The payment did not buy a pardon. It was allegedly supposed to fund the work required to pursue one. Federal lobbying disclosures show Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl registered to contact Congress, the Justice Department, and the White House on Boosie’s behalf. The agreement reportedly allowed him to request half of the fee back if clemency had not been secured by January 31, 2026, though the firm now contends that no refund provision was finalized.

Read More: Boosie Badazz Says He’s Suing Jack Burkman & Jacob Wohl For $10M Over Pardon Scandal

Boosie says the lobbyists initially spoke as though they had direct access to Trump. His attorney later received messages suggesting the application was moving through the administration and that the president had signed off. No pardon appeared. A White House aide reportedly told Boosie’s attorney that the administration had not seen his application.

That disconnect spilled onto social media, where Boosie publicly called on several conservative influencers and Republican lawmakers to confirm whether they had been contacted about his case. Laura Loomer denied knowing about the pardon effort or Boosie’s legal situation. She also suggested Burkman may have been invoking prominent names without permission. Rep. Nancy Mace offered a narrower account, saying her office received an email and participated in one call but made no promises.

Burkman’s firm maintains that it carried out an extensive advocacy campaign and still believes Boosie deserves clemency. Trump has not publicly addressed the rapper’s request or the dispute over the lobbying fee. The fight has reopened a subject that has followed Hip Hop through both Trump administrations. Presidential clemency has changed the legal futures of several rappers and music industry figures, sometimes through formal Justice Department channels and sometimes after sustained advocacy from attorneys, celebrities, or political allies. Boosie’s failed attempt offers a messier view of that process, one shaped by expensive promises, disputed access, and the extraordinary value placed on a president’s signature.

Understanding Presidential Clemency

Not every act of presidential clemency carries the same legal weight, a distinction that becomes important when looking at the names on this list. A presidential pardon forgives a federal offense and restores certain civil rights, though it does not erase a conviction or declare someone innocent. A commutation, by contrast, reduces or ends a federal sentence without overturning the conviction itself. Presidents can only grant clemency for federal crimes, leaving state convictions outside their authority.

Trump used both forms of executive power during his time in office, extending relief to figures whose stories have become part of Hip Hop history. While every case followed a different path to the White House, each demonstrates the extraordinary reach of presidential clemency.

Lil Wayne

A federal prison sentence appeared all but certain until Trump used one of his final acts in office to grant Lil Wayne a full presidential pardon. The rapper had pleaded guilty weeks earlier to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon after federal agents recovered a loaded, gold-plated handgun during a search of his private jet after it landed at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport in December 2019. He faced up to 10 years in prison before the pardon halted the case before sentencing could take place.

Wayne’s clemency quickly became one of the most talked-about decisions of Trump’s first term. It arrived less than three months after the two met to discuss the administration’s proposed Platinum Plan, fueling widespread speculation, though no evidence has ever shown the meeting played a role in Trump’s decision to grant clemency.

Read More: Lil Wayne & His Trump Lyrics: A Love Letter To Power

Kodak Black

More than three years remained on Kodak Black’s federal prison sentence when Trump cut it short during his final day in office. The rapper had been sentenced in 2019 after pleading guilty to making false statements on federal forms while attempting to purchase firearms. Trump commuted his sentence in January 2021, allowing Kodak to leave federal custody months ahead of schedule. In announcing the decision, the White House cited his charitable work.

Meanwhile, Kodak publicly thanked Trump following his release, describing the commutation as a second chance. His case became one of the most prominent examples of Trump’s clemency decisions involving Hip Hop, while also prompting criticism from those who questioned how clemency recipients were selected. Unlike Wayne’s pardon, Kodak’s commutation ended his prison sentence but left his federal conviction intact.

NBA YoungBoy

The remaining federal penalties tied to NBA YoungBoy’s firearm conviction ended when Trump granted him a presidential pardon in May 2025. YoungBoy had been sentenced to 23 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing firearms as a convicted felon. He had completed his period of home confinement by the time the pardon was issued, but still faced years of federal supervision. This included probation requirements and travel restrictions. Trump’s pardon relieved him of those remaining federal penalties.

YoungBoy had also resolved a separate Utah prosecution involving a prescription drug fraud scheme. That state case was handled through a plea agreement and was not covered by the presidential pardon, since a president’s clemency authority applies only to federal offenses.

Read More: NBA YoungBoy Professes His Allegiance To Donald Trump

Michael “Harry-O” Harris

When Donald Trump announced a wave of clemency grants during his final hours in office, one name stood apart from the rest. Michael “Harry-O” Harris had already spent more than three decades in federal prison, making him one of the longest-incarcerated figures connected to Hip Hop’s early business history.

Harris wasn’t an artist, but his money helped launch Death Row Records during its formative years through Alcash Holdings. It placed him at the center of one of Rap’s most influential labels despite spending much of its rise behind bars. His sentence stemmed from federal drug trafficking and attempted murder convictions, keeping him incarcerated for roughly 32 years before Trump commuted his sentence in January 2021.

Desiree Perez

A decades-old federal drug conviction no longer stood in Desiree Perez’s way after Donald Trump granted the Roc Nation CEO a full presidential pardon during his final day in office. Perez pleaded guilty in the 1990s for her alleged role in a trafficking conspiracy before rebuilding her career into one of the music industry’s most significant executives.

The Roc Nation CEO received a full presidential pardon in January 2021, bringing formal federal forgiveness. The White House cited her years of philanthropy, criminal justice reform efforts and leadership in the music business when announcing the pardon. Her case stood apart from Trump’s clemency decisions, recognizing someone whose influence has largely come behind the scenes, reflecting the broad reach across different corners of the music industry.

Read More: Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez Receives Pardon From Trump: Report

Taken together, these pardons and commutations illustrate how presidential clemency has become an unexpected part of Hip Hop’s modern history, shaping careers, changing lives, and leaving a lasting mark on the culture.

The post Inside Donald Trump’s History Of Pardons & Commutations In Hip Hop appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The engagement arrives after one of the most turbulent stretches of Fetty Wap’s life. In 2023, the rapper, born Willie Junior Maxwell II, was sentenced to six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine. The case stemmed from an investigation into a multistate drug trafficking operation centered in New York. Earlier this year, he was transferred to home confinement before his scheduled release, allowing him to spend more time with family while completing the remainder of his sentence.

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Read More: Fetty Wap Reveals He Earned His GED And Took HVAC Classes Behind Bars

Fetty Is A Proud Father

Away from music, Fetty has long been open about the importance of fatherhood. He is the father of several children from previous relationships, and his family life has often unfolded in the public eye. In 2021, he experienced the devastating loss of his 4-year-old daughter, Lauren, whose mother, Turquoise Miami, later confirmed the child died from complications related to a congenital heart condition. The tragedy prompted an outpouring of support from across the music industry and remains one of the most difficult moments of the rapper’s life.

His romantic relationships have also frequently made headlines, including his highly publicized relationship with reality television personality Masika Kalysha, with whom he shares a daughter, as well as other co-parenting relationships that have occasionally played out publicly. His new engagement signals a positive personal milestone as he continues rebuilding his life following his legal troubles. For fans who have watched him navigate chart-topping success and incarceration, the announcement offers a glimpse of a new season focused on family and the future.

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Spain ultimately won the final 1-0 in extra time. Both finalists happened to compete wearing Adidas jerseys that day. Even the match referees wore Adidas kits during the game. Gulden called the moment something the brand couldn’t have scripted better.

14 national teams wore Adidas gear throughout this year’s tournament. That list included both Argentina and Spain, plus tournament host Mexico. Mexico’s jersey ended up as Adidas’ best-selling national team kit. Argentina and Spain also saw strong demand throughout the tournament.

Adidas sponsors both nations, along with star players Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal. Gulden’s outfit reflected that dual sponsorship in a simple, visual way. He also posed for a photo alongside opera singer Placido Domingo.

Later in the day, he was pictured posted up with NBA star James Harden. Both photos were taken from inside the stadium during the match. Adidas expects massive World Cup-related revenue following the tournament’s conclusion. Jersey sales reportedly quadrupled compared to the previous World Cup cycle.

Ball sales also doubled during this year’s tournament run. Gulden’s outfit choice became a small, symbolic touch to a bigger story. It capped off a strong tournament for Adidas overall.

Read More: Lizzo Supports PlaqueBoyMax After OjaySuave Streamer University Confrontation

Adidas CEO World Cup Jersey

Gulden’s jersey split the two teams’ designs right down the center. One half carried Argentina’s light blue and white stripes. The other reflected Spain’s red and gold color scheme.

This kind of custom mashup isn’t something typically sold to the public. It served more as a symbolic gesture tied to Adidas sponsoring both finalists. The choice highlighted just how rare this matchup was for the brand.

Rarely do both World Cup finalists wear the same sponsor’s jerseys. Adidas has sponsored Argentina’s federation for decades, dating back to the 1970s. Spain’s partnership with the brand has also remained steady for years. Seeing both nations represented at once made for a fitting moment.

Read More: Nike’s Foamposite Pro “Green Camo” Is Finally Coming Back

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“He just said some sh*t that just bothered me, kinda,” Max said. “Called me demonic and sh*t, said my parents are not proud of me.”

Rather than dwell on the exchange, Lizzo encouraged Max to shift the focus inward. She challenged him to name several things he genuinely loved about himself, prompting the streamer to reflect on qualities like his creativity and ambition before reminding him that the opinions of strangers shouldn’t outweigh his own sense of self. She also led him through a series of positive affirmations designed to reinforce that message.

Read More: Kai Cenat Drops Streamer University Diss Track Aimed At FunnyMike, Rakai, And More

Lizzo Drops Some Advice

“I want you to remember those things that you just said about yourself,” she said. “Don’t remember what somebody who don’t even know you said about you last night, because who are they? His opinion of you is none of your what? Business. Your business is your business, and you’re a multimillionaire. Period. Am I right?”

The moment resonated because it arrived after weeks of heightened attention surrounding Max’s evolving public image. The streamer has recently gone viral for embracing a more feminine aesthetic, including wearing wigs, revealing a “diva” tattoo, and leaning into the jokes that have fueled countless conversations across social media. While many fans have celebrated his willingness to express himself, others have used those changes as ammunition for criticism, making OjaySuave’s confrontation the latest flashpoint in an ongoing online debate.

Several creators at Streamer University questioned why Max had been singled out, with some calling the confrontation unnecessary and out of line. By the time the weekend wrapped up, however, the narrative had shifted. Max and fellow creator Wardrobe were named Streamer University’s Best Roommates, giving him a positive ending to an event that began with one of its most uncomfortable viral moments.

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Multiple sneaker outlets have confirmed the release date over the past week. The shoe uses a molded Foamposite shell covered in camouflage print. Forest green, brown, tan, and black tones make up the busy pattern.

Black wraps around the laces, collar, and tongue for added structure. Neon green accents show up on the branding and heel pull tab. That same green pops up again along the outsole’s Nike Swoosh.

A gum rubber sole finishes off the shoe’s rugged, military-inspired look. A patterned heel tab remains unique to this specific colorway. Back in 2013, the Foamposite designs were still a fairly new idea. Nike had introduced the “Galaxy” colorway just one year earlier.

This “Green Camo” pair became one of the standout designs from that era. Its return adds to a growing list of Foamposite Pro releases this year. Nike has already brought back both “Gym Red” and “Voltage” colorways recently. Together, these releases mark a big year for the Foamposite Pro line.

Read More: Milagro Gramz Seeks To Overturn $75K Judgment In Megan Thee Stallion Case

Nike Air Foamposite Pro “Green Camo”

This Foamposite Pro uses Eric Avar’s original armored shell from 2001. That structure remains one of the most recognizable designs in Nike Basketball. The camo print stretches across the entire molded upper without interruption.

Black panels help frame that busy graphic around the shoe’s edges. A carbon fiber shank sits underfoot for added support and structure. That detail has remained part of the Foamposite Pro since its original release.

The gum outsole adds traction while keeping the vintage aesthetic intact. Neon green hits break up the earthy camo tones throughout the design. Those pops of color help the shoe avoid feeling too flat or muted. This release continues Nike’s push to revisit older, less common Foamposite styles. Collectors who missed the original 2013 drop finally get a second chance.

Nike Air Foamposite Pro “Green Camo” Price

The retail price of the Nike Air Foamposite Pro “Green Camo” will be $260 when they release.

Read More: Jordan Honors Bam Adebayo’s 83-Point Night With Two PEs

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In videos circulating across X, some viewers argued Scott appeared more focused on performing than engaging with Stormi as she followed him around the stage. Others pushed back, noting that the viral clips captured only brief moments from a much longer performance and didn’t necessarily reflect the full interaction.

Read More: Travis Scott’s Daughter Stormi Hangs Out With Dad & Aunt Kendall Jenner At Coachella

The Internet Claps Back, But Didn’t Notice Other Videos

The discussion unfolded despite what was intended to be a family moment. Scott invited Stormi onstage while performing “FE!N,” prompting cheers from the crowd as she walked alongside him before making her way across the stage. While there were online debates about how much attention he was paying to Stormi, in other clips, the dad was proudly holding his daughter’s hand and ushering her around the stage.

The viral reaction stood in contrast to previous performances where Scott more directly incorporated Stormi into the show. During a concert in Japan last year, he handed her the microphone so she could deliver her memorable, “That’s right, Daddy,” line from “Thank God,” a moment that quickly circulated online and drew praise from fans. Stormi has also accompanied her father to public events and sporting matches over the years, becoming a familiar face alongside Scott and her younger brother, Aire.

Neither Scott nor Kylie Jenner has publicly responded to the latest online commentary. As the clips continued making the rounds, the conversation became less about the performance itself and more about how quickly brief moments can become the subject of interpretations.

The post Travis Scott Sparks Debate Over Stormi Moment At Fanatics Fest appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The state’s argument extends beyond a single track, reports Complex. Investigators pointed to songs including “Hittas,” “Keep It in the Streets,” and “On Your Head,” telling the court the lyrics reference paying for violence and placing a bounty on someone. Prosecutors argue those themes align with their murder-for-hire theory. However, the defense maintains the music reflects performance and storytelling rather than literal confessions.

Read More: Feds Plan To Use Yella Beezy’s Lyrics And Boosie Badazz Shooting To Build Case In Mo3 Murder Trial

Experts Weigh In

That divide was underscored through testimony from Dr. Erik Nielson, a University of Richmond professor who has spent years researching the use of Rap lyrics in criminal prosecutions. Nielson testified that rappers frequently adopt fictional personas and rely on exaggeration. He warned that jurors may interpret artistic expression as autobiography. Dallas Police Detective Eric Barnes rejected that view, arguing his experience investigating violent crime leads him to evaluate the lyrics differently.

The question has surfaced repeatedly in recent years as prosecutors have sought to introduce lyrics in cases involving artists such as Young Thug and others. Defense attorneys, musicians, and civil rights advocates have argued that Hip Hop is often treated differently from other forms of creative expression. This has raised broader concerns about whether fictional lyrics should be viewed as evidence of criminal intent.

Conway’s jury trial is scheduled to begin on August 24 after several pretrial hearings addressing what evidence jurors may ultimately hear. If convicted of capital murder, he could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty under Texas law.

The post Yella Beezy Trial Puts Rap Lyrics Back At Center Of Courtroom Debate appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The lawsuit stems from Megan’s 2024 claims that Cooper defamed her and helped spread false narratives in the aftermath of Tory Lanez’s criminal case. This includes the alleged distribution of a deepfake pornographic video depicting the Houston rapper. A federal jury ultimately found Cooper liable on multiple claims and awarded Megan $75,000 in damages.

Read More: Milagro Still Owes Megan Thee Stallion $75K, Requests Delay

Gramz Continues To Fight The System…& Megan

Rather than challenging the evidence presented at trial, Cooper’s latest motion focuses on the court itself. She argues the judgment should be set aside because of what she describes as undisclosed conflicts involving Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez, the law firm Holland & Knight, and the presiding judge. According to the filing, prior professional relationships involving those parties created an appearance of partiality that warranted disclosure. Megan’s legal team has not publicly responded to the motion.

The filing marks a new approach after Cooper’s earlier request to pause enforcement of the judgment was denied. Last month, she argued she lacked the financial resources to post a bond while pursuing an appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. The court rejected that request, finding she had not demonstrated sufficient grounds to stay enforcement of the judgment. For now, Cooper’s appeal remains pending, and the $75,000 judgment stays in effect unless the court grants her latest motion or a court reaches a different conclusion.

The post Milagro Gramz Seeks To Overturn $75K Judgment In Megan Thee Stallion Case appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

That total became the second-highest single-game scoring mark in NBA history. Only Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game in 1962 stands above it. Adebayo also surpassed Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game from 2006 that night.

Jordan Brand gifted him two pairs after the performance. One comes in the original Black and Neon Green colorway he wore that night. The other swaps those green accents for Infrared detailing instead.

Both pairs include Adebayo’s name printed underneath a translucent, icy outsole. The tongue is embroidered with the date of his record-breaking performance.

The Air Jordan 4028 blends the base of the Air Jordan 40 with elements from the 28. That includes the model’s signature zip-down shroud design. Both PEs stay tied to Adebayo personally for now. Jordan Brand hasn’t confirmed a public release for either colorway.

Still, the standard Black Barely Volt version already has release plans. Reports suggest that pair could arrive sometime later this year. Given the moment’s significance, wider interest in these colorways seems likely. For now, both PEs remain personal keepsakes tied to one unforgettable night.

Read More: Chris Griffith Claps Back At Cardi B For Calling Him An “Albino Lizard” Amid Stefon Diggs Case

Bam Adebayo’s Air Jordan 4028

The Air Jordan 4028 mixes design elements from two very different Jordan models. It uses the cushioning and heel counter found on the Air Jordan 40.

Meanwhile, its upper closely mirrors the Air Jordan 28’s zippered shroud design. That shroud can unzip to reveal a stylized “23” branding underneath. Both new PEs keep that same structural setup intact. The Neon Green pair matches the original colorway Adebayo wore during the game.

The Infrared version offers a bolder, more aggressive alternative instead. Small personal touches, like his name and the game’s date, appear on both pairs. Those details tie each shoe directly back to that specific night.

Whether either colorway becomes public remains uncertain for now. Given the moment’s historic weight, demand would likely be strong if they do.

Read More: Mike Tyson Convinces IShowSpeed To Fight Ray J

The post Jordan Honors Bam Adebayo’s 83-Point Night With Two PEs appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Since that time, Griffith has filed a countersuit, and as a result, a lengthy legal battle has followed suit. In this battle, Griffith alleges he was drugged and that Diggs tried to take advantage of him. Subsequently, he claims Diggs had his brother jump Griffith after having his advances refused.

Last week, Cardi B went to bat for Diggs, stating that Griffith’s story doesn’t hold up to scrutiny. Furthermore, she called the man a “light skin albino lizard.”

This week, Chris Griffith was spotted by TMZ cameras, and a conversation ensued. It was here that Griffith was allowed to respond.

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Chris Griffith Responds

As you will hear in the clip above, Griffith isn’t all that concerned with what Cardi B has to say about him. Instead, he is more focused on winning his court case, and he believes he has a very good shot at doing so. Griffith reiterated some of his talking points from the complaint against Diggs and is confident he will get the desired outcome.

Recently, Griffith submitted 100 pages worth of alleged text messages between himself and Stefon Diggs. These include Instagram messages, as well as text messages.

The case between Griffith and Diggs does not yet have a court date. At this time, the judge is still trying to get both sides to submit exhibits and various forms of evidence. However, it does appear as though a trial could be on the horizon.

Read More: JAŸ-Z Isn’t The Hypocrite You Think He Is

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