Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez Pardoned by Trump

Donald Trump issued more than 140 pardons and commutations in the final hours of his presidency.

In addition to Lil Wayne and Kodak Black, the 45th President of the United States granted a full pardon to Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez, who was involved in a conspiracy to distribute narcotics, a conviction that is more than 25 years old.

“Since her conviction, Ms. Perez has taken full accountability for her actions and has turned her life around,” the White House said in a statement. “She has been gainfully employed and has been an advocate for criminal justice reform in her community.”

“I’m grateful to have received a pardon and to have formally closed that chapter of my life in the eyes of the law,” Perez told Billboard. “I have taken full accountability for my mistakes from 25 years ago, but I also take tremendous pride in my personal growth, perseverance and accomplishments since then. This pardon reinforces my lifelong commitment to advocate for criminal justice reform and social justice initiatives.”

Perez got her start as a part-time nightclub manager, booking JAY-Z to perform at one of her venues in 1996 before helping launch his inaugural 40/40 Club in Manhattan. In 2008, JAY-Z tapped Perez as COO of Roc Nation before promoting her to CEO of the company in 2019. Perez has also been involved in various social and criminal justice efforts including Meek Mill’s REFORM initiative.

Trump’s pardons also included Lil Wayne, who was granted clemency after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm, while Kodak Black saw his four-year sentence commuted for falsifying paperwork to obtain a firearm.

Additionally, Death Row Records co-founder Michael “Harry-O” Harris’ 25-to-life prison sentence for attempted murder and cocaine trafficking was commuted after lobbying from Snoop Dogg, among others.