Louisiana-born rap star NBA YoungBoy, whose real name is Kentrell Gaulden, has publicly expressed gratitude to Donald Trump after receiving a presidential pardon that effectively wipes his recent federal gun conviction from the record.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the chart-topping rapper thanked Trump for what he called a “life-changing opportunity,” stating:
“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. This moment means everything to me.”
The 24-year-old artist, known for his raw storytelling and loyal fanbase, had been serving a sentence tied to federal firearms violations. Last year, a judge in Utah sentenced Gaulden after he admitted to having multiple weapons despite a prior felony conviction.
But through legal negotiations, the rapper reached a comprehensive resolution that included federal and state-level charges. The agreement led to a reduced sentence… 23 months in federal custody, followed by probation, a $200,000 fine, and the dismissal of other pending charges.
Thanks to time already served and a move to home confinement, Gaulden was released from federal custody in March. His lawyer, Drew Findling, confirmed that with the pardon, YoungBoy will no longer be required to follow the strict terms of his probation, including routine drug tests.
“From Louisiana to Utah, the legal battles have been relentless,” Findling said in a statement. “Now he can focus entirely on his family and his flourishing music career.”
The weapons in question included a Glock .45-caliber pistol and a Masterpiece Arms 9mm, which Gaulden was seen holding in a music video filmed in Baton Rouge. Authorities also recovered a Sig Sauer 9mm at his Utah residence. As part of his plea deal, Gaulden agreed to surrender the firearms.
Gaulden has a prior conviction in Louisiana for aggravated assault with a firearm. He also pleaded guilty in late 2023 to being involved in a prescription drug fraud scheme allegedly run from his Utah home, though he faced no jail time and was ordered to pay a $25,000 fine.
Despite the legal turmoil, NBA YoungBoy remains a dominant force in hip-hop, having scored four No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 and a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. With the legal storm now behind him, he’s gearing up for a massive nationwide arena tour set to launch later this year.
