YFN Lucci is officially free after serving four years behind bars in a racketeering case.
Lucci was released from prison on Friday (January 31), and welcomed by his children, family members and friends in a heartwarming video posted to his Instagram Story shortly afterward.
The Atlanta rapper was officially sentenced in January 2024 after pleading guilty to one count of violating Georgia’s Street Gang and Terrorism Prevention Act, though he had been behind bars since January 2021 on the case.
He received a sentence of 10 years in prison followed by 10 years on probation, but as part of a plea deal, he was able to get out even earlier.
In a statement to 11Alive, Lucci said: “I’ve learned a lot during my time away. I’m incredibly grateful for my family and friends—who have stood by me the whole time. Now, it’s my turn to give back. I want to use my voice, my platform, and my music to inspire those who look up to me. I want to show people it’s never too late to make a change. For me, this time is about growth, redemption, and purpose. I’m excited—there’s so much more to come.”
His attorneys added: “Rayshawn Bennett, widely known as YFN Lucci, was granted early release on parole and walked out of prison this morning to dozens of waiting friends and family. He is overjoyed to reunite with his children, his family, and his music. He will waste no time releasing new music and getting back on stage to perform for his fans.”
Before pleading guilty, YFN Lucci was facing numerous felony charges including murder, which carried a maximum sentence of life without parole
He was initially arrested over a December 2020 shooting in Atlanta that killed 28-year-old James Adams and injured another man. Prosecutors claimed during the trial that Lucci was the driver and didn’t fire the deadly shots.
The indictment, which was filed while Lucci was out on bond, brought a whole host of other charges against him including racketeering, violating Georgia’s anti-gang law and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Following his sentencing, he publicly apologized to murder victim James Adams and his family.
“First off, I wanna say my heart goes out to my friend, James Adams, and his family,” Lucci said in court. “Also, I wanna apologize to my family and my friends for putting them through this stressful process. I would also like to apologize to the court. That’s it.”
A$AP Rocky has been quiet during his legal battle. The rapper has not said a word entering the court or a word during his trial. Barring some brief praise for his friend and blog rap peer Kendrick Lamar. A$AP has made sure to be careful when it comes to what he says. His facade dropped, however, during a shocking exchange on Friday. The rapper told a witness not to answer a question during an interrogation. It was a shocking moment on several front, and is generally considered a bad sign during a criminal trial.
The awkward moment was captured on film. A$AP Twelvy, a member of Rocky's A$AP Mob, was being asked what the meaning of a specific photo was. The rapper made it clear he wasn't sure what it meant, but in the midst of his answer, Rocky spoke out. Prosecution interrupted the line of questioning and then redirected the focus to A$AP Rocky's question. "Did you hear the defendant when asked question loudly say," he asked. "Do not answer it." Twelvy admits he heard something but claimed he wasn't sure what was said from Rocky's side of the courtroom.
The prosecution suggested that A$AP Twelvy was being coy about his knowledge due to the fact that A$AP Rocky told him not give an answer. The rapper attempted to downplay Rocky's comment, saying he didn't even hear what was said. Prosecution doubled down, and attempted to get an answer out of the A$AP Mob member. The video account of the exchange is cut off when the judge decides to take a break from the interrogation.
Twelvy's controversial exchange is an unexpected development. The rapper appears to be on A$AP Rocky's side, and even testified that he did not open fire on A$AP Relli the way that Relli is claiming. Twelvy told the court that Rocky actually fired a starter pistol that he kept on him during the alleged encounter with Relli. "He walked around with a prop, like a starter pistol," Twelvy stated. "I seen it on several occasions." The rapper then claimed that the gun was clearly identified as fake before said confrontation went down. "He told him to shoot that fake-ass gun," Twelvy added.