Pooh Shiesty Released Early From Federal Prison

Memphis rapper Pooh Shiesty^[1] is home after serving more than four years in federal prison. In April 2022 the artist, real name Lontrell Williams, was sentenced to 63 months in prison^[2] after pleading guilty to a gun conspiracy charge^[3] stemming from an October 2020 confrontation that left a man shot in the buttocks. His release date was originally April 11, 2026, but time served and good behavior spurred an early release. 

“I am elated that Pooh has been released after 3 years,” Williams’ lawyer, Bradford Cohen, said in a statement to XXL^[4]. “The government fought hard to give him 10, but after listening to the case, the Judge agreed with us that it was not appropriate and gave him a sentence that resulted in him serving 3 years.

“I know he will come back bigger than ever and definitely learned from this experience,” Cohen continued. “He is excited to start the next chapter of his story. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and I think that this is just the beginning of his second act.” In 2022, Williams told reporters he was “happy” with the 63 months sentence issued by U.S. District Judge Kevin Michael Moore after reaching a plea deal^[5] that had him facing a maximum of 97 months in prison.

Yesterday, images and clips^[6] from the rapper’s homecoming were shared on social media^[7], showing him celebrating with friends such as fellow Memphis rappers Big30 and K Carbon. At the time of his sentencing, Williams was a buzzing rapper, with his 2021 mixtape Shiesty Season, his only full-length project, peaking at Number Three on the Billboard 200. His penchant for wearing balaclavas sparked a resurgence in the popularity of the stylish headwear (along with COVID mask requirements), with some people calling the accessory a “shiesty” to this day.