A 34-year-old rapper known for his 2015 hit “Trap Queen” about his experiences in the the drug trade has been released from prison early.
Fetty Wap, whose real name is Willie Junior Maxwell II, was released from a Minnesota prison Jan. 7 after serving three years in jail. He had been behind bars since August 2022 and was sentenced the following year to six years in prison on drug charges. He was transferred to a community halfway house and is expected to be released from there in early November, USA Today reported.
Maxwell shared an Instagram story on Jan. 8 that said “Home.” He later issued a statement about his future plans.
“The education and rehabilitation I received through these programs changed me,” Maxwell said. “I don’t take this second chance lightly, and I’m focused on moving forward with purpose, responsibility and gratitude.”
“I want to thank my family, friends, and fans for the love, prayers, and continued support — it truly means everything to me,” he added.
In 2022, Maxwell pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine after federal prosecutors accused him of being part of a drug distribution organization in Long Island and New Jersey.
He was originally sentenced to six years in prison as well as five years of supervised release.
The New Jersey native, who lost his left eye as a child due to congenital glaucoma, continued to release music, including a full-length album, while in prison.