Co-founder of the Gangster Disciples

Larry Hoover

a.k.a. “Still Inside”

He was serving six federal life sentences for running a drug empire from behind bars. Kanye West and Drake set aside their feud to headline a concert calling for his release. His federal sentences were commuted, but he is still in prison on a separate Illinois state sentence for murder.

Rap sheet

Convicted of: Narcotics conspiracy; continuing criminal enterprise; using minors; cocaine distribution; firearm offenses [1]
Court: Northern District of Illinois [1]
Sentenced: June 18, 1998: life imprisonment [1]
Granted: Commutation, May 28, 2025 [2]

The receipt

PARDONMAXXING LARRY HOOVER - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Wiped off the books

Federal life sentences [2][3] Commuted

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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Gold is money that was reportedly spent near the President’s orbit. Red is what the grant wiped away. We list what was reported and when. We don’t claim one caused the other. How we count.

Timeline

June 18, 1998 The law Sentenced to life. [1]
December 2021 Meanwhile Kanye West and Drake headline a benefit concert calling for his release. [4]
May 28, 2025 The pardon Federal sentences commuted. The state sentence remains. [2][3]

Detective’s notes

Commentary

One of the few grants on this site that didn’t free anybody. Celebrity advocacy got him out of federal prison and into state prison.

Sources

Clemency grants by President Donald J. Trump, 2025–present (archived Sept. 20, 2026) U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Pardon Attorney, via the Internet Archive
Signed clemency warrant: Larry Hoover U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Pardon Attorney · May 28, 2025
Trump commutes Larry Hoover’s federal sentence CBS Chicago
On Larry Hoover’s clemency Capital B