Grammy-winning rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel, best known for his time with The Fugees, was recently spotted driving through the streets of Los Angeles in a Lamborghini while making bold claims about his legal future. In a candid exchange caught on camera by TMZ, Pras openly discussed his hopes for a presidential pardon from Donald Trump, hinting that his team was actively working on securing clemency.
Pras Michel’s legal troubles are no secret. In April 2023, he was convicted on ten federal charges, including:
- Conspiracy
- Witness tampering
- Failing to register as a foreign agent
The case stemmed from Pras’ involvement with Jho Low, a Malaysian businessman accused of masterminding one of the largest financial frauds in history. Prosecutors argued that Pras funneled money into U.S. politics, including former President Obama’s 2012 campaign, without properly disclosing its source. Later, during Donald Trump’s presidency, he allegedly attempted to influence the government to drop an investigation into Jho Low.
The stakes couldn’t be higher—Pras faces up to 22 years in prison, and prosecutors also seek $65 million in financial penalties.
Yet, in his TMZ interview, Pras appeared confident.
“It’s not a secret we’re working on a pardon, My team is hopeful that it’s gonna work out. You just gotta trust the process.”
He said.
Pras and Trump may seem unlikely, but their history goes back to the late 1990s. When Pras released his debut solo album, Ghetto Supastar, in 1998, the album included a voicemail message from Donald Trump.
In the recording, Trump praised the rapper:
“I have no doubt that you’re going to be a big success.”
Fast-forward to 2025, Pras is banking on that old connection to help him secure a pardon. He knows Trump has a history of granting clemency to high-profile figures, especially those in his inner circle or with strong public support.
Still, it’s only been a few months since Trump returned to the White House, and Pras seems to understand that it might take time.
“It’s only been 60-something days, so we just gotta stand by him,”
He said.
With Alice Marie Johnson—a woman Trump famously pardoned in 2018—now serving as his “Pardon Czar”, there’s at least a pathway for Pras to make his case.
Interestingly, Pras didn’t just speak about his legal troubles. He also took a moment to advocate for fellow rapper Tory Lanez, who is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence for the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. While acknowledging that Trump cannot pardon Lanez due to his state-level conviction, Pras pleated for the California governor to step in.
“Free Tory Lanez! The president can’t pardon him, but the governor? Yeah. Big up to Tory Lanez. I see you, baby!”
Pras shouted before driving off in his luxury car.
Pras isn’t the first rapper to seek a presidential pardon. In 2020, Trump famously granted clemency to Lil Wayne and Kodak Black, who had publicly supported him.
But Pras’ case is different. The charges against him are more serious, involving foreign money and political influence, which could make his pardon request more controversial.
That said, Trump has never been one to shy away from bold moves. He may have a chance if Pras plays his cards right—perhaps by publicly aligning himself with Trump’s political narrative.
In past administrations, presidential pardons often come toward the end of a president’s term. So even if Pras doesn’t get an immediate answer, he might consider a long-game strategy.
A post from X.
Pras Michel’s Lamborghini ride through L.A. was more than just a flashy moment—it was a glimpse into how celebrities navigate legal crises in the public eye.
He’s keeping his case in the spotlight by openly discussing his pardon hopes. And by advocating for Tory Lanez, he’s tapping into a larger conversation about justice, fairness, and the power of celebrity influence.
Whether Trump grants Pras a pardon remains to be seen. But one thing is sure—Pras is playing this strategically, blending politics, music, and personal connections in a way that only a hip-hop veteran could.
And as he said, all he can do now is “trust the process.”
