Rapper Fetty Wap, born Willie Junior Maxwell II, has been released from federal prison earlier than anticipated, marking the end of a tumultuous period in his life and career. The 34-year-old artist, best known for his 2015 breakout hit “Trap Queen,” was transferred to home confinement on January 7, 2026, after serving nearly three years of a six-year sentence. His full release from confinement is projected for November 8, 2026, according to the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Fetty Wap’s legal troubles began with his arrest in October 2021 at Citi Field in New York City, where he was performing at the Rolling Loud festival. He was charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine, along with fentanyl and heroin, as part of a larger drug trafficking operation spanning from 2019 to 2021. In August 2022, he pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge, admitting his involvement in the scheme that involved transporting drugs from the West Coast to New Jersey.
In May 2023, a federal judge sentenced him to six years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. During the sentencing, Fetty Wap expressed remorse, stating that his actions had hurt his family and community. He served his time at the Federal Correctional Institution in Sandstone, Minnesota, a low-security facility. The early release comes amid unclear circumstances, though federal inmates can qualify for reductions due to good behavior, program participation, or other credits under the First Step Act.
In statements following his release, Fetty Wap expressed profound gratitude to his family, friends, and fans for their unwavering support. He reflected on his time behind bars, saying it taught him the true value of freedom and the blessings of everyday life. “Prison helped me understand how blessed we are to wake up and do as we please,” he shared in an interview. His publicist added that he is in good spirits, prioritizing family, fatherhood, music, and community contributions.
Fetty Wap has made it clear that his post-release priorities extend beyond personal recovery. He plans to channel his experiences into positive action through his foundation, which supports at-risk youth with education, early tech skills training, and vision care initiatives—drawing from his own glaucoma diagnosis that left him blind in one eye since childhood. “I’m committed to moving forward with purpose and making a meaningful impact,” he stated.
While details on new music projects remain sparse, sources close to the rapper indicate he’s eager to return to the studio. Before his incarceration, Fetty Wap enjoyed massive success, with “Trap Queen” peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning him two Grammy nominations. His debut album in 2015 went platinum, featuring hits like “679” and “My Way.”
