America’s best-known one-eyed rapper has been freed from prison sooner than many expected.
Fetty Wap — the stage name of Willie Junior Maxwell II, who rose to fame with his 2015 self-titled album and smash singles such as “Trap Queen” and “679” — was released last Wednesday, reaching freedom roughly three years before his original release date.
Maxwell had been sentenced in May 2023 to six years behind bars after a jury found him guilty of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. His sentence also included five years of supervised release to follow his prison term.
According to CNN, officials at the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons said Maxwell was moved on January 7, 2026, from the Federal Correctional Institution in Sandstone to a form of community confinement. His publicist has confirmed that he is now serving the remainder of his term under house arrest, which is scheduled to last until November 8, 2026.
In a statement, Maxwell expressed gratitude to those who supported him while he was incarcerated, thanking family, friends and fans for their love, prayers and ongoing encouragement. He said his immediate aim is to concentrate on giving back through his foundation and community work, with a particular emphasis on helping at-risk children by increasing access to schooling, early technology training and vision care so young people can present their best selves.
Publicist Abesi Manyando said Maxwell emerged from his time behind bars with a clearer sense of purpose about how he wants to serve his community. Manyando added that Maxwell is more intentional about building long-term opportunities—especially for vulnerable youth—and that his chief priorities now are his family, being a father, his music and serving as a positive force in his neighborhood.
On social media, Maxwell marked his return by posting a picture to his Instagram story with the single caption “home,” then followed up by sharing his first post since leaving custody.
He also reiterated his commitment to moving forward with purpose and to making a tangible difference where it matters most.
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