Why Fetty Wap Was in Prison: The Singer Is Released 11 Months Earlier Than Expected
The rapper and author of 'Trap Queen' is released after being convicted of drug trafficking offenses
Fetty Wap, whose real name is Willie Junior Maxwell II, has been released from prison nearly a year ahead of schedule after spending just over three years behind bars. His early release on January 8 came 11 months before his originally projected date in December.
The rapper was arrested in October 2021 in Queens, New York, just before his scheduled performance at Rolling Loud NYC. Federal authorities charged him with participating in a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy. According to prosecutors, Fetty Wap was part of an organization that distributed more than 100 kilograms of illegal drugs—including cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and crack—between June 2019 and June 2020, primarily across Long Island.
In August 2022, Fetty Wap pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine. He was later sentenced in May 2023 to 72 months (six years) in federal prison.
Fetty Wap has been released from Prison after serving 4 years pic.twitter.com/CEX5CPYX0Y
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) January 8, 2026
Following his sentencing, the artist was incarcerated at a low-security federal facility in Sandstone, Minnesota. While his release was initially scheduled for late 2026, he ultimately served around 40 months. Reports suggest his early release may be linked to good behavior and participation in community-focused programs.
Despite his time in prison, Fetty Wap never fully stepped away from music. In June 2025, he released the track Lil Sexy with Doe Boe, and his 2015 song Again saw a resurgence on the charts earlier this year—proof that his influence in the music scene endured even while he was behind bars.
Now back home, the rapper has reunited with his two children and is preparing for the next chapter of his life and career.
Read the original article in Spanish by Cristina Zavala