Fetty Wap
{{Short description|American rapper (born 1991)}}
{{For|the rapper's debut album|Fetty Wap (album){{!}}Fetty Wap (album)}}
{{pp-pc|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| image = BS.Ballout x Fetty Wap - Slide Still (cropped).jpg
| alt = Fetty Wap in the music video for Slide, a song by Bs.Ballout which Fetty Wap features on
| caption = Fetty Wap in 2019
| alias = {{flatlist|
- Harlem Fetty
- FettyWap1738
}}
| birth_name = Willie Junior Maxwell II
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1991|6|07}}
| birth_place = Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
| occupations = {{hlist|Rapper|singer|songwriter}}
| discography = Fetty Wap discography
| years_active = 2013–present
| genre = {{hlist|Hip hop|trap|pop rap|R&B}}
| label = {{hlist|RGF|300|Atlantic}}
| past_member_of = Remy Boyz
{{Infobox person
| child = yes
| spouse = {{marriage|Leandra Gonzalez|2019|2020|end=div}}
| children = 6{{efn|one child is deceased.}}
| website = {{URL|fettywap.com}}
| signature = File:Fetty Wap signature.svg
| module = Criminal information
{{infobox criminal
| child = yes
| criminal_status = Incarcerated since October 6, 2022
| imprisoned = Federal Correctional Institution, Sandstone
| conviction = Trafficking of 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine across Long Island and New Jersey (sentenced on May 24, 2023){{cite web | url=https://nypost.com/2022/08/22/rapper-fetty-wap-pleads-guilty-to-federal-drug-charges-in-ny/ | title=Rapper Fetty Wap pleads guilty to federal drug charges in NY | date=August 22, 2022 }}{{Cite web |date=2023-05-24 |title=Eastern District of New York {{!}} Willie Junior Maxwell II, also known as "Fetty Wap" Sentenced to 6 Years' Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking Conspiracy {{!}} United States Department of Justice |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/willie-junior-maxwell-ii-also-known-fetty-wap-sentenced-6-years-imprisonment-drug-0 |access-date=2024-03-06 |website=www.justice.gov |language=en}}
| states = New Jersey, New York
| conviction_penalty = 6 years (72 months)
| criminal_charge =
| apprehended = October 6, 2022}}
}}
}}
Willie Junior Maxwell II (born June 7, 1991), better known by his stage name Fetty Wap, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He quickly rose to mainstream prominence after his 2014 song "Trap Queen" peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and led him to sign with 300 Entertainment, an imprint of Atlantic Records. Two of his 2015 singles, "679" (featuring Remy Boyz) and "My Way" (remixed featuring Drake), peaked within the top ten of the chart; all three—as well as the top 40 single "Again"—preceded his eponymous debut studio album (2015), which peaked atop the Billboard 200. During this time, he became distinctive for his melodic blending of singing and rapping, lighthearted lyrics, "bouncy" production, and exclamation of various catchphrases such as "1738!"{{Cite web|url= https://singersroom.com/top-100-best-albums-from-2016/|title=Top 100 Best Albums from 2016|date=March 7, 2023}}
In 2016, he saw moderate success with his follow-up singles "Jimmy Choo" and "Wake Up", and guest appeared on Fifth Harmony's single "All In My Head (Flex)." His 2018 single, "Keke" (with 6ix9ine and A Boogie wit da Hoodie) marked a brief resurgence and moderately entered the Billboard Hot 100.
Fetty Wap has received two Grammy Award nominations throughout his career, and won the 2016 awards for "Best New Artist" and "Top New Artist" by the iHeartRadio Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards, respectively. In 2022, he was sentenced to six years in prison for trafficking illegal substances.
Early life
Maxwell was born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey.{{cite web|last1=Martinez|first1=Angie|title=Fetty Wap Interview, Angie Martinez Power 105.1, June 2015|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QIlde3R3X4&t=293|website=YouTube|publisher=TheBreakfastClub|access-date=August 29, 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://www.northjersey.com/arts-and-entertainment/music/paterson-rapper-fetty-wap-rising-to-the-top-of-the-music-charts-1.1342247?page=all|title=Paterson rapper Fetty Wap rising to the top of the music charts|author=MICHAEL J. FEENEY|work=NorthJersey.com}} Born with glaucoma in both eyes, Maxwell revealed, in an interview in 2015, that doctors were unable to save his left eye and instead fitted him with an ocular prosthesis.{{cite web|last1=Mojica|first1=Nicholas|title=Rapper Fetty Wap Reveals How He Lost His Left Eye|url=http://www.designntrend.com/articles/38910/20150207/rapper-fetty-wap-reveals-how-he-lost-his-left-eye.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150404130330/http://www.designntrend.com/articles/38910/20150207/rapper-fetty-wap-reveals-how-he-lost-his-left-eye.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 4, 2015|website=Design & Trend|date=February 7, 2015}} He attended Eastside High School before dropping out in order to pursue his music career.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/fetty-wap-apologizes-eastside-high-school-paterson-new-jersey/1356527/|title=Rapper Fetty Wap Apologizes for Music Video Shoot at Paterson School|date=June 16, 2016 }}
Career
=2013–2015: Beginnings and debut album=
Fetty Wap developed an interest in making music in 2013. Initially starting off as a rapper, he later decided to start singing as well because he "wanted to do something different". He was nicknamed "Fetty," and "Wap" was added to the end of the name to perform in tribute to Gucci Mane's alias, Guwop.{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/on-the-come-up-fetty-wap-new-video.32300.html|title=On The Come Up: Fetty Wap|first=Rose|last=Lilah|website=Hot New Hip Hop|date=January 7, 2015|access-date=April 15, 2015}}{{cite web|work=South by Southwest|url=http://schedule.sxsw.com/2015/events/event_MS32886|date=March 20, 2015|title=Fetty Wap}}{{cite web|title=12 Facts You Need To Know About 'Trap Queen' Rapper Fetty Wap|url=http://www.capitalxtra.com/xplore/lists/facts-about-fetty/|website=Capital Xtra|access-date=June 22, 2015|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305064400/http://www.capitalxtra.com/xplore/lists/facts-about-fetty/|url-status=dead}}
Fetty Wap's commercial debut single, titled "Trap Queen", was released in early 2014. This song appeared in his 2014 mixtape Up Next released in July 2014. He recorded the song in February 2014. However, it did not gain major recognition until mid-November 2014, and since then it has become a platinum record and has over 200 million plays on SoundCloud. In November 2014, Fetty Wap represented by Attorney Navarro W. Gray{{cite news|url=http://www.northjersey.com/news/fetty-wap-hands-out-200-turkeys-in-paterson-1.1461989|title= Fetty Wap hands out 200 turkeys in Paterson – News |work= NorthJersey.com}}{{cite magazine|url= http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/6753148/publishing-briefs-sonyatv-signs-fetty-wap-universal-buys-snidest-music|title= Publishing Briefs: Sony/ATV Signs Fetty Wap, Universal Buys Snidest Music Catalog & More |magazine= Billboard}}{{cite web|url= http://streetz945.com/proof/holiday-season-live-fetty-wap-inks-big-deal-with-sony/|title= Fetty Wap Inks Big Deal With Sony |work= Streetz 94.5}}{{cite web|url= http://thedosemusic.com/why-are-entertainment-lawyers-important-to-artist-2|title= Why Are Entertainment Lawyers Important To Artist?|work= The Daily Dose|access-date= May 17, 2016|archive-date= June 24, 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160624071503/http://thedosemusic.com/why-are-entertainment-lawyers-important-to-artist-2/|url-status= dead}} secured a recording contract with 300 Entertainment, the imprint was founded by Lyor Cohen, Kevin Liles, Roger Gold and Todd Moscowitz, with distribution through Atlantic Records.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6472868/fetty-wap-8-things-to-know-trap-queen-kanye-west |title=Who Is Fetty Wap? 8 Things To Know about Kanye West's Latest Co-Sign |magazine=Billboard |date=February 13, 2015 |access-date=February 25, 2015 |author=Lipshutz, Jason}}{{cite web|url=http://www.donbleek.com/2015/02/22/paterson-new-jerseys-fetty-wap-signs-record-deal-with-300-entertainmentatlantic-records/|title=Paterson, New Jersey's Fetty Wap Signs Record Deal With 300 Entertainment/Atlantic Records|author=Don Bleek|access-date=February 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150506050636/http://www.donbleek.com/2015/02/22/paterson-new-jerseys-fetty-wap-signs-record-deal-with-300-entertainmentatlantic-records/|archive-date=May 6, 2015|url-status=dead}} The song "Trap Queen" is about a woman dealing and cooking crack cocaine.{{cite web|last=Iandoli |first=Kathy |url=http://www.maxim.com/entertainment/freestyle-fetty-wap-2015-8 |title=Fetty Wap Reveals Druggy Origins of Hip-Hop Smash "Trap Queen" |publisher=Maxim |date=August 7, 2015 |access-date=June 30, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://wearyourvoicemag.com/more/entertainment/fetty-wap-trap-queen-money12|title=The Hidden Meaning Of Fetty Wap's "Trap Queen"|access-date=October 1, 2016|archive-date=September 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923014130/http://wearyourvoicemag.com/more/entertainment/fetty-wap-trap-queen-money12|url-status=usurped}} His second mixtape, Fetty Wap: The Mixtape was originally set for release in February 2015, but was delayed because he continued to create new songs.{{cite magazine|last1=Kennedy|first1=John|title='Trap Queen' Rapper Fetty Wap: 'I'ma Be the Youngest Rapper With One Eye, But a Lot of Money'|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6494357/fetty-wap-trap-queen-interview|magazine=Billboard|date=March 5, 2015}} In June 2015, Fetty Wap was included in XXL{{'}}s 2015 Freshman Class.{{cite web |url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/06/03/2015-xxl-freshman-class-revealed/ |title=2015 XXL Freshman Class Revealed. |publisher=BallerStatus.com |date=June 3, 2015 |access-date=June 3, 2015 |archive-date=June 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626101619/http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/06/03/2015-xxl-freshman-class-revealed/ |url-status=dead }}
On June 29, 2015, Fetty Wap released his second single "679", originally from his Up Next mixtape. The song's accompanying music video premiered on YouTube in May, before being commercially released. "679" had an original version with Monty only and an added verse by Fetty Wap. The Remy Boyz version was removed from the album.{{YouTube|ELNgQFPdgrA|"679" feat. Remy Boyz}} His next single, "My Way", became his second top 10 entry on the Billboard Hot 100. Later, Drake remixed "My Way" and created the version that was then played on radio.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6642164/omi-cheerleader-third-week-hot-100|title=OMI's 'Cheerleader' No. 1 for Third Week on Hot 100|author=Silvio Pietroluongo|magazine=Billboard|publisher=(Prometheus Global Media)|date=July 27, 2015|access-date=July 27, 2015}} Afterwards, "679" reached the Hot 100 top 10 peaking at number four.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/6407961/fetty-wap/chart|title=Fetty Wap – Chart History|magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |access-date=November 19, 2016}}
During the week of July 26 to August 1, 2015, the rapper matched Billboard marks by hip-hop prominent artists Eminem and Lil Wayne. He became the first male rapper with three songs occupying the top 20 spots on the Billboard Hot 100 chart since Eminem did so in 2013. He also became the first male rapper in four years to have concurrent singles reach the top 10 of the same chart since Lil Wayne did so in 2011.{{cite web |url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/07/30/fetty-wap-matches-eminem-lil-wayne-history-on-billboard-charts/ |title=Fetty Wap Matches Eminem, Lil Wayne History On Billboard Charts |publisher=BallerStatus.com |date=July 30, 2015 |access-date=July 31, 2015 |archive-date=May 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529092658/http://www.ballerstatus.com/2015/07/30/fetty-wap-matches-eminem-lil-wayne-history-on-billboard-charts/ |url-status=dead }} With his fourth single "Again", Fetty Wap became the first act in the Hot Rap Songs chart's 26-year history to chart his first four entries in the top 10 simultaneously.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6671003/fetty-wap-rap-songs-chart-history|title=Fetty Wap Makes History on Hot Rap Songs Chart|author=Mendizabal, Amaya|magazine=Billboard|publisher=(Prometheus Global Media)|date=August 20, 2015|access-date=August 20, 2015}}
Fetty Wap's debut studio album Fetty Wap was released on September 25, 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2015/08/26/fetty-wap-reveals-album-cover/|title=Fetty Wap Reveals Album Cover|work=Rap-Up|date=August 26, 2015|access-date=August 27, 2015}} The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, with 129,000 equivalent album units (75,484 in pure album sales).{{cite magazine | url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6715445/fetty-wap-debuts-at-no-1-on-billboard-200-albums-chart | title=Fetty Wap Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart | publisher=Prometheus Global Media | magazine=Billboard | date=October 4, 2015 | access-date=October 4, 2015}} Fetty Wap subsequently released two mixtapes for streaming only: Coke Zoo in collaboration with French Montana{{cite web | url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/french-montana-and-fetty-wap-coke-zoo-new-mixtape.116092.html | title=French Montana & Fetty Wap – Coke Zoo [New Mixtape] | work=Hot New Hip Hop | date=October 27, 2015 | access-date=February 26, 2016 | archive-date=March 14, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314121646/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/french-montana-and-fetty-wap-coke-zoo-new-mixtape.116092.html | url-status=dead }} and ZOO 16: The Mixtape with Zoo Gang.{{cite web | url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/fetty-wap-and-zoo-gang-zoo-16-the-mixtape-new-mixtape.116256.html | title=Fetty Wap– ZOO 16: The Mixtape [New Mixtape] | work=Hot New Hip Hop | date=February 2, 2016 | access-date=February 26, 2016 | archive-date=June 25, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625154833/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/fetty-wap-and-zoo-gang-zoo-16-the-mixtape-new-mixtape.116256.html | url-status=dead }} Fetty Wap received two nominations at the 58th Grammy Awards.{{cite magazine | url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/grammys/6785974/grammy-nominations-2016-full-list | title=Grammy Nominations 2016: See the Full List of Nominees | publisher=Prometheus Global Media | magazine=Billboard | date=December 7, 2015 | access-date=December 7, 2015}}
=2016–2020: EPs, mixtapes and other releases=
On February 5, 2016, Fetty Wap released a new single titled "Jimmy Choo".{{cite web | url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/fetty-wap-jimmy-choo-new-song.1967091.html | title=Fetty Wap – Jimmy Choo [New Song] | work=Hot New Hip Hop | date=November 5, 2015 | access-date=February 26, 2016 | archive-date=March 2, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302145245/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/fetty-wap-jimmy-choo-new-song.1967091.html | url-status=dead }} On April 26, 2016, it was announced that Fetty Wap would be getting his own mobile racing game available on phone, tablet, and Apple TV starting on May 3.{{cite web |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/fetty-wap-is-getting-his-own-mobile-racing-game-news.21298.html |title=Fetty Wap to get own mobile racing game |last=Low |first=Carver |date=April 26, 2016 |website=Hotnewhiphop|access-date=April 26, 2016}} The game is offshoot of mobile game Nitro Nation Stories. A street racing game, it has multi-player, car customization, and different storylines to choose. It has partnered with automotive brands like BMW, Nissan, and Cadillac.{{cite news|last1=McIntyre|first1=Hugh|title=Fetty Wap Is Going Mobile With His Own Branded Game|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2016/04/26/fetty-wap-is-going-mobile-with-his-own-branded-game/#6abbd8264c9f|access-date=October 26, 2016|date=April 26, 2016}} The Fetty Wap version will include Fetty Wap and Monty into the storyline.{{cite news|last1=Platon|first1=Adelle|title=Race with Fetty Wap in Forthcoming Mobile App 'Nitro Nation Stories'|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7348291/fetty-wap-mobile-app-nitro-nation-stories|access-date=October 26, 2016|publisher=Billboard Magazine|date=April 26, 2016}}
Fetty Wap was featured on the Fifth Harmony single "All in My Head (Flex)". He released the single "Wake Up" in April 2016. The official music video for the song was filmed at his alma mater, Eastside High School.{{cite magazine|last1=Josephs|first1=Brian|title=Fetty Wap Returns To High School For 'Wake Up' Video|magazine=Spin|url=http://www.spin.com/2016/05/fetty-wap-wake-up-video-watch/|access-date=September 19, 2016|date=May 27, 2016}} His single "Make You Feel Good" was released in August 2016.{{cite web|title=New Music: Fetty Wap – 'Make You Feel Good'|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2016/08/26/new-music-fetty-wap-make-you-feel-good/|website=Rap-Up|date=August 26, 2016|access-date=September 19, 2016}}
On November 21, 2016, he released a 19 track mixtape titled Zoovier.{{cite web|last1=C.M.|first1=Emmanuel|title=Fetty Wap Drops 'Zoovier' Mixtape – XXL|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/11/fetty-wap-zoovier-mixtape/|website=XXL Mag|date=November 22, 2016|access-date=February 22, 2017}}
His song "Like a Star" features Nicki Minaj and was released in December 2016.{{cite web|title=New Music: Fetty Wap feat. Nicki Minaj – 'Like a Star'|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2016/12/08/new-music-fetty-wap-nicki-minaj-like-a-star/|website=Rap-Up|access-date=February 22, 2017}}
On January 4, 2017, he released the song "Way You Are" featuring Monty,{{cite magazine|last1=C.M.|first1=Emmanuel|title=Fetty Wap and Monty Keep the Party Going on "Way You Are"|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/new-music/2017/01/fetty-wap-and-monty-keep-the-party-going-on-way-you-are/|magazine=XXL Mag|date=January 4, 2017|access-date=February 22, 2017}} and the song "Flip Phone" on February 10, 2017.{{cite web|title=Flip Phone – Single by Fetty Wap on Apple Music|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/flip-phone-single/1202441007|website=iTunes|date=February 10, 2017 |access-date=February 22, 2017}} He walked in Philipp Plein's runway show during New York Fashion Week in February 2017.{{cite news|last1=Safronova|first1=Valeriya|title=Fashion Week Briefing: Tiffany Trump and an All-Immigrant Casting|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/14/fashion/fetty-wap-philipp-plein-moncler.html|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=March 1, 2017|date=February 14, 2017}}
He released the single "Aye" on May 12, 2017.{{cite web|last1=Craighead|first1=Olivia|title=Fetty Wap Releases New Video For "Aye"|url=http://www.thefader.com/2017/05/12/watch-fetty-waps-new-video-aye|website=The Fader|access-date=May 12, 2017}} He released the mixtape Lucky No. 7 on June 7, 2017.{{cite web|last1=Goddard|first1=Mike|title=Fetty Wap – Lucky No. 7 – Download & Listen [New Mixtape]|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/fetty-wap-lucky-no-7-new-mixtape.117238.html|website=Hot New Hip Hop|date=June 7, 2017 |access-date=June 7, 2017}} On August 18, 2017, he released the single "There She Go" featuring Monty.{{cite web|last1=Goddard|first1=Kevin|title=Fetty Wap – There She Go Feat. Monty {{!}} Stream [New Song]|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/fetty-wap-there-she-go-feat-monty-new-song.1975421.html|website=Hot New Hip Hop|date=August 18, 2017|access-date=August 18, 2017|archive-date=August 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818215949/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/fetty-wap-there-she-go-feat-monty-new-song.1975421.html|url-status=dead}} In October 2017, Fetty Wap featured in Cheat Codes' single "Feels Great" with CVBZ.{{cite magazine|last1=Armstrong|first1=Megan|title=Cheat Codes Unveil Latest Collaboration 'Feels Great' With Fetty Wap & CVBZ: Listen|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/dance/7998521/cheat-codes-new-song-feels-great-fetty-wap-cvbz|magazine=Billboard|date=October 13, 2017|access-date=October 17, 2017}}
On January 19, 2018, Fetty Wap released the EP For My Fans III: The Final Chapter.{{cite web|last1=Goddard|first1=Kevin|title=Stream Fetty Wap's "For My Fans 3: The Final Chapter"|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/stream-fetty-wap-s-for-my-fans-3-the-final-chapter-new-mixtape.117773.html|website=HotNewHipHop|date=January 19, 2018 |access-date=January 19, 2018}} He released the mixtape Bruce Wayne in June 2018.{{cite magazine|last1=Espinoza |first1=Joshua |title=Premiere: Fetty Wap Drops New Project 'Bruce Wayne' |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2018/06/fetty-wap-bruce-wayne-stream |magazine=Complex |date=June 6, 2018|access-date=June 25, 2018 }}
In 2018, it was reported that Fetty Wap had signed with Tr3yway Entertainment.{{Cite web |last=Goddard |first=Kevin |date=2018-09-18 |title=Fetty Wap Reportedly Signs With Tr3yway Entertainment |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/146864-fetty-wap-reportedly-signs-with-tr3yway-entertainment-news |access-date=2024-12-14 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}}
On June 7, 2019, Fetty Wap's birthday, he released the single "Birthday".{{cite web |last1=Marie |first1=Erika |title=Fetty Wap & Monty Drop Off "Birthday" For The Ladies |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/fetty-wap-and-monty-drop-off-birthday-for-the-ladies-new-song.1983277.html |website=HotNewHipHop |date=June 7, 2019|access-date=June 28, 2019}} On September 27, he released the song "Brand New".{{cite web |first=Abigail|last=Charpenter|title=Fetty Wap Drops Single 'Brand New' |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Fetty-Wap-Drops-Single-Brand-New-20190927 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |date=September 27, 2019|access-date=September 27, 2019 |language=en}} On February 14, 2020, he released the mixtape Trap & B.{{Cite web|first=Erika|last=Marie|date=February 14, 2020|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/fetty-wap-slows-things-down-for-the-lovers-on-trap-and-b-new-mixtape.120060.html|title=Fetty Wap Slows Things Down For The Lovers On "Trap & B"|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=February 14, 2020}}
=2021–present: ''The Butterfly Effect'' and ''King Zoo'' =
On September 28, 2021, Fetty Wap previewed the song "Out The Hood" in an Instagram video with the caption "10/22 T.B.E", giving speculation of a single or mixtape release. On October 13, 2021, Fetty Wap posted the cover art for his upcoming album The Butterfly Effect, six years following his debut; however on the intro, he sings "it's been seven years." The album was released on October 22, 2021 through 300 Entertainment & RGF Productions, marking the return of Fetty Wap after several mixtapes and numerous legal issues. The title derives from his late daughter, Lauren, where he drew inspiration for many elements of the album.{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/fetty-wap-the-butterfly-effect-stream|title=Fetty Wap Shares New Project 'The Butterfly Effect'|website=Complex}} In November 2022, Fetty Wap released his single "Sweet Yamz", a recreation of the song "Yamz" by Masego and Devin Morrison. The song went viral on the video sharing service TikTok and the song received positive reception, with singer Charlie Wilson releasing an unofficial remix through the app, and rapper Snoop Dogg calling it the "song of the year".{{Cite web |title=Fetty Wap Goes Viral With 'Sweet Yamz' Song While Locked Up |url=https://www.bet.com/article/mbqqfm/fetty-wap-goes-viral-with-sweet-yamz-while-locked-up |access-date=2022-12-02 |website=BET |language=en}}
In November 2023, Fetty Wap released his third studio album King Zoo, supported by the single released a year prior, "Sweet Yams". The album was his first release following his incarceration and included a guest appearance from Coi Leray.{{cite web | url=https://rhymejunkie.com/posts/fetty-wap-to-returns-with-new-album-king-zoo-featuring-coi-leray-01heckhkf0j7/amp | title=Fetty Wap to Returns with New Album "King Zoo" featuring Coi Leray | date=November 7, 2023 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/jaelaniturnerwilliams/fetty-wap-king-zoo-album-stream|title=Fetty Wap Releases King Zoo, His First Album in Two Years Following Incarceration|website=Complex Networks |date=November 24, 2023}}
In early January of 2025, Fetty Wap's song "Again" started to regain popularity on Instagram Reels and TikTok with the phrase saying "Blasting Fetty Wap on a JBL speaker."
=Influences=
File:Fetty Wap in concert .jpg in 2015]]
Fetty Wap has referred to his music as "ignorant R&B,"{{cite web|url=http://masetv.com/fetty-wap-names-gucci-mane-as-influence-behind-his-ignorant-rb-music/|title=Fetty Wap Names Gucci Mane As Influence Behind His "Ignorant R&B" Music – MaseTV|date=June 22, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2016|archive-date=October 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002194440/http://masetv.com/fetty-wap-names-gucci-mane-as-influence-behind-his-ignorant-rb-music/|url-status=dead}} and combines singing and rapping.{{cite web|url=http://www.designntrend.com/articles/63721/20151031/fetty-wap-drake-future-mos-def-top-5-singing-rappers.htm|title=Fetty Wap, Drake, Future, Mos Def? The Top 5 Singing Rappers Of All Time|last=Design&Trend|date=October 31, 2015|access-date=October 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627182312/http://www.designntrend.com/articles/63721/20151031/fetty-wap-drake-future-mos-def-top-5-singing-rappers.htm|archive-date=June 27, 2016|url-status=dead}}
Fetty Wap usually wears the flag of Haiti in honor of a former girlfriend's late grandmother{{cite AV media |people=Fetty Wap |year= 2015 |title=Fetty Wap – Welcome To My Neighborhood |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=1075&v=4_-zh4Mm4Ck |access-date= July 22, 2015 |location=USA |publisher=#CivilTV}} and draws influences from Haitian culture.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/eric-hosmers-game-tying-run-in-game-5/c-156267980 |title=In honor of Fetty Wap, Eric Hosmer's ninth-inning run came exactly 17:38 into the World Series |editor=Bertha, Mike |date=November 2, 2015 |publisher=MLB |access-date=January 24, 2015}} In an interview with CivilTV, he said that he "fell in love with the culture; people don't know what Haiti means to me." On several occasions, Fetty Wap has also cited Atlanta-based rapper Gucci Mane as a major influence in his music.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84G3fcn35N0|title=Fetty Wap Talks Being Influenced By Gucci Mane And Representing Paterson New Jersey|last=ForbezDVDPromo|date=September 24, 2014|access-date=October 1, 2016|via=YouTube}}
Legal issues
Over the years, Fetty Wap has been on the receiving end of multiple lawsuits including copyright infringement, defamation, property damage and assault.{{cite magazine|first=Chris|last=Eggertsen|date=April 7, 2020|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9353628/woman-sues-fetty-wap-assault|title=Woman Sues Fetty Wap for Assault|magazine=Billboard}}{{cite web|first=Lizzy|last=Rosenberg|url=https://www.distractify.com/p/fetty-wap-lawsuits|title=Fetty Wap Lawsuits|work=Distractify|date=April 15, 2020}}
At 1:20 AM on November 2, 2017, he was arrested after being pulled over on a Brooklyn highway. He was subsequently charged with drunk driving, reckless endangerment, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, illegally changing lanes, and drag racing.{{cite news|first1=Ellen|last1=Moynihan|first2=Graham|last2=Rayman|first3=Thomas|last3=Tracy|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/fetty-wap-cuffed-dwi-drag-racing-charges-brooklyn-article-1.3608657|title=Fetty Wap cuffed on DWI, drag racing charges in Brooklyn|newspaper=New York Daily News|date=November 3, 2017}}
On October 29, 2021, federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment against Fetty Wap, charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances. He was arrested at Citi Field in Queens, New York, on federal drug charges. Fetty Wap was released on a $500,000 bond on November 5, 2021.{{Cite web|author=Sonia Moghe|title=Rapper Fetty Wap released on bond following drug trafficking charge|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/05/entertainment/fetty-wap-released-on-bond/index.html|access-date=2021-11-06|website=CNN|date=November 5, 2021 }}{{Cite web|title=Fetty Wap Granted Jail Release on $500k Bond After Rolling Loud Arrest|url=https://www.tmz.com/2021/11/05/fetty-wap-being-released-jail-bond-rolling-loud-arrest-federal-drug-charges/|access-date=2021-11-06|website=TMZ|date=November 5, 2021 |language=en}} He was put back in jail again on August 8, 2022, after violating the terms of his pretrial release.{{Cite web|title=Rapper Fetty Wap jailed after alleged FaceTime death threat|date=August 8, 2022 |url=https://fox8.com/news/rapper-fetty-wap-jailed-after-alleged-facetime-death-threat/}} On August 22, 2022, he pleaded guilty to his drug charges,{{Cite web |title=Fetty Wap faces five years in prison after pleading guilty on drug charge |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/fetty-wap-faces-five-years-prison-pleading-guilty-drug-charge-rcna44258 |access-date=2022-08-22 |website=NBC News |date=August 22, 2022 |language=en}} and, on May 24, 2023, Fetty Wap was sentenced to six years in prison in New York. He is currently imprisoned at FCI, Sandstone, a low-security prison in Sandstone, Minnesota.{{Cite news |last=Zraick |first=Karen |date=2023-05-24 |title=Fetty Wap Is Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Running Drugs |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/24/nyregion/fetty-wap-sentenced.html |access-date=2023-05-24 |issn=0362-4331}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/may/24/rapper-fetty-wap-sentence-drug-trafficking|title=Rapper Fetty Wap sentenced to six years in prison for drug trafficking|website=The Guardian|last=Horton|first=Adrian|date=24 May 2023|access-date=25 May 2023}}
Personal life
Fetty Wap is the father of six children with five women.{{cite web |title=Fetty Wap Reveals Why He Rarely Posts About His Children On Social Media |url=https://www.bet.com/article/rwrobw/fetty-wap-reveals-why-he-rarely-posts-about-his-kids |website=BET |access-date=11 January 2025 |language=en |date=5 August 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Blake |first1=Cole |title=Mother Of Fetty Wap's Kids Explains Why She Doesn't Seek Child Support |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/423683-mother-of-fetty-waps-kids-explains-why-she-doesnt-seek-child-support-news |website=HotNewHipHop |access-date=11 January 2025 |language=en |date=12 July 2022}}
Fetty Wap and model Alexis Skyy's sex tape was leaked in January 2017.{{cite web|url= https://www.xxlmag.com/fetty-wap-sex-tape-alexis-skyy-leaks/|title= Fetty Wap Sex Tape With Alexis Skyy Leaks|website=XXL magazine|date=January 10, 2017}} In early 2018, Skyy named Fetty Wap as the father of her daughter. In 2019, Wap publicly stated that he is not Alaiya's biological father, but is still a father figure to her, and his non-paternity was confirmed in December 2020.
Fetty Wap appeared on the third season on VH1's Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood, which documented his strained relationship with Masika.{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/67309-fetty-wap-joins-vh1s-love-hip-hop-hollywood/|title=Fetty Wap Joins VH1's "Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood" – Pitchfork|website=Pitchfork |date=August 4, 2016 |access-date=October 1, 2016}} He also appeared on the ninth season of Love & Hip Hop: New York which documented his strained relationship with Skyy.{{Cite web | url=https://www.bet.com/article/zttr0d/this-former-lhh-star-is-returning-to-the-franchise |title = Back to Basics? This Former 'Love & Hip Hop' Star is Returning to the Franchise with Her Rapper Ex|website=BET.com|date=November 20, 2018}}
In September 2019, Fetty Wap married model Leandra K. Gonzalez;{{cite web|url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2019-09-17-surprise-fetty-wap-secretly-married-instagram-model-leandra-k-gonzalez/|title=Surprise! Fetty Wap Secretly Married Instagram Model Leandra K. Gonzalez|work=iHeartRadio|date=September 16, 2019}} they divorced after a year.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2020/09/20/fetty-wap-nasty-divorce-case-final-leandra-gonzalez/|title=Fetty Wap's Bitter Divorce with Leandra Gonzalez is Final|website=TMZ|date=September 20, 2020 }}
In July 2021, one of Fetty Wap's daughters died at the age of four.{{cite magazine|first=JD|last=Knapp|url=https://people.com/parents/fetty-wap-4-year-old-daughter-lauren-maxwell-died-turquoise-miami/|title=Fetty Wap's 4-Year-Old Daughter Lauren Maxwell Has Died, Shares Her Mother Turquoise Miami|magazine=People|date=August 1, 2021|accessdate=August 1, 2021}} TMZ reported that her death certificate stated she had died of complications of a congenital heart arrhythmia,{{cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2021/08/05/fetty-wap-daughter-cause-of-death/|title=Fetty Wap's 4-Year-Old Daughter Died of Heart Defect Complications|website=TMZ|date=August 5, 2021|accessdate=August 5, 2021}} although her mother said on Instagram in August 2021 that the cause of death had not yet been fully determined.{{cite news|first=Emma|last=Kelly|url=https://metro.co.uk/2021/08/05/fetty-wap-daughter-cause-of-death-confirmed-as-heart-defect-15041311/|title=Fetty Wap's ex clarifies death certificate after cause of death reported for daughter Lauren, 4|newspaper=Metro|date=5 August 2021|accessdate=5 August 2021}}
Awards and nominations
Discography
{{main|Fetty Wap discography}}
- Fetty Wap (2015)
- The Butterfly Effect (2021)
- King Zoo (2023)
References
{{Reflist}}
{{notelist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
{{Wikiquote}}
- {{official website|http://fettywap.com}}
{{Portal bar|United States|Biography|Music|New Jersey}}
{{Fetty Wap}}
{{MTV Video Music Award for Push Best New Artist}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Wap, Fetty}}
Category:African-American male rappers
Category:20th-century American male rappers
Category:American hip-hop singers
Category:East Coast hip-hop musicians
Category:Eastside High School (Paterson, New Jersey) alumni
Category:Musicians from Paterson, New Jersey
Category:Singers with disabilities
Category:MTV Video Music Award winners
Category:Rappers from New Jersey
Category:Singer-songwriters from New Jersey
Category:Atlantic Records artists
Category:American musicians with disabilities
Category:21st-century American rappers
Category:21st-century African-American male singers
Category:African-American male singer-songwriters
Category:American trap musicians
Category:American people convicted of drug offenses
Category:300 Entertainment artists