Fetty Wap is officially a free man after being released from federal prison nearly a year ahead of schedule. The New Jersey rapper was transferred from a federal facility in Minnesota to home confinement in Philadelphia on Wednesday, January 7, according to reports from Billboard and TMZ.
Fetty Wap, born Willie Maxwell II, was sentenced to six years in prison in May 2023 after pleading guilty to federal drug charges. His original projected release date was December 2026, factoring in time served.
Following his release, Fetty shared a statement expressing gratitude and outlining his plans moving forward. “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.”
He added that he’s committed to “moving forward with purpose and making a meaningful impact where it matters most.”
Fetty was originally arrested in October 2021 at Rolling Loud New York, accused of participating in a large-scale drug trafficking operation involving cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin transported from California to the East Coast. Though he initially pleaded not guilty and was released on a $500,000 bond, that bond was revoked in August 2022 after he allegedly violated its conditions during a FaceTime incident involving threats and a firearm.
Despite his incarceration, Fetty Wap’s music career never fully stalled. He released his third studio album King Zoo in late 2023 and later collaborated with Doe Boy on the track “Lil Sexy.” He also saw a major resurgence in 2025 when his 2015 song “Again” went viral on TikTok, topping the TikTok Billboard Top 50 and re-entering the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 41.
Now back home, Fetty Wap appears focused on rebuilding, reconnecting, and writing a new chapter beyond the music.
