In a stunning move that drew attention from fans, legal analysts, and music industry insiders alike, President Donald Trump pardoned Louisiana rapper NBA YoungBoy, whose real name is Kentrell Gaulden. The pardon was part of a sweeping set of clemency actions that included several high-profile names from politics, entertainment, and labor.
For Gaulden, however, the presidential pardon marks the end of a lengthy and often turbulent legal journey, and the beginning of what he and his supporters hope will be a fresh chapter focused on family and music.
The pardon comes just weeks after Gaulden completed home confinement, following his release from federal prison. Though his legal troubles have spanned multiple states and charges, his supporters have consistently rallied around him, emphasizing his artistry, his growth, and the challenges he has overcome both personally and professionally.
With the legal cloud now officially lifted, NBA YoungBoy is preparing for a major U.S. tour, signaling his return not just to the stage, but to center stage in American hip-hop.
The Legal Saga: Gun Charges, Home Confinement, and a Presidential Pardon
NBA YoungBoy’s legal troubles have been as prominent as his meteoric rise in the music industry. In 2024, Gaulden was sentenced by a federal judge in Utah for possessing firearms as a convicted felon. The case stemmed from multiple incidents involving firearms—specifically a Glock 21 .45-caliber pistol and a Masterpiece Arms MPA30T 9mm handgun found during a rap video shoot in Baton Rouge, as well as a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol discovered in his Utah home.
These incidents led to a complex legal situation involving overlapping federal and state charges. Ultimately, Gaulden reached an agreement with prosecutors, leading to a 23-month prison sentence, five years of probation, and a $200,000 fine. He was released in March 2024 after receiving credit for time already served and was placed under home confinement.
His attorney, Drew Findling, noted that the rapper’s period of home confinement officially ended last month, and the presidential pardon means that Gaulden is no longer subject to probationary terms such as mandatory drug testing. “From Louisiana to Utah the battles have been endless,” Findling said. “Now he can concentrate on, first and foremost, his family, and then, of course, his amazing career.”
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The presidential pardon was confirmed by two White House officials on the evening of the announcement, although the decision had not yet been formally publicized. It marks a dramatic turn in the rapper’s journey—one that could potentially reshape his narrative both legally and culturally. Gaulden expressed gratitude in a statement, saying, “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.”
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Beyond the gun charges, Gaulden also pleaded guilty in November to his involvement in a prescription drug fraud operation that reportedly ran out of his Utah home. While he was fined $25,000 for his role, he did not receive any prison time for that offense.
Who Is NBA YoungBoy?
Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, known professionally as NBA YoungBoy, is one of the most prolific and polarizing figures in modern hip-hop. Born on October 20, 1999, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Gaulden began writing and recording music at a young age. His early mixtapes, particularly 38 Baby and AI YoungBoy, catapulted him into the spotlight, gaining millions of views on YouTube and streaming platforms.
Known for his emotional intensity, raw lyricism, and unique voice, he quickly built a massive and loyal fanbase. NBA YoungBoy’s moniker stands for “Never Broke Again,” a sentiment that reflects both his ambition and his origins in one of Louisiana’s toughest neighborhoods.
His upbringing was marked by hardship, including a father who was sentenced to 55 years in prison and a grandmother who raised him until her death when he was a teenager. Gaulden has often channeled these life experiences into his music, making him a voice for many young people navigating poverty, violence, and adversity.
Despite his young age, Gaulden has already achieved four No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 chart, a feat that places him among elite company in the music world. His hits include songs like “Outside Today,” “No Smoke,” and “Untouchable,” and he has collaborated with top-tier artists including Tyler, The Creator and Ty Dolla $ign on the Grammy-nominated track “Wusyaname.”
Yet, Gaulden’s story has always been a mix of talent and turbulence. Arrests, probation violations, and house arrests have often interrupted his musical output. Still, his fanbase has remained remarkably loyal, drawn to both his vulnerability and defiance. Many of his songs detail his inner turmoil, fatherhood, and battles with fame and legality, making him a uniquely complex figure in modern hip-hop.
A Second Chance and the Road Ahead
The presidential pardon granted to NBA YoungBoy doesn’t just wipe away legal burdens—it symbolically marks a turning point. For a rapper who has lived much of his adult life in the shadows of the justice system, the pardon offers a rare moment of institutional forgiveness and the possibility of reinvention.
Gaulden’s attorney, Drew Findling, expressed optimism that this marks the final chapter in the rapper’s legal struggles. “It’s been a long road, but it’s finally over. Now it’s about growth and evolution,” Findling said. The rapper himself seems ready to embrace this opportunity. With his upcoming tour set to begin in September, he is poised to reassert his dominance in the music world and reconnect with fans across the country.
In the broader cultural landscape, Trump’s decision to pardon Gaulden has sparked mixed reactions. While supporters see it as a necessary step toward rehabilitation and fairness in a justice system often criticized for its treatment of Black men, critics argue that it’s a politically motivated stunt. Regardless of motive, for Gaulden, the pardon is real—and so are the stakes.
With his legal issues behind him, Gaulden has the chance to redefine his public image and cement his legacy not just as a cautionary tale, but as an example of redemption. He remains a father of several children, an artist with a massive platform, and a young man still finding his place in the world. As he embarks on his next chapter, the hip-hop community and the public will be watching closely.
Whether he seizes this moment or stumbles again remains to be seen. But for now, NBA YoungBoy has a clean slate—and a shot at something few in his position ever receive: a presidential pardon and a genuine second chance.