Could rapper Bobby Shmurda be released this month? Inside the case
Rapper Bobby Shmurda is slated to be released from prison sometime this week after pleading guilty to third-degree conspiracy and weapons possession on September 2nd, 2016. Here’s everything we know about the new developments of the case so far.
Why the early release?
REVOLT reported that Bobby Shmurda’s release was recently set ten months ahead of the initial end of his sentence. When Shmurda was denied parole, the Time Allowance Committee decided to overturn the judge’s decision based on the rapper’s good behavior behind bars, as well as his participation in various prison programs.
Behind the arrest
In 2014, Bobby Shmurda was arrested on charges of gang conspiracy as well as gun & drug charges. Two years later, he pleaded guilty to the charges and was subsequently sentenced to seven years in prison.
Shmurda told Complex in 2016 that he had taken the fall in part for his friend, fellow rapper Rowdy Rebel. “They offered my five and offered Rowdy 12”, he explained. “They said the only way they’ll give him seven is if I took seven too. So, you know, I had to take one for the dawgs.”
Trouble along the way
Though Bobby Shmurda was praised for his good behavior behind bars, he did have some bumps in the road. In 2015, Shmurda pleaded guilty for promoting prison contraband. According to Bossip, the rapper attempted to bring a “sharp metal object” into Rikers Island.
As a result of his guilty plea, Shmurda’s jail time was extended by 1.3 to four years. Shmurda wasn’t too happy about the result, however, and told REVOLT: “I feel like what they’re doing right now is what they do to a lot of people when they don’t have no case on them. I was targeted because of my rap music, it’s crazy.”
A warm welcome home
Many people are excited about Bobby Shmurda’s early release – not the least of which is his mother, Leslie Pollard. Last month, she posted on Instagram: “I am counting down just wishing we could run straight to February right quick. I can’t wait to hug my child . . . it ha[s] been almost a year; anxiety is getting the best of me.”
Pollard also told TMZ that Shmurda is in no big rush to start cranking out music again. She explained he’s planning on taking in some family time – including Pollard’s home-cooked meals – before anything else.
Rebel Rowdy, who was released from prison early, is among those who are excited about Shmurda’s release. In an interview with Hot 97, Rebel said: “We definitely gon’ show up to Summer Jam. I normally wouldn’t speak on my brother’s behalf, but I know my brother ain’t gonna miss Summer Jam . . . Some things are just mandatory, and Summer Jam is mandatory.”
Rowdy, upon his own release, shared a statement from Shmurda on Instagram. “I love all y’all,” he wrote, “I love all my fans, I love all the support. We’ll be right there. Don’t even trip. Welcome home my big bro. You already know, you deserve it.”
The day of Bobby Shmurda’s release
In terms of Bobby Shmurda celebrating his actual transition into freedom, he already has some plans set in stone. Rapper Quavo told Billboard that he’ll be picking Shmurda up from New York’s Clinton Correctional Facility. “I’m going to get my guy,” he explained. I’m personally gonna go pick up Bobby Shmurda. I’m bout to go get him. I’m gonna let him show you how I’m gonna pick him up, yessir.”
And as for Shmurda, the most important thing for him is to thank those who have stuck by his side through the highs & lows. On his Instagram Story, Shmurda released a statement thanking loyal fans for their support. “Thank you for remaining loyal and for riding this six year sentence out with me”, it read. “I love you all and look forward to seeing you soon.”
