In a major development for the rap star, President Donald Trump has granted a full pardon to Louisiana artist NBA YoungBoy (born Kentrell Gaulden), clearing his record of federal gun charges. The pardon, announced Wednesday.

The 25-year-old rapper expressed his gratitude in a statement, saying: “I want to thank President Trump for granting me this pardon. This gives me the opportunity to move forward—as a father, as a man, and as an artist.”

The Legal Journey

Gaulden’s legal troubles stemmed from a 2024 federal case in Utah where he pleaded guilty to weapons charges after admitting to possessing firearms as a convicted felon. His plea deal resolved both state and federal cases, resulting in a 23-month prison sentence (with credit for time served) followed by probation.

After his release from federal prison in March 2025, Gaulden completed home confinement. Now, with the presidential pardon, he avoids the remaining probation terms, including mandatory drug testing.

His attorney, Drew Findling, called the pardon a “new beginning,” stating: “After years of legal battles from Louisiana to Utah, Kentrell can finally focus on what matters most—his family and his extraordinary career.”

Past Convictions and Musical Success

Before the Utah case, Gaulden had a prior felony conviction in Louisiana for aggravated assault with a firearm. He also pleaded guilty in 2024 to involvement in a prescription fraud scheme, receiving a fine but no additional jail time.

Despite these setbacks, NBA YoungBoy—whose stage name stands for “Never Broke Again”—has dominated the charts with four #1 albums on the Billboard 200 and multiple hit singles. His 2022 Grammy-nominated feature on Tyler, The Creator’s “Wusyaname” further cemented his status in hip-hop.

With his legal record cleared, the rapper is gearing up for a major U.S. tour this fall, marking a fresh start in his career and personal life.