Roommates, it’s no secret that some of hip hop’s biggest celebrities have had a stint behind bars. After being released, the next step usually involves probation or other court-ordered terms. But there’s also the opportunity for redemption, lifestyle changes, and even a lil’ fun. From Gunna to Bobby Shmurda to YFN Lucci, see the new paths these rappers have taken post-incarceration.
The Gunna Glow-Up Stunned Fans
Coming home and glowing up? Gunna might take the throne with that one! His elevation post-release is arguably one of the most impressive in hip hop. From a fitness glow-up to a loving relationship and musical success, the rapper has been all gas, no brakes since he touched freedom again on December 14, 2022. Gunna, whose real name is Sergio Kitchens, was one of 28 people indicted in a YSL RICO case in Fulton County, Georgia, in May of that year. He surrendered on May 11 and was denied bond. By December, he entered an Alford plea to one count of conspiracy to violate RICO. He received a five-year sentence in exchange, but the court suspended four, reducing it to one year, which was commuted to time served. Gunna was also given 500 hours of community service.
Following his release, the internet and fellow celebs relentlessly labeled him a “snitch.” Despite the pressure from the industry and even fans, Gunna got to work immediately. One day after coming home, he announced his annual Gunna’s Great Giveaway. His plan, for the fifth year, was to bless 1,000 families in Atlanta with a $100 gift card and a special gift.
By 2023, he was back dominating the studio, dropping his first project post-release, ‘Gift & A Curse.’ From the album, ‘fukumean’ put him back in the rap chat. It later peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. The following year, he drowned the snitch controversy with the release of ‘One of Wun.’ That album debuted at #2 on Billboard 200 and #1 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. He then sold out shows around the country with ‘The Bittersweet Tour.’ In 2025, he kept the pressure on folks’ necks with the release of ‘The Last Wun,’ a worldwide tour announcement and a headliner show at Madison Square Garden. ‘The Last Wun’ earned Gunna #3 on Billboard 200, staying in the Top 10 for a reported six consecutive weeks. The album also landed the #1 spot on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Music isn’t the only comeback Gunna locked in on. His entire lifestyle shifted. Last year, he appeared to cover his YSL tattoo with flames. Also, fitness is now a core part of the rapper’s lifestyle, and it’s kept the girls’ heads on a swivel!
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Bobby Shmurda Had The Internet In Tears After His Release
Bobby Shmurda, real name Ackquille Pollard, had fans too hype when he was released from prison on February 23, 2021. He served six years after receiving a seven-year sentence in 2016. The ‘Shmoney’ rapper was convicted of a fourth-degree conspiracy and second-degree weapons possession, per BBC. His parole conditions included an 8 p.m. curfew and a ban from drinking alcohol, using drug substances, hanging out in bars or with gangs until February 2026.
On his first day out, Bobby swore he was “done with that jail sh*t” in an interview with GQ. He opened up about missing out on half a decade of his godchildren’s lives. And he’s stayed out since then. That same year, for Father’s Day, Bobby provided free haircuts and food to families. A few months later, in October, he donated 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to six schools in New York.
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During that time, he also brought fresh energy to the internet, going viral for his videos of dancing and clowning. Other moments, he’s gotten side-eyes for rants about the state of hip-hop, from Tory Lanez’s conviction for the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion to male rappers “playing dress up.”
Aside from the laughs and some internet controversy, Bobby has also tried to recreate the hype ‘Hot N*gga’ got him in 2014. So far, it hasn’t quite happened. In March 2022, he announced his exit from Epic Records. In 2025, he had planned a ‘Still Alive Tour,’ but in May, he told fans it was canceled. He blasted his booking agent on Instagram about it, who blamed low tickets sales, not lack of advertising.
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YFN Lucci Shares His Changed Mindset After Release
After spending nearly four years in prison, YFN Lucci was released early on parole on January 31, 2025. The rapper, whose real name is Rayshawn Lamar Bennett, faced what looked like bleak circumstances in 2021. He was arrested in January of that year in connection with a fatal shooting in Atlanta. By May, he was added to a RICO indictment. A few years later, in January 2024, he pleaded guilty to one count of violating a gang and terrorism law in Georgia, per PEOPLE. Prosecutors responded by dropping 12 counts against the rapper, from murder to aggravated assault. Ultimately, his sentence was 20 years—10 in prison, 10 on probation with time served credit. Even the Fulton County DA at the time, Fani Willis supported his release with a letter to the court.
YFN Lucci’s first statement following his prison release is what indicated a shift in mindset. He claimed to have “learned a lot” while locked up. Also, he expressed gratitude to the people who stood by him and pledged to use his platform to inspire fans.
“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,” Lucci’s statement said, per PEOPLE. “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.”
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His homecoming was not only warm, but emotional as he embraced his children and other loved ones.
Months after his release, the rapper gave back to his community with his second annual Golden Bunny Bash. His nonprofit, Well Wishes Community Organization paired with other orgs, hosted the event on Easter Sunday. The turnout, according to Black Enterprise, included more than 650 kids and their families. Attendees got a full experience from Easter baskets to egg hunts, face painting, a gaming truck and food, all for free. The event marked YFN Lucci’s first public appearance after his prison release. Her reportedly included his children with the set-up of the event. Also, while there, he allegedly spoke of wanting to show children that someone cares.
“Atlanta raised me, shaped me, and supported my dreams. Everything I do is about showing the community that someone who walked these same streets cares about their future and believes in them,” he reportedly said.
Then, in November 2025, YFN Lucci blessed his mother with a grand gesture for her 60th birthday. Multiple outlets reported that he gave her 30 gifts and $30,000 in cash.
