Fetty Wap Walks Free: Rapper Released Early from Prison After Drug Trafficking Conviction

Introduction: A New Chapter for the ‘Trap Queen’ Star

In a significant development that has captured the attention of hip-hop fans worldwide, Fetty Wap has been released from prison after serving three years of a six-year sentence. The 34-year-old hip-hop star was freed from prison on Thursday, January 8, marking a turning point for the artist whose career was derailed by federal drug trafficking charges. This early release represents not only a personal milestone for the rapper but also raises important questions about rehabilitation, second chances, and the future of an artist who once dominated the charts with his distinctive melodic style.

The Road to Release

The rapper, whose real name is Willie Junior Maxwell II, also confirmed on social media that he was freed from incarceration. Billboard confirmed with reps for Fetty that he was released from prison on Thursday, 11 months ahead of his scheduled release date in December 2026. The timeline of his release had been adjusted multiple times, with reports emerging in November that Fetty would be released on Dec. 8, 2026, making it another significant bump from an initial shift to a release date of March 13, 2027.

Fetty Wap ended up pleading guilty in August 2022 to one charge of conspiring to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine. He was sentenced to six years in prison in May 2023. According to court filings, Fetty and his crew moved over 100 kilograms of coke, heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine between June 2019 and June 2020 across New Jersey and Long Island.

Looking Forward: Community Focus and Redemption

Following his release, the rapper issued a heartfelt statement expressing gratitude and outlining his future plans. In a statement shared with Variety, Fetty said, ‘I want to thank my family, friends, and fans for the love, prayers, and continued support—it truly means everything to me. Right now, my focus is on giving back through my community initiatives and foundation, supporting at-risk young children by expanding access to education, early tech skills, and vision care for young kids and students so they can show up as their best selves’.

Conclusion: Significance for Fans and the Music Industry

Fetty Wap’s early release offers a narrative of redemption at a critical juncture in his life and career. Fetty’s melodic flows penetrated rap in the mid-2010s as he stormed out of the gate with three top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hits, including the diamond-certified ‘Trap Queen,’ ‘679’ and ‘My Way’. While incarcerated, he maintained some connection to music, with his 2015 track ‘Again’ receiving a second life in 2025, when the song re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 in February at No. 41 and topped the TikTok Billboard Top 50. His commitment to community service and supporting at-risk youth signals a desire to make amends and use his platform for positive change. For fans who have waited patiently, this marks the beginning of what could be one of hip-hop’s most compelling comeback stories—if the rapper can successfully navigate the challenges of re-establishing his career in a rapidly evolving music landscape.