JAŸ-Z’s Friend Emory Jones Receives Pardon From Trump 

BY Aron A.
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Emory Jones was convicted on federal drug charges.

JAŸ-Z might be fighting MAGA Republicans on stage, but behind the scenes, it appears that MAGA Republicans are also pulling strings for him and his friends. Roc Nation exec and close friend of JAŸ-Z, Emory Jones, received a presidential pardon from the White House as part of a new round of clemency actions.

Jones has been widely referenced across Hov’s catalog as a key part of his inner circle. He was hit with cocaine trafficking charges, leading to a 16-year stint in prison. In 2010, Hov famously wrote a letter to a judge, stating that he would have employment for Jones upon his release and a re-entry plan. Since then, Emory Jones became the head of lifestyle at Roc Nation and co-founded the Paper Planes brand.

“Emory’s pardon is a powerful example of what second chances should look like,” Human Rights Attorney Jessica Jackson said of the pardon, per Complex. “The extraordinary range of support for him, from community leaders to some of the country’s most respected business leaders, speaks to the man he has become. It was an honor to be one of many who advocated for Emory, and I’m deeply grateful to President Trump and Pardon Czar Alice Johnson for believing in his redemption and giving him this second chance.”

Emory Jones Pardoned

“Emory Jones…served nearly 16 years in federal prison and came home determined to build a different life,” Johnson wrote. “Today he is an entrepreneur and creative leader whose journey reminds us how much people can grow—and how much good they can still do.”

Despite this becoming a joyous occasion, Bobby Shmurda, whose issues with Roc Nation are no secret, called out Hov after the news emerged. He claimed Hov can’t be gangster because he associates with rats, presumably Desiree Perez, the CEO of Roc Nation, who was a federal informant and also received a Trump pardon. 

About The Author
Aron A. is a features editor for HotNewHipHop. Beginning his tenure at HotNewHipHop in July 2017, he has comprehensively documented the biggest stories in the culture over the past few years. Throughout his time, Aron’s helped introduce a number of buzzing up-and-coming artists to our audience, identifying regional trends and highlighting hip-hop from across the globe. As a Canadian-based music journalist, he has also made a concerted effort to put spotlights on artists hailing from North of the border as part of Rise & Grind, the weekly interview series that he created and launched in 2021. Aron also broke a number of stories through his extensive interviews with beloved figures in the culture. These include industry vets (Quality Control co-founder Kevin "Coach K" Lee, Wayno Clark), definitive producers (DJ Paul, Hit-Boy, Zaytoven), cultural disruptors (Soulja Boy), lyrical heavyweights (Pusha T, Styles P, Danny Brown), cultural pioneers (Dapper Dan, Big Daddy Kane), and the next generation of stars (Lil Durk, Latto, Fivio Foreign, Denzel Curry). Aron also penned cover stories with the likes of Rick Ross, Central Cee, Moneybagg Yo, Vince Staples, and Bobby Shmurda.

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