Willie Junior Maxwell II, professionally known as Fetty Wap, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter who rose to fame with his 2014 breakout hit Trap Queen. Known for his melodic delivery and catchy hooks, Fetty Wap became one of the most recognizable voices in mid-2010s hip-hop.
Early Life and Background
Fetty Wap was born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey. He lost his left eye to glaucoma as a child, an experience that shaped his perspective on life but never stopped him from pursuing music. He grew up inspired by hip-hop and R&B, eventually developing a unique sound that mixed singing with rapping.
Career Beginnings
He began uploading music online, gaining local attention before releasing Trap Queen in 2014. The song quickly went viral, receiving massive radio play and eventually reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Rise to Fame
Following the success of Trap Queen, Fetty Wap released other hit singles such as 679, My Way, and Again. His self-titled debut album Fetty Wap debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 2015, cementing his status as one of hip-hop’s breakout stars.
Musical Style and Influence
Fetty Wap is known for his melodic trap style, blending rap verses with infectious singing. His sound helped shape a wave of melodic hip-hop that inspired many artists after him.
Recent Highlights
Although his mainstream presence has slowed compared to his breakout years, Fetty Wap continues to release new music and perform for his dedicated fanbase. His work remains influential to artists exploring melodic trap today.
Personal Life
Fetty Wap is a father and has spoken openly about his children, personal challenges, and growth as an artist. He continues to focus on balancing family life and his music career.
Net Worth
Fetty Wap’s net worth is estimated in the multi-million-dollar range, earned through streaming, touring, and past chart-topping singles.
Summary
Fetty Wap’s journey from Paterson, New Jersey, to topping the Billboard charts shows the power of perseverance and originality. His early hits remain classics of the 2010s, and his influence on melodic trap continues to be felt in today’s hip-hop landscape.