Louisiana rapper NBA YoungBoy has expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump after receiving a presidential pardon for his federal gun conviction. The artist, whose legal name is Kentrell Gaulden, shared his appreciation on social media following Trump's issuance of several pardons on Wednesday.

According to Fox News, NBA YoungBoy thanked the president for "giving me the opportunity to keep building -- as a man, as a father, and as an artist." The statement came after Trump pardoned the rapper as part of a broader wave of clemency actions.

Gaulden had previously been sentenced by a federal judge in Utah after acknowledging possession of weapons despite being a convicted felon. His case involved an agreement that resolved both state charges in Utah and two sets of federal charges, resulting in a 23-month sentence for one charge and five years of probation with a $200,000 fine for the other.

Louisiana artist expresses relief

NBA YoungBoy, whose stage name stands for "Never Broke Again," took to Instagram to share his thoughts on receiving the presidential pardon. The moment represented a significant turning point in his ongoing legal challenges.

"I want to thank President Trump for granting me a pardon and for giving me the opportunity to keep building -- as a man, as a father, and as an artist," Gaulden wrote. "This moment means a lot. It opens the door to a future I've worked hard for and I am fully prepared to step into this."

The 25-year-old rapper had been released from federal prison in March and placed on home confinement after receiving credit for time served, according to his attorney Drew Findling. His home confinement ended last month, and with the pardon, he no longer needs to follow the terms of his probation, including mandatory drug testing.

Legal battles across multiple states

The charges against NBA YoungBoy stemmed from incidents in both Louisiana and Utah, where authorities found him in possession of multiple firearms despite his status as a convicted felon. His legal troubles had been ongoing for several years.

Gaulden had acknowledged possessing a Glock 21 .45-caliber pistol and a Masterpiece Arms MPA30T 9mm handgun while filming a music video in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He also admitted to having a Sig Sauer 9mm semi-automatic pistol at his home in Huntsville, Utah, and agreed to surrender all weapons as part of his plea agreement.

Prior to these charges, the rapper had been convicted in Louisiana of aggravated assault with a firearm. In addition to the weapons charges, he had pleaded guilty in November to his role in a prescription drug fraud operation run from his Utah residence, resulting in a $25,000 fine but no additional prison time.

Career revival following legal challenges

Despite his legal troubles, NBA YoungBoy has maintained a successful music career with impressive commercial achievements. The rapper has established himself as a significant force in the hip-hop industry.

Throughout his career, Gaulden has achieved four No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 charts and secured a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. His popularity has remained strong even during his legal battles, with a dedicated fan base supporting his music releases.

With his legal issues now largely behind him following the presidential pardon, NBA YoungBoy is preparing to embark on a major U.S. arena tour later this year. His attorney emphasized that the pardon will allow the artist to focus on his family and career without the constraints of probation requirements.

Why This Story Matters

Gaulden's pardon marks a rare intervention at the intersection of celebrity, crime, and presidential power. It raises important questions about equality in the justice system, rehabilitation opportunities, and who is granted second chances.

The story also highlights how the legal system treats high-profile individuals differently from average citizens, igniting debates about fairness and transparency. Lastly, it underscores the lasting consequences of criminal behavior, particularly involving firearms, and how redemption fits into the larger narrative of justice.

Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Rapper Kentrell Gaulden’s journey from multiple firearm convictions and a drug fraud guilty plea to receiving a presidential pardon has shocked supporters and ignited national conversations. After serving prison time and paying steep fines, Gaulden was freed from home confinement in April. With Trump’s recent clemency order, he will no longer face probation restrictions and is now focused on his family and a high-profile return to the music industry.