Rapper Fetty Wap Released from Prison Early after a 6-Year Sentence — Details

The new year has brought a quiet but notable shift in the legal journey of one of hip-hop's most recognizable voices.

On Thursday, the rapper quietly resurfaced, stepping into a significant pop culture platform to express gratitude and signal a new chapter, without initially addressing the circumstances that had kept him out of the spotlight.

Within hours, details began to emerge, revealing a significant development in a case that once threatened to sideline his career for years.

What Sparked the Surprise Return

According to a report by TMZ, the rapper Willie Junior Maxwell II, popularly known as Fetty Wap, was released early from federal prison, marking a significant turn in a sentence handed down less than three years ago.

The rapper, who was sentenced in May 2023 to six years behind bars for his role in a drug trafficking ring, has now transitioned out of incarceration sooner than expected.

The news became public after the "Trap Queen" singer appeared on The Shade Room, thanking fans for their unwavering support and signaling his return to public view.

Where He Is Now

The Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed to the outlet that the 34-year-old rapper was transferred to home confinement in Philadelphia on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

While no longer incarcerated, his freedom remains conditional. He is scheduled to be fully released from oversight custody on November 8, 2026, pending compliance with federal requirements.

Conditions of Release

Though out of prison, Fetty's movements and lifestyle are still closely monitored. For the next five years, he must adhere to strict supervised-release guidelines, including routine drug testing and financial oversight.

Federal authorities have prohibited him from opening any new bank accounts without approval and require him to keep the U.S. Probation Department informed of all earnings and tax records.

In addition, Fetty is barred from consuming alcohol or other intoxicants unless prescribed by a licensed physician. If the courts deem necessary, Fetty will be ordered to participate in an outpatient drug treatment program and will continue to submit to testing during and after the treatment program to ensure abstinence from drugs/alcohol.

Why the Case Matters

Fetty's original conviction stemmed from his arrest with more than 500 grams of cocaine and thousands of dollars in cash. At the time, prosecutors described the case as part of a larger drug trafficking operation, making his six-year sentence a sobering fall from stardom.

However, the court's decision to allow an early release suggests confidence in his conduct while incarcerated and his ability to comply with the law moving forward.

For now, Fetty remains under close federal supervision, with strict conditions governing his finances, substance use, and daily activities as he transitions back into civilian life.

His early release closes one chapter of a high-profile legal case. Still, it opens another defined by compliance, accountability, and limited freedom—one that will continue until he is fully released from oversight later this year.