Former US president Bill Clinton has spoken about Lil' Wayne’s imminent release from prison.

The rapper is due to be freed from Rikers Island in New York on Thursday (November 4) after serving time for gun possession.

Clinton was asked his opinion about Lil’ Wayne during an interview on 96.1 Kiss FM's Morning Freak Show.

The former US president appeared surprised by the question, but went on to give a detailed response, despite never mentioning the rapper’s name

“I think — you know, my daughter introduced me to rap and hip-hop music after I said some things she thought were not very smart,” Clinton said.

“She said, 'Dad, you need to listen, all these people are smart.' This guy's smart. And he's got abilities. And he's got a new chance now.

“And what I hope is that this is not just something to brand him as a cool guy, but that it'll never happen again to him.”

He added: "You know, I think a lot of these people, they don't get successful in that — just like in any other area of life — by being really dumb. They're really smart.

“But a lot of them had tough lives, and they almost think it's cool to get in trouble every now and then, or they don't know how to stay out. But what I hope will happen is that he has a good life now."

Earlier this week, Lil' Wayne wrote a letter to fans thanking them for their support during his time behind bars.

(by Jason Gregory)