What’s Next For The ‘Trap Queen’ Rapper?

Fetty Wap, the New Jersey–born rapper best known for his 2015 breakout hit “Trap Queen,” was released from federal prison on January 8, 2026, more than three years into a six-year sentence tied to a drug trafficking conviction, his representatives confirm.

The early release comes approximately 11 months ahead of his originally projected December 2026 release and has sparked renewed attention from fans and the music world, prompting questions about the legal case that landed him behind bars, the terms of his release, and what this chapter means for his career moving forward.

Why Fetty Wap Went To Prison & Why He Was Released Early

Fetty Wap, born Willie Junior Maxwell II, was arrested in October 2021 at Citi Field in Queens, New York, days before a scheduled performance at Rolling Loud NYC. He later pleaded guilty in August 2022 to federal charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances, including cocaine and other narcotics, as part of a multi-state trafficking operation. While fans have staunchly had his back, claiming he’s no Diddy, this is a comparison that should never be made, full stop.

In May 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office stated a federal judge sentenced him to six years in prison for his role in the case, which involved transporting and distributing large quantities of illegal drugs across New York and New Jersey. On January 8, 2026, Fetty Wap was released from custody at a low-security federal facility in Minnesota and transferred to home confinement in Philadelphia, where he will remain under supervision through November 8, 2026. Under the terms of his supervised release, he faces ongoing restrictions, including regular drug testing, financial monitoring, and limits on certain activities without approval from probation officials.

While the Bureau of Prisons did not publicly detail the specific reasons for his early release, legal observers generally attribute such decisions to a combination of earned credits for good behavior and eligibility for home confinement programs that reduce the amount of time spent in formal prison settings.

Fetty Wap: Key Legal & Release Timeline

Reaction, Career Ramifications, What Comes Next

News of Fetty Wap’s return to civilian life immediately drew reactions on social media from fans and peers alike. Some celebrated his freedom and speculated about a possible return to music, while others emphasized the importance of stability and personal growth before attempting a comeback.

Fetty first broke through in 2015 with his self-titled debut album, which produced multiple charting singles and made him one of hip-hop’s most distinctive melodic voices. His fusion of hip-hop and R&B elements pushed tracks like “Trap Queen,” “679” and “My Way” into heavy rotation on the Billboard charts and streaming services, earning him both commercial success and critical attention.

The prison sentence, and the intermittent headlines around his legal issues, largely stalled his momentum in the late 2010s and early 2020s. But with his early release now official, the conversation has shifted toward what direction his career or public presence might take next. Whether he chooses to focus on music, business ventures, community work or a combination of all three, Fetty Wap’s release marks a significant turning point, closing one chapter of his life while leaving the next wide open.