American rapper Fetty Wap has been released from prison ahead of schedule.
The 34-year-old, born Willie Junior Maxwell II, was released on Thursday, January 8, after serving over three years at FCI Sandstone, a low-security facility in Sandstone, Minnesota, according to The New York Post.
Fetty Wap, known for hits like “Trap Queen” and “My Way,” pleaded guilty in August 2022 to conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances and was sentenced to six years in May 2023.
In a statement to Billboard, the rapper expressed gratitude to his supporters, saying, “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, 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.”
He also confirmed his release on Instagram Stories, posting the word “HOME” in white text on a black background.
During his 2023 sentencing, Maxwell apologized to the judge, saying, “Me being selfish in my pride put me in this position today,” according to the Associated Press. His lawyers argued that he had turned to drug dealing due to financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prosecutors, however, had pushed for a longer sentence, claiming in a letter to the court obtained by The New York Times that Maxwell used his fame to “glamorize the drug trade” to young fans who admired him.
