President Donald Trump granted a full pardon Wednesday to platinum-selling rapper Kentrell Gaulden, known professionally as NBA YoungBoy. The clemency fully absolves the 25-year-old of federal convictions for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and alleged involvement in a prescription-drug fraud ring.
Gaulden pleaded guilty in 2024 and drew a 23-month sentence in federal prison in Utah. He was released in March 2025 after credit for time served and completed a period of home confinement in April.
In an Instagram Story, Gaulden wrote, “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. 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 pardon follows Trump’s January 2021 clemency actions in the hip-hop community, when he pardoned Lil Wayne (Dwayne Michael Carter Jr.) after a federal firearm conviction and commuted Kodak Black’s (Bill Kapri) sentence for making false statements during a gun purchase.
Trump also commuted Larry Hoover’s federal life sentence; that move does not affect his 150-to-200-year state term in Illinois, which he must still serve. His next state parole hearing is later this year, with eligibility in October 2062.
Fans flooded social media with #FreeYoungBoy, while advocates warned that individual pardons highlight the need for broader criminal-justice reform.
This government exhibit shows damage to rapper Kid Cudi's Porsche from an alleged 2012 firebombing. Sean "Diddy" Combs' attorneys unsuccessfully requested a mistrial Wednesday, arguing that prosecutors improperly suggested Combs authorized the destruction of fingerprint evidence collected during the investigation. The judge denied the request, instructing jurors to disregard testimony about the fingerprints.
Sean "Diddy" Combs' request for a mistrial in his sex trafficking and racketeering trial was swiftly denied Wednesday by a federal judge who rejected claims of prosecutorial misconduct involving destroyed fingerprint evidence linked to the alleged firebombing of rapper Kid Cudi’s car.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian dismissed arguments from Combs’ attorney Alexandra Shapiro that the prosecution improperly suggested the music mogul authorized the destruction of fingerprint evidence from the 2012 incident. "There was absolutely no testimony from the witness that was prejudicial in any way, shape or form," Subramanian stated, instructing jurors to disregard the testimony in question.
Combs, 55, faces charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals to engage in prostitution, with potential penalties up to life imprisonment if convicted.
The prosecution alleges Combs orchestrated acts of intimidation and violence, including the alleged January 2012 firebombing of Kid Cudi's Porsche, to silence individuals who might speak against him. Kid Cudi, whose legal name is Scott Mescudi, testified last week he believed Combs orchestrated the attack after learning Mescudi had dated Combs' former partner, singer Casandra Ventura.
Ventura previously testified that Combs explicitly threatened to blow up Mescudi’s car. Additional testimony from former assistant Capricorn Clark supported claims that Combs had violent intentions toward Mescudi.
Fire investigator Lance Jimenez testified that fingerprint evidence from the firebombing scene was destroyed without his knowledge on orders from a Los Angeles police officer not directly involved in the case. Judge Subramanian emphasized to the jury that this detail was irrelevant and should not influence their deliberations.
Combs' defense insists he played no role in the arson, highlighting the absence of physical evidence linking him directly to the act. The trial continues in Manhattan federal court with further testimonies expected.
Janet Jackson performs onstage at the 2025 American Music Awards at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on May 26, 2025. (Rich Polk)
The 2025 American Music Awards, held on Monday night at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas and hosted by Jennifer Lopez, celebrated the significant and continuing impact of urban music. One of the evening's most prominent moments was the presentation of the Icon Award to Janet Jackson, recognizing her profound influence on pop, R&B and global music culture.
Jackson, dressed in a white cropped jacket, baggy blue jeans, white sneakers, and a headband, captivated the audience with a medley of her iconic hits, including “All for You,” “Rhythm Nation,” and “Together Again,” marking her first televised performance in seven years.
In her acceptance speech, she said, “I don’t consider myself an icon,” while emphasizing her family's deep commitment to music over fame. The Icon Award, first awarded in 2013, has previously been awarded to artists such as Rihanna and Lionel Richie.
Jackson’s tribute underscored the enduring relevance of urban music within the broader popular music landscape, a point further emphasized by Kendrick Lamar’s victory in the Favorite Hip-Hop Song category for “Not Like Us.” Lamar, who received the most nominations of the night with 10, once again demonstrated his artistic power, authenticity, and ability to connect with contemporary culture.
Beyoncé made history in the country genre, winning Favorite Female Country Artist for her acclaimed project, "Cowboy Carter," which also took home Favorite Country Album honors. This win represents a significant achievement for a Black artist in a category historically dominated by white artists.
SZA also had a memorable evening, taking home both Favorite Female R&B Artist and Favorite R&B Song for “Saturn.” These awards acknowledge her innovative approach to R&B, blending genres while staying true to her artistic vision, solidifying her position as a leading voice in modern R&B.
Adding to his legacy, Eminem won both Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist and Favorite Hip-Hop Album for "The Death of Slim Shady: Coup de Grâce," highlighting his enduring relevance and impact within the hip-hop genre. Megan Thee Stallion won Favorite Female Hip-Hop Artist.
Billie Eilish was the biggest winner of the night, sweeping the major categories, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for Hit Me Hard and Soft, and Song of the Year for “Birds of a Feather.”
Chappell Roan was recognized as New Artist of the Year, marking a significant breakthrough for the rising star.
Key Winners:
Artist of the Year: Billie Eilish
New Artist of the Year: Chappell Roan
Album of the Year: "Hit Me Hard and Soft" (Billie Eilish)
Song of the Year: “Birds of a Feather” (Billie Eilish)
