The Paterson Native and multi-platinum artist, Fetty Wap, born Willie Junior Maxwell II, was released from prison on Thursday, January 8, 2026 under the First Step Act. Notably known for his award-winning single “Trap Queen,” Fetty Wap is excited to be back home, reunited with his kids and family.
There’s been a lot of noise in the media around his release. In a recent VIBE interview, Fetty Wap Is Home With His Family, Freedom, And Future In Focus, when asked about whether he would consider stepping into podcasting, he said:
I mean, we were kind of doing that already. I don’t know if a lot of people remember, but it was an app called Periscope, before Instagram Live in 2015. Periscope [is where] everybody used to go to go live and just talk to their fans and show off new music. I feel like that was the first part of streaming. It’s not nothing that I never did before, so I’m definitely down to do it.
Ooo, the nostalgia that hit when reading that. I remember Periscope. It also took me back to the days of Vine, the app that some consider the original TikTok. His response made me reflect on the many apps that have the same purpose but are just presented differently. I’d be all for a Fetty Wap podcast. Can I be a guest?
Fetty Wap’s #1 Fan
After all, I’ve been a top fan for as long as I can remember. When Fetty Wap began blowing up between 2013 and 2015, I unofficially became a word-of-mouth promoter. My Snapchat stories were filled with videos of me singing along to whichever Fetty track was on repeat that week. It was so consistent, that when his songs would come on, friends would record themselves and send the clips to me. Best believe, on September 13, 2014, I walked into the closest Target to purchase a Fetty Wap CD. You won’t believe me but the CD is actually still in my car’s system, and I play it from time to time.
If someone were to ask me why I promoted his music so much, my answer would be simple: Hope. Fetty Wap was a symbol of hope for Paterson, New Jersey, my hometown. Growing up in Paterson myself, I firsthand saw the unique challenges and pressures youth, and even adults, faced in reaching for their goals. Representation and success by someone from our hometown meant there was an opportunity for us all to achieve our dreams.
When a Brand Reminds People of You
Despite having a few releases while in prison, I unintentionally stopped listening to his tracks. However, anytime his songs came up, the nostalgia was alive and my inner ‘Snapchatter’ was activated. In 2024, Trap Queen, was the anthem at my bachelorette, and as a token of remembrance, my sister gifted me a 1738 bottle at my Bridal Shower.
Since his release, I’ve received many messages, some from people I haven’t spoken to since college, about his homecoming — one even congratulated me on this milestone. I think it’s incredible how it’s usually influencers that reminds people of a brand or artist, but in my case, it’s Fetty Wap that reminds people of me. I’m looking forward to what’s next for him. Best believe, I will continue to support his music, his growth, and his journey. Hope still remains.