Hoover & NBA YoungBoy: Commutation & Pardon Reactions
- Former Chicago gang leader Larry Hoover Sr.had his federal prison sentence commuted by President Donald Trump, his son revealed Wednesday.
- Hoover Sr.,74,has been imprisoned since 1973,initially for ordering a murder.
- Hoover Sr.remains ineligible for parole until 2062 due to his Illinois state conviction.Presidential clemency applies only to federal crimes, so full release requires action from Illinois Gov. JB...
Trump Commutes Larry Hoover Sr.’s Sentence; YoungBoy Receives Pardon
Updated June 02, 2025

Former Chicago gang leader Larry Hoover Sr.had his federal prison sentence commuted by President Donald Trump, his son revealed Wednesday. Teh move, applauded by supporters, is intricate by Hoover still serving a 200-year state sentence. Rapper NBA YoungBoy also received a full pardon from Trump.
Hoover Sr.,74,has been imprisoned since 1973,initially for ordering a murder. In 1997, he received additional life sentences on federal charges including drug trafficking. Trump’s order ended Hoover’s federal sentence, served at a maximum-security prison in Colorado, with “no further fines, restitution, probation or other conditions,” according to the Chicago Tribune.
Larry Hoover’s Sentence Still Tied to Illinois Murder Conviction
Hoover Sr.remains ineligible for parole until 2062 due to his Illinois state conviction.Presidential clemency applies only to federal crimes, so full release requires action from Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who has not commented. Hoover’s attorneys argue he is no longer a threat, citing his disavowal of gang life.
In a 2022 letter, Hoover Sr. stated he renounced all ties to criminal organizations. Attorneys Jennifer Bonjean and Justin Moore credited Trump’s decision to persistent advocacy despite judicial resistance. “Despite the court’s unwillingness to do the right thing, Mr. Hoover has been able to keep his voice alive through the incredible work of many advocates and supporters,” they said.
Kanye West, Drake and the “Free larry Hoover” Campaign
Kanye West drew national attention to Hoover’s case, advocating publicly and holding a 2021 benefit concert with Drake. West thanked Trump and Drake following the commutation.
Larry hoover Jr. emphasized gratitude but noted the work is not yet complete.
YoungBoy Never Broke Again Pardon Highlights Trump’s Ongoing Rap Star Support
YoungBoy Never Broke Again also received a full pardon from President Trump regarding federal weapons charges.YoungBoy expressed thanks on instagram, crediting advocates including Alice Marie Johnson and his lawyer, Brittany K. Barnett. He is now preparing for his “Make America Slime Again tour,” starting in september across 27 U.S. cities.
Trump’s clemency decisions, including those for Kodak Black and Lil Wayne, have sparked debates about political motives. However, for families like the Hoovers and artists like YoungBoy, these actions represent personal victories and ongoing efforts.
What’s next
With his federal sentence commuted, the focus shifts to whether Illinois Governor JB Pritzker will consider action regarding Larry Hoover Sr.’s state conviction, perhaps leading to his full release. Meanwhile, NBA YoungBoy is set to embark on his national tour, marking a new chapter in his career following the pardon.
