Rapper Fetty Wap walked out of prison three years ahead of schedule on January 7, 2026, thanks to the First Step Act. The Trap Queen hitmaker, sentenced in 2023 for drug trafficking, is now focusing on family, music, and giving back to at-risk youth. His team says he's in great spirits and already linking up with industry pals.
Oh honey, the streets are buzzing because Fetty Wap — yes, the king of those earworm hits like 'Trap Queen' and '679' — is back and better! At 34 years old, the New Jersey native (born Willie Junior Maxwell II) got sprung early from his six-year federal sentence on January 7, 2026. Law enforcement confirmed the transfer from the Federal Correctional Institution in Sandstone, Minnesota, to community confinement, all handled by the Bureau of Prisons' Philadelphia office. And get this: he shaved off three whole years by diving headfirst into prison programs under the First Step Act, that 2018 bill signed by Trump letting inmates earn credits for good behavior and rehab. Iconic move, right? 👏
Flashback to the drama: Fetty was indicted in 2021 on drug trafficking conspiracy charges, including possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine. He pleaded not guilty at first, bonded out for $500,000, but things went south in 2022 when his bond got revoked after prosecutors said he violated terms by flashing a gun and threatening someone over FaceTime. Guilty plea followed, landing him that six-year bid plus five years of supervision in 2023.
Now, post-release glow-up? Fetty dropped a heartfelt statement to CNN on January 9: “I want to thank my family, friends, and fans for the love, prayers, and continued support — it truly means everything to me.” He's all about purpose now, expanding his foundation to hook up at-risk kids with education, tech skills, and vision care (shoutout to his own glaucoma journey that cost him his left eye). Publicist Abesi Manyando spilled to CNN: “He is in a focused, grounded place. His priorities are his family, fatherhood, music and being an asset to his community.” During lockup, he got real clarity on building pathways for youth.
And the tea? TMZ caught him beaming outside iHeartRadio on Friday, crediting the First Step Act straight-up. He was mum on collabs but already vibing with French Montana and Max B at The Breakfast Club studio for their album drop — proving he's still waving with the big dogs! Supporters even gave him a standing ovation upon release. So, is Fetty about to drop that comeback banger? Eyes on this one. 🔥