by Scott Emick
5/29/25
On May 28, 2025, President Donald Trump granted a full pardon to rapper Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, known professionally as NBA YoungBoy or YoungBoy Never Broke Again, concluding a series of legal challenges that had shadowed the artist’s career.
🎤 Who Is NBA YoungBoy?
Born in 1999 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, NBA YoungBoy rose to prominence in the mid-2010s with a prolific output of mixtapes and albums. His debut studio album, Until Death Call My Name, peaked at number seven on the US Billboard 200. He has since achieved four No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 and earned a Grammy nomination for his collaboration on Tyler, The Creator’s “Wusyaname” in 2022.
⚖️ Legal Troubles Leading to Incarceration
NBA YoungBoy’s legal issues began in his teens and included charges ranging from attempted murder to assault. In 2020, he was arrested in Baton Rouge on federal firearms and drug charges. Subsequent arrests and charges followed, including a 2021 federal firearms charge in California.
In 2023, he was implicated in a prescription drug fraud scheme in Utah, leading to multiple charges. He pleaded guilty to several counts, resulting in a 23-month federal prison sentence, five years of probation, and a $200,000 fine.
🕊️ The Presidential Pardon
President Trump’s pardon absolved NBA YoungBoy of his convictions, including the probation terms and associated fines. The decision was part of a broader clemency initiative that included pardons for various individuals.
In a statement, NBA YoungBoy expressed gratitude, 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.”
🎶 What’s Next for NBA YoungBoy?
With his legal issues behind him, NBA YoungBoy is preparing for a U.S. headlining tour set to begin in September 2025. The tour marks his return to live performances and is anticipated to be a significant event for fans.
The pardon has sparked discussions about the use of presidential clemency and its implications. For NBA YoungBoy, it represents a chance to move forward and focus on his music and personal growth.
