Kodak Black: Who is the rapper pardoned by Trump and what was he in prison for?
Rapper’s plea for a reduced sentence was denied by prosecutors in December
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Donald Trump handed out presidential pardons to a number of celebrities during his final hours in office, it has emerged.
Names on the list include Steve Bannon and former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, as well as rappers Lil Wayne and Kodak Black.
The latter’s current sentence follows his arrest in May 2019 for indicating on paperwork that he was not under indictment while attempting to purchase firearms.
At the time, the rapper born Bill Kahan Kapri was out on bond for sexual assault charges in South Carolina.
He pled guilty in March 2020 to second degree criminal possession of a weapon, following an arrest in April 2019 at the border between the US and Canada. He was in prison when Trump pardoned him.
The official White House statement addressing Kodak Black’s pardon acknowledged the support he has received from fellow musicians including Gucci Mane, Lil Pump and Lil Yachty.
“Before his conviction and after reaching success as a recording artist, Kodak Black became deeply involved in numerous philanthropic efforts,” the statement said.
“In fact, he has committed to supporting a variety of charitable efforts, such as providing educational resources to students and families of fallen law enforcement officers and the underprivileged.”
The rapper was due to serve a 46-month prison sentence that was expected to end in November 2022.
Last month, he made a plea to reduce his sentence, but this was denied by prosecutors.
Revolt reported that US attorney Bruce O Brown wrote in his motion denying the request that Kodak Black “has not presented ‘extraordinary and compelling reasons’ that supported his request for release”.
“[Kodak Black] has not presented ANY reason supporting his request for release. He merely states he is not an evil person and promises to participate in community-based programs aimed at helping the ‘younger generation’. That simply is inadequate pursuant to the statute,” Brown said.
Lil Wayne – real name Dwayne Michael Carter Jr – pleaded guilty to the illegal possession of a loaded weapon on a private plane in December 2020.
Just two months earlier, the rapper revealed he was supporting Trump for a second term after meeting to discuss his plan for investing $500m (£365.8m) in the African-American community should he win the election.
Bradford Cohen, the attorney representing both Kodak Black and Lil Wayne, issued a statement to XXL after the presidential pardons were revealed.
“President Trump and his administration have been tireless advocates on behalf of the African-American community,” he said. “These pardons is [sic] a perfect example of this administration following up on its reforms and commitments. Thank you to President Trump for his advocacy and dedication to justice reform.”