The “Trap Queen” rapper, whose real name is Willie Junior Maxwell II, was released Thursday from a federal prison in Minnesota, where he had been serving a six-year sentence on a drug charge. The 34-year-old will now complete the remainder of his sentence on home confinement, which is scheduled to end on Nov. 8.
In a statement following his release, Fetty Wap thanked those who stood by him during his time behind bars.
“I want to thank my family, friends, and fans for the love, prayers, and continued support – it truly means everything to me,” he said. “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.”
Photos and videos shared Thursday by his sister and manager, Divinity Maxwell-Butts, showed the rapper smiling and appearing relaxed. According to his publicist, Abesi Manyando, Fetty Wap is “in good spirits” and focused on family, fatherhood, and making a positive impact in his community.
During his home confinement, the rapper will be supervised by the Bureau of Prisons through its Philadelphia Residential Reentry Management Office.
Fetty Wap pleaded guilty in 2022 to one count of conspiracy to possess and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. He was sentenced in May 2023. His legal troubles began in 2021, when Federal Bureau of Investigation agents arrested him at Rolling Loud New York. Prosecutors alleged he was part of a drug trafficking operation that moved large quantities of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine from New Jersey to Long Island.
He was later arrested again in 2022 after allegedly threatening to kill someone during a FaceTime call.
Prosecutors originally pushed for a sentence of seven to nine years, while his defense asked for five. In court filings, his lawyer argued that time away from the spotlight had changed the rapper for the better.
“His family has seen Mr. Maxwell mature and become more self-aware in the past several months,” the attorney wrote. “They are convinced he will do things differently upon his release.”
Now back in the community, Fetty Wap says he is committed to moving forward with purpose — and turning a difficult chapter into something that helps others.
Tags:
News
