The hip hop star whose real name is Willie Junior Maxwell II, pleaded guilty in August in a Central Islip federal case accusing him of peddling 25 kilograms of cocaine in New Jersey early in the pandemic.
The 31-year-old “Trap Queen” rhymer, a Paterson native, copped to one count of conspiracy to possess and distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine.
He faces a minimum of five years and a maximum 40 years at his Wednesday sentencing.
In the documents, prosecutors cite Fetty’s 2014 hit “Trap Queen” in their request for a longer sentence, claiming the rapper told the government that the song was inspired by his past participation in drug trafficking, for which he was never charged, tried, or convicted.
“Fetty Wap admitted to the Probation Department that his hit song ‘Trap Queen,’ which was released in 2014, was an ‘ode to a former girlfriend who assisted him a cocaine base distribution operation in Patterson, New Jersey.’ The defendant was never held accountable for that conduct, but that does not diminish its significance.”
The official music video for “Trap Queen” is attached in the sentencing document as an exhibit; the government argues that the video’s cast and setting is an example of Fetty Wap glamorizing the drug trade.
“In the official video for ‘Trap Queen,’ the defendant also enlisted young children who stood behind him while he idealized selling drugs,” the prosecution writes.
The rapper’s legal team claims his touring income dried up due to lockdown restrictions, and so he turned to crime in a “desperate” effort to support the expensive lifestyle he had built not only for himself, but those close to him.
“What makes this case unusual is Mr. Maxwell’s motivation,” his lawyers wrote.
“Personal gain was not his motivation. Rather, he was motivated by his commitment to financially support others. He now realizes that he does not have to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders.”
His lawyers wrote.
Per sentencing requirements, Fetty Wap should spend between seven and nine years behind bars.
However, his lawyers believe he should serve a minimum sentence of five years due to the circumstances surrounding his crimes and the remorse he’s shown.
The “Trap Queen” hitmaker was arrested on federal drug charges in October 2021 as he was gearing up to take the stage at New York’s Rolling Loud festival.
He was accused of running an extensive drug ring out of Long Island, allegedly helping traffic over 100 kilograms of opioids, crack and cocaine from the West Coast to be distributed in Long Island.
After his arrest, the FBI recovered 16 kilograms of cocaine, 2 kilograms of heroin, fentanyl pills, two 9mm handguns, a rifle, a .45 caliber pistol, a .40 caliber pistol, ammunition and $1.5 million in cash.
