President Donald Trump recently granted a pardon to Louisiana-born rapper NBA YoungBoy, also known as Kentrell Gaulden, who was serving a 23-month sentence for federal gun charges. This pardon was part of a series of pardons announced by Trump on May 28, which also included former Chicago gang leader Larry Hoover. Gaulden, 25, who goes by the stage name YoungBoy Never Broke Again, is set to embark on a 32-date national tour starting in September, marking his first headlining tour.

In recent legal troubles, Gaulden pleaded guilty to involvement in a Utah pharmacy drug ring, which resulted in reduced charges and a fine. However, in a related federal gun case, he was sentenced to prison time, probation, and a substantial fine. Gaulden’s past legal issues include attempted murder charges in 2016, reduced to aggravated assault, as well as assault, kidnapping, and other incidents in subsequent years.

Despite his legal challenges, NBA YoungBoy has steadily built a fanbase since 2014 with his mixtape “Life Before Fame” and has released hit singles like “Shot Callin,” “Slime Examination,” “Don’t Try This at Home,” “Outside Today,” and “No Smoke.” Gaulden’s journey in the music industry has been tumultuous, marked by legal entanglements that have not hindered his ability to connect with audiences through his music.

The rapper’s recent pardon has sparked conversations about his past and future, highlighting the complexities of his personal and professional life. NBA YoungBoy’s resilience and artistic talent continue to captivate fans despite the challenges he has faced in navigating fame and legal issues.