Donald Trump has officially pardoned rappers Lil Wayne and Kodak Black, it has been confirmed.
The outgoing US president granted pardons for 73 people and commuted the sentences of 70 people in his final hours at the White House before handing over to President-Elect Joe Biden.
Following rumours earlier this week, Mr Trump’s administration has confirmed Lil Wayne and Kodak Black are among those who received pardons from the president.
A statement on the White House website explains that Mr Trump granted a full pardon to Lil Wayne, real name Dwayne Michael Carter Jr, after he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, owing to a conviction over 10 years ago.
It states: ‘Brett Berish of Sovereign Brands, who supports a pardon for Mr Carter, describes him as “trustworthy, kind-hearted and generous”.
‘Mr Carter has exhibited this generosity through commitment to a variety of charities, including donations to research hospitals and a host of foodbanks. Deion Sanders, who also wrote in support of this pardon, calls Mr Wayne “a provider for his family, a friend to many, a man of faith, a natural giver to the less fortunate, a waymaker, [and] a game changer”.’
Lil Wayne, 38, admitted to possessing a .45 calibre gun and six rounds of ammunition.
In November, the Grammy-winning rapper sparked controversy after he was pictured meeting Mr Trump at the White House which many took as him endorsing the divisive president over Mr Biden, just days before the US presidential election.
Kodak Black, real name Bill K Kapri, was also granted a commutation from Mr Trump.
The Zeze rapper was sentenced to 46 months in prison for making a false statement on a Federal document and has served nearly half of his sentence.
A statement on Kodak Black’s commutation notes his commitment to philanthropy, such as providing education resources to students and families of fallen law enforcement officers and the underprivileged.
It continues: ‘In addition to these efforts, he has paid for the notebooks of school children, provided funding and supplies to daycare centers, provided food for the hungry, and annually provides for underprivileged children during Christmas.
‘Most recently while still incarcerated, Kodak Black donated $50,000 to David Portnoy’s Barstool Fund, which provides funds to small businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Kodak Black’s only request was that his donation go toward restaurants in his hometown.’
Kodak Black’s commutation was supported by numerous religious leaders and celebrities such as Gucci Mane, Lil Pump, Lil Yachty and Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens.
Also on the list was former Death Row Records co-founder Michael Harris aka Harry-O, whose commutation was heavily backed by Snoop Dogg.
Harris, 59, has served 30 years of a 25 year to life sentence for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.
According to the White House: ‘Harris has had an exemplary prison record for three decades. He is a former entrepreneur and has mentored and taught fellow prisoners how to start and run businesses.
‘He has completed courses towards business and journalism degrees. Upon his release, Mr Harris will have a meaningful place of employment and housing with the support of his family.’
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