Rapper NBA YoungBoy, whose real name is Kentrell Gaulden, has been officially pardoned by former President Donald Trump. This pardon ends a long legal battle for the Louisiana artist. YoungBoy had been sentenced to nearly two years in prison on federal gun charges. The pardon was confirmed by two White House officials and was part of a group of high-profile clemencies given this week.
In a public statement, Gaulden expressed his thanks:
“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.”
YoungBoy faced several charges related to gun possession and a prescription drug fraud case. In 2024, he accepted a plea deal in Utah, which covered both federal and state charges. One federal sentence included 23 months in prison, while another required five years of probation and a $200,000 fine. Because of time already served, Gaulden was released in March and placed under home confinement, which recently ended.
His lawyer, Drew Findling, said the pardon cancels the probation terms. This means YoungBoy no longer has to undergo drug testing or follow other restrictions.
“From Louisiana to Utah, the battles have been endless,” Findling said. “Now he can focus on his family and his incredible music career.”
Gaulden admitted to owning several firearms. He had guns while filming a music video in Baton Rouge and kept weapons at his home in Utah. His past convictions include aggravated assault with a firearm.
Despite his legal problems, NBA YoungBoy has remained a major figure in music. He has four No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 chart and a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. His popular songs include “38 Baby” and “Outside Today.” He also received a Grammy nomination in 2022 for “Wusyaname,” a collaboration with Tyler, The Creator and Ty Dolla $ign.
With a major U.S. tour planned for September, YoungBoy is now free to focus on his career and return to the spotlight on his own terms.
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