From Louisiana to Utah, the struggles have been relentless, but now he can focus on his family first and foremost, and of course, his incredible career," Findling stated.
Gaulden admitted to possessing a Glock 21 .45-caliber pistol and a Masterpiece Arms MPA30T 9mm handgun while filming a rap video in Baton Rouge. He also acknowledged owning a Sig Sauer 9mm semi-automatic pistol at his Huntsville, Utah, residence and agreed to surrender the weapons.
Prior to his recent plea agreement, Gaulden had been convicted of aggravated assault with a firearm in Louisiana. In November, he pleaded guilty to his involvement in a prescription drug fraud ring operating out of his Utah home, for which he paid a $25,000 fine but received no additional prison time.
Now, the rapper, whose stage name signifies "Never Broke Again," gears up for a major U.S. tour in September. With four No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 and a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 to his credit, Gaulden's music spans hits like "38 Baby," "Outside Today," and his featured appearance on Tyler, The Creator's "Wusyaname," alongside Ty Dolla $ign. This collaboration earned them a Grammy nomination for Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2022.
