The Sunday Mail
Meanwhile, rap stars Lil Wayne and Kodak Black were on the list of more than 140 people who were granted pardons or had their sentences commuted by outgoing US president Donald Trump on his last full day in the job.
They were joined by Michael “Harry-O” Harris, co-founder of seminal rap label Death Row Records, after Snoop Dogg campaigned on his behalf.
While the omission of Tiger King star Joe Exotic from Mr Trump’s list went against some expectations, here is a look at why clemency was granted to the three hip-hop aficionados.
Lil Wayne ‘trustworthy and generous’
The 38-year-old was found to be carrying a gun and bullets when police searched a private plane in Miami in December 2019.
He faced up to 10 years in prison.
He is also one of the biggest artistes in rap, with five US number one albums and more top 40 singles than any other artist apart from Drake. He met and appeared to endorse President Trump during the election campaign late last year, praising his work on criminal reform.
Deion Sanders, who also wrote in support of the pardon, called him “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”.
Lawyer Bradford Cohen, who represents both Lil Wayne and Kodak Black, told Rolling Stone magazine: “President Trump and his administration have been tireless advocates on behalf of the African-American community.
“These pardons are a perfect example of this administration following up on its reforms and commitments.”
The White House said his pardon had been championed by Brett Berish, CEO of wine and spirits company Sovereign Brands, who described Lil Wayne as “trustworthy, kind-hearted and generous”. The White House statement went on to say the rapper had “exhibited this generosity through commitment to a variety of charities, including donations to research hospitals and a host of food banks”. — Wires.
