Rapper Fetty Wap released from prison early after serving 3 years for drug trafficking charges

American rapper, Fetty Wap, has been released from prison early

The rapper, 34, whose real name is Willie Junior Maxwell II, was released from prison on Thursday, Jan. 8. Maxwell served over three years of his prison sentence at FCI, Sandstone, a low security facility in Sandstone, Minn., The New York Post reports.

The “Trap Queen” rapper pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances in August 2022 and was sentenced to six years in prison in May 2023.

“I want to thank my family, friends, and fans for the love, prayers, and continued support — it truly means everything to me,” the rapper said in a statement to Billboard. “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. I’m committed to moving forward with purpose and making a meaningful impact where it matters most.”

The “My Way” rapper also confirmed his release via his Instagram Stories, where he simply wrote, “HOME” in white text on a black background.

During his sentencing in 2023, Maxwell apologized to the judge and said, “Me being selfish in my pride put me in this position today,” per the Associated Press. His lawyers argued that he had turned to selling drugs due to a financial strain that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, the outlet reported.

However, prosecutors argued for a longer sentence for the rapper in a letter to the judge obtained by The New York Times. They alleged that he had used his fame and influence on “young people who admire” him to “glamorize the drug trade.”