NEW YORK – Fetty Wap is radiating joy, and it seems like his smile lights up the room even before he walks in. The Paterson, New Jersey-born rapper and singer has plenty of reasons to celebrate these days.
Earlier this year, in January, he was released from federal prison, transitioning to home confinement after serving just over half of a six-year sentence related to a drug trafficking operation in New York. During his time in prison, he reflected on everything he missed: his family, his children, the thrill of driving, and, of course, music. “I love to eat,” he shared with The Associated Press. Ready to dive back into his passion, Fetty Wap is set to release his new album, “Zavier,” this Friday.
He began working on the album the very moment he was released, stating, “Jan. 7, 2026.” And when did he wrap it up? “Jan. 10, 2026,” he chuckled. “I had so much to express. It’s been years of holding things in.”
Fetty Wap and his team crafted an impressive 123 songs, narrowing it down to 17 for the final album. His last album, “King Zoo,” was released while he was still incarcerated, making “Zavier” feel like a fresh start and a personal statement after a long hiatus from the music scene.
“Before, when I was in prison, I could only make calls for 15 minutes at a time,” he recalled about working on “King Zoo.” “After a certain point, the phone would be off. So, I just hoped it turned out well.” This time around, he was fully involved in the studio process, which he describes as his “safe haven.”
Those expecting a heavy, emotional narrative about his prison experience might be surprised. Fetty Wap aimed for a fun vibe with “Zavier,” stating, “I didn’t want it to be about my time away. Where’s the fun Fetty?” The album showcases a range of emotions, including playful, serious, romantic, and more, all tied together by his distinctive sound.
“The whole ‘Zavier’ project is about bringing back that energy from my first album, ‘Fetty Wap,’ but with a more mature sound. It’s an upgraded version of me,” he explained. The title “Zavier” represents his identity and the new side he discovered upon returning from prison.
One of the standout tracks, “I Remember,” features Chicago rapper G Herbo and offers a reflective glimpse into Fetty Wap’s life through a series of memories over a minimalistic beat. He describes it as “an ode to the past and the present,” providing listeners an intimate look into his journey.
Fetty Wap’s favorite song from the album is “White Roses,” which features his sisters. He wanted it to sound perfect and called them to add their harmonies to the track, creating a touching moment and showcasing his strongest vocal performance.
Overall, Fetty Wap hopes “Zavier” brings a sense of positivity and good energy to his audience. “I’m not looking for sympathy,” he emphasized. “Just love the music, and if you don’t, let me know so I can improve.”
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This story has been updated to remove Doe Boy as a collaborator on the album, as his song did not make the final tracklist.
