Young Boy Never Broke Again, born Kentrell Gaulden, is one of today’s leading rappers, known for topping charts and having a massive fanbase despite ongoing legal challenges, and was recently honored with his own holiday in Kansas City on Sept. 21.
Criminal Justice Advocate Donte West acted on behalf of Mayor Quinton Lucas. He presented YoungBoy the proclamation, but later that evening two assaults occurred at his concert, raising the question of ‘what kind of image does this give to Kansas City?’
“I mean he has done some good, and of course nobody is perfect…I mean, I think people do look up to him…But like a lot of young dudes in our city do look up to YoungBoy, so maybe that’s part of it,” said Nalyissa Craddock, a sophomore Health Science major.
Gaulden raps about the struggles of street life, pain, survival, and love while blending raw emotion with the realities of fame and legal troubles. President Donald Trump pardoned him in May of this year after his conviction of gun-related charges.
“I feel like if children listen to the lyrics they use that as motivation,” said Nalyissa Craddock, a sophomore Health Science- Pre Nursing major
After being pardoned he released a statement on his Instagram “I want to thank President Trump for granting me a pardon and giving me the opportunity to keep building — as a man, as a father, and as an artist, … This moment means a lot. It opens the door to a future I’ve worked hard for and I am fully prepared to step into this.”
While some saw the Pardon and his statement as signs of growth and redemption, others remained skeptical.
“I still don’t think that’s that credible, it’s like if I donate money for police investigations to stop murders, but I myself am a murderer. It’s kind of contradictory.” said Phillipa Carter, a freshman psychology major.
YoungBoy has donated $25,000 to two non-profits to help reduce violent crime since being pardoned in May.
West stated “In addition to YoungBoy’s commitment to giving back to local communities through charitable donations, outreach programs, and support for youth-focused initiatives, he demonstrates the impact artists can have beyond the stage. It’s an honor to support him and others like him to inspire the community.”
While it seems YoungBoy’s donations have touched some, others remain confused and skeptical.
“But he donated that money in Dallas. So why is it that Dallas isn’t doing a day for him? But Kansas City is… So what kind of day is it? Is it supposed to be like, an MLK, Columbus Day?” said Dr. Sarah Jones, UMKC Humanities and Social Sciences assistant teaching professor.
