Lil Wayne has officially been pardoned by President Donald Trump on the president’s final day in office.
Trump handed the “Lollipop” rapper a parting gift, after the hip-hop legend pleaded guilty last month to a federal charge of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Under federal law, convicted felons are not allowed to own firearms.
“President Trump granted a full pardon to Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., also known as ‘Lil Wayne,'” the White House said in a press release Wednesday just after 1 a.m. ET.
“Brett Berish of Sovereign Brands, who supports a pardon for Mr. Carter, describes him as ‘trustworthy, kind-hearted and generous,'” the release added. “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.'”
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The 38-year-old rapper previously pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a weapon and served eight months out of a one-year jail sentence in 2010.
Weezy (as he is known by fans) got some flack on social media after he endorsed Trump last year, ahead of the 2020 presidential election.
Per the U.S. Constitution, the president has the pardon power to excuse federal offenses.
In addition to Lil Wayne, Trump granted pardons to 72 other individuals and commuted the sentences of another 70 people, the White House said. In comparison to a full pardon, a commutation is a reduction in sentence for a committed crime.
Rapper Kodak Black was granted a commutation.
“President Trump granted a commutation to Bill Kapri, more commonly known as Kodak Black. Kodak Black is a prominent artist and community leader,” the White House said. The rapper was charged in 2019 with falsifying information on federal forms to buy firearms.
Ex-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick also had his sentence commuted after serving seven years of a 28-year sentence for his role in a corruption scandal.
“President Trump commuted the sentence of the former Mayor of Detroit, Kwame Malik Kilpatrick… Mr. Kilpatrick has served approximately 7 years in prison for his role in a racketeering and bribery scheme while he held public office. During his incarceration, Mr. Kilpatrick has taught public speaking classes and has led Bible Study groups with his fellow inmates,” the release said.
Other notable pardons include Republican fundraiser Elliott Broidy and ex-White House strategist Steve Bannon.
