Who Is Fetty Wap? Biography, Age, Career & Net Worth
This Fetty Wap biography takes you through the life of Willie Junior Maxwell II, from Paterson, New Jersey, to becoming one of the most successful rappers to break out in 2015. It includes his early years, rise to fame, family, legal issues, net worth, and his2026 return to music with the album Zavier.
Who Is Fetty Wap?
One song can change an artist’s life. For Fetty Wap, that song was “Trap Queen.”
Fetty Wap was born Willie Junior Maxwell II on June 7, 1991, in Paterson, New Jersey. He is an American rapper and singer who rose to fame with his unique blend of hip-hop and R&B. In 2015, he released a string of hits that included “Trap Queen,” “679,” and “My Way.” “Trap Queen” reached diamond status and earned him two Grammy nominations.
Of course, there is more to Fetty Wap’s story than just the classic rise and shine to fame narrative. His career has been a roller coaster of family tragedies, a federal drug case, time behind bars, and a fresh start in music after serving his sentence in January 2026. His fourth studio album, Zavier, was released in March 2026 and offered a glimpse of an artist determined to rebuild his career on his own terms.
Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Willie Junior Maxwell II |
| Date of Birth | June 7, 1991 |
| Age | 35 years old |
| Birthplace | Paterson, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Rapper, singer, songwriter |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch, according to IMDb |
| Known For | “Trap Queen,” “679,” “My Way” |
| Net Worth | Estimated at a1 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth |
Early Life and Background
Fetty Wap was born in Paterson, New Jersey, a city that would later inspire the lyrics of many of his songs. He was born with congenital glaucoma and lost eyesight in his left eye as an infant. Being different from the other kids led to a lot of bullying, but he eventually learned to stop trying to hide his difference.
Fetty Wap’s interest in music developed before his rap career. As a child, he played the drums at an apostolic church in Paterson, and his father played the keyboard, as did other relatives involved in music. He played in his high school band.
Fetty Wap attended Eastside High School but left to pursue music. He developed an interest in making records in 2013 and officially began his career as a rapper. He gained recognition for his singing ability, which he developed and integrated into his rap career.
Fetty Wap’s rap career was influenced by Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane, who is known by the nickname “GuWop.” “Fetty” is known to represent money in rap, and Fetty Wap has also spoken about his love for Haitian culture, which is also present in his public identity.
Career Breakthrough
“Trap Queen” Changes Everything
Fetty Wap started making music that gained widespread popularity with his 2014 release of “Trap Queen.” This song gained popularity through Kalina Rhymes, who distributed copies to her friends. It was then officially distributed.
This song catapulted Fetty Wap’s career with its unique combination of rapping, singing, Auto-Tuned melodies, and a very addictive hook. This song quickly climbed the charts and reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May of 2015.
“Trap Queen” was one of the most prominent songs of 2015 and helped establish Fetty Wap as a mainstream artist.
This song also helped establish him as a prominent artist with a strong debut. “679” and “My Way” also reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, with “My Way” reaching No. 1 on the Mainstream Rap Songs chart.
No. 1 Debut Album
Fetty Wap followed his breakthrough with his self-titled debut studio album, Fetty Wap, released in 2015.
This album helped establish Fetty Wap as more than a one-hit wonder. He used a melodic combination of singing and rapping to create a sound that was romantic and street-oriented.
This debut album helped shape the sound of mainstream hip-hop for years to come.
Major Works and Achievements
“Trap Queen”
Fetty Wap’s 2014 song “Trap Queen” is his most renowned song. It reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and in 2016 it was nominated for two Grammy Awards for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance.
In July 2026, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) recognized “Trap Queen” along with other Fetty Wap releases. This indicates that the RIAA continues to recognize “Trap Queen” as significant in the catalog of releases.
“679” and “My Way”
After the success of “Trap Queen,” Fetty Wap released “679,” which featured the Remy Boyz. “My Way” also helped to establish his popularity further and reach the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, thus confirming that the success of “Trap Queen” was not a fluke.
The RIAA has also acknowledged other certifications for “679,” “My Way,” “Again,” and other Fetty Wap releases.
Grammy Recognition
As of the 2026 awards, Fetty Wap has two Grammy nominations for “Trap Queen.” He has not won a Grammy.
Personal Life
Fetty Wap has largely kept other parts of his family life out of the spotlight, but his relationships and fatherhood have been documented.
According to multiple biographical sources, Fetty Wap has six children. His daughter Lauren Maxwell, born in 2016 and died in 2021 at the age of four, was widely documented. Her mother, Turquoise Miami, announced her death. Fetty later posted a tribute to Lauren.
This loss was one of the most difficult of his documented personal tragedies. Fetty dedicated a performance at Rolling Loud in Miami to Lauren, and later, tributes were held in her memory.
His 2019 marriage to Leandra Gonzalez and subsequent divorce in 202 were also documented.
Legal Troubles and Incarceration
In 2021, Fetty Wap’s career changed forever with his arrest for his involvement in a federal drug trafficking case.
In the year that followed, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine. In May 2023, a federal judge sentenced him to six years in prison with five years of supervised release. The U.S. Department of Justice stated that the drug trafficking organization of which he was a part had trafficked more than 100 kilograms of controlled substances in Long Island and New Jersey.
His legal case interrupted his music career. During his time in prison, Fetty Wap continued to release music, including his 2023 album King Zoo.
In January 2026, he was released from federal prison, almost three years earlier than his expected release date. According to Billboard, he served just over three years of his six-year sentence.
Fetty Wap’s Estimated Net Worth and Income Sources
Fetty Wap has not released his personal financial statements, making it difficult to determine his net worth with certainty.
As of November 2024, his estimated net worth was $1 million, according to both Celebrity Net Worth and Urban Splatter. However, Urban Splatter noted that during his commercial peak, various outlets estimated his net worth to be much higher.
It is best to describe this estimated net worth with caution.
His income has largely come from the music industry, including the sale and streaming of his music, publishing, concerts and tours, as well as other entertainment-industry-related work.
He became incredibly popular in 2015. His return to the music industry in 2026 was also lucrative. He has talked about other businesses he owns, such as HVAC, leasing, and food and drinks.
Fun Facts and Lesser-Known Details
He Started With Drums
Fetty Wap has a religious musical background. Before gaining popularity for melodic rap, he played drums in the church choir.
He Built His Style by Mixing Singing and Rap
Fetty Wap developed a style that was distinctly his own by incorporating sung melodies and rap verses. This was the main contributing factor to his breakthrough.
He Has Continued Representing Paterson
Fame and fortune have not caused Fetty Wap to stray from his roots. Paterson remains deeply embedded in his music, public image, and collaborations.
“Again” Found a New Audience
In 2025, “Again,” released in 201, unexpectedly returned to the Billboard Hot 100 at number 41 and subsequently reached number one on the TikTok Billboard Top 50.
Why Fetty Wap Is Gaining Attention Again?
2026 was an important year for Fetty Wap.
After serving time in federal prison and being released in January, he returned to the studio and released Zavier on March 27, 2026. This was his first album since his release from prison, and it featured 17 songs with guest appearances by Wiz Khalifa, Max B, Tink, Monty, and G Herbo.
He has resumed live performances. In 2026, Fetty was booked to perform at the BET Experience Fan Fest in Los Angeles, which took place that summer.
Of course, his music has also been released since his return. According to Apple Music, his 2026 releases include the songs “Radio Love,” “WYA,” “Wiwdfyl,” “Patience Is a Virtue,” and “Don’t You Know,” as well as the album Zavier.
This means Fetty Wap is important to music present beyond the scope of nostalgia. He is using the notoriety from his past to propel his career in a new direction.
Conclusion
Fetty Wap’s story is one of the most interesting in modern hip-hop. He rose from Paterson, New Jersey, to international fame with “Trap Queen,” followed by a series of major hits and two Grammy nominations, before his career was put on hold due to a federal prison sentence.
At 35, he has a chance to write the next chapter of his career with new music, live shows, and a reunion with his fans, including the release of Zavier and the singles he has already released.
Regardless, his music has been and will continue to be rediscovered and enjoyed by his dedicated fan base.
FAQs
Who is Fetty Wap?
Fetty Wap is a rapper, singer, and songwriter from Paterson, New Jersey. He rose to fame with the release of “Trap Queen” in 2015, which was followed by the success of “679” and “My Way.”
How old is Fetty Wap?
Born on June 7, 1991, Fetty Wap is 35 years old (as of September 2026).
What is Fetty Wap known for?
Fetty Wap gained recognition for the songs “Trap Queen,” “679,” and “My Way.” His melodic singing and rapping made his songs very popular in the mid-2010s.
What is Fetty Wap’s height?
According to IMDb, Fetty Wap is approximately 6 feet 1 inch or 1.85 meters.
Where is Fetty Wap from?
Fetty Wap was born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey.
What is Fetty Wap’s net worth?
As of now, Celebrity Net Worth reports that Fetty Wap has a net worth of $1 million. Because celebrities’ financial records are not publicly available, this number should not be considered an exact value.
Do you want to read more about your favorite musicians? Check out our celebrity biographies to learn more about musicians and what they have accomplished out of the spotlight.
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