NBA YoungBoy Voices Support for Donald Trump on New Album MASA Following Presidential Pardon
NBA YoungBoy has made headlines not only for his music but now for openly expressing support for former President Donald Trump on his latest album, MASA. On the album’s third track, “XXX,” the controversial rapper raps:
“Whatever Trump doin’ / Bitch, it’s good for the young uns (all hail Trump).”
YoungBoy’s endorsement comes against the backdrop of a significant personal development earlier this year—Donald Trump granted him a presidential pardon related to his gun charges. The rapper, whose real name is Kentrell Gaulden, was initially sentenced to two years in prison for weapons possession but was released in March to serve the remainder of his sentence under home arrest.
Despite being under probation, YoungBoy’s legal obligations were further eased when Trump’s pardon eliminated the conditions he was required to follow. In a public statement following the pardon announcement, YoungBoy expressed his gratitude:
“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.”
While neither Trump nor the White House has provided specific reasons behind the pardon, it fits a pattern of Trump’s favorable actions toward prominent figures in the rap community. During the closing months of his presidency in 2021, Trump notably pardoned rap icons Lil Wayne and Kodak Black, both serving time on weapons-related charges.
At the time, Kodak Black was incarcerated and Trump cited the rapper’s “philanthropic efforts” as justification for his release. Lil Wayne was also awaiting sentencing on gun charges when he received his pardon. Following the pardon, Lil Wayne publicly thanked Trump, stating:
“I want to thank President Trump for recognizing that I have so much more to give to my family, my art, and my community.”
Notably, Lil Wayne had shown public support for Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign before Trump ultimately lost to Joe Biden.
Trump’s relationship with the hip-hop world has been a mix of surprising alliances. Besides YoungBoy, other rappers such as 50 Cent, Benny the Butcher, and Waka Flocka Flame have either expressed support for Trump or praised him publicly, highlighting a unique cultural crossover.
NBA YoungBoy’s shout-out on MASA signals more than just gratitude—it reflects a growing trend of influential hip-hop artists aligning themselves with Trump, reshaping conversations around politics and music in unexpected ways.
