Donald Trump has officially pardoned Lil Wayne and commutes Kodak Black sentence hours before leaving the White House, it has been confirmed.
The outgoing US president granted pardons to 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 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.
The rapper faced 10 years and was due to be sentenced on January 28.
Lil Wayne, 38, admitted to possessing a 45 calibre gun and six rounds of ammunition.
‘Brett Berish of Sovereign Brands, who supports a pardon for Mr Carter, describes him as “trustworthy, kind-hearted and generous”. Said the statement.
‘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”.’
Kodak Black, real name Bill K Kapri, 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.
In another win for another hip hop figure. Trump also issued a pardon for Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez.
Perez, who became boss of Jay Z’s management label in 2019, was arrested in 1994 for grand larceny and possession of a firearm.
