Fetty Wap is opening up about how he spent his time behind bars — and it wasn’t focused on making music.
During a recent appearance on The Tamron Hall Show, the “Trap Queen” rapper revealed that he earned his GED and completed coursework in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) while serving a federal prison sentence on drug charges.
“I wanted to make sure I had something solid,” Fetty shared in the interview with host Tamron Hall, explaining that he used his incarceration as an opportunity to build toward long-term stability rather than immediately plotting a musical comeback.
The New Jersey native was sentenced in 2023 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, heroin and fentanyl. He ultimately served about three years before being released in early January 2026, reportedly due to good behavior and participation in rehabilitation programs.
Instead of returning straight to the studio, Fetty said he prioritized education. He earned his General Educational Development certificate — the equivalent of a high school diploma — and enrolled in HVAC courses, viewing the skilled trade as a practical career path.
When Hall joked about whether fans might one day call him “Fetty the HVAC guy,” the rapper didn’t brush it off. He confirmed that he’s serious about having a backup plan.
According to Fetty, fellow inmates who operated legitimate trade businesses after previous sentences inspired the move. Some, he noted, were earning substantial incomes through skilled labor. HVAC technicians earn a median annual wage of around $57,000, according to U.S. labor data, making it a viable option for those seeking stable employment outside of entertainment.
The revelation quickly sparked conversation online. Supporters praised the rapper’s pivot, calling it a smart and mature decision. A handful of critics questioned prison rehabilitation efforts, but the dominant tone was one of encouragement.
Fetty has indicated that he still plans to perform, albeit selectively, drawing from his existing catalog rather than aggressively pursuing new material. During the interview, he suggested that keeping a lower profile and focusing on stability is part of his strategy moving forward.
His story echoes a broader pattern in hip-hop, where artists such as Meek Mill and Gucci Mane have spoken about growth and self-improvement after legal troubles. For Fetty, however, the reinvention includes something more tangible than a comeback album: a trade certification.
Whether or not fans ever see “Fetty the HVAC guy” on a service truck, the rapper made one thing clear — this chapter is about building a foundation that lasts.
