Why was Bobby Shmurda in prison? Jail sentence of Quavo collaborator explained following his release

Bobby Shmurda was last able to perform in 2014 (Getty Images)

Bobby Shmurda was released on February 23 after serving six years in prison.

Following news of his release the rapper, credited with popularising the Brooklyn drill genre, posted to his Instagram stories thanking fans for "remaining loyal" and "riding out" the sentence with him

He added: "I love you all and look forward to seeing you soon”.

The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision confirmed his release.

It said: “At approximately 8:30 this morning, Ackquille Pollard was conditionally released from Clinton Correctional Facility. Mr. Pollard will be under community supervision in Kings County until he completes his sentence on February 23, 2026.”

Shmurda, real name Ackquille Pollard, had been serving his sentence at New York's Clinton Correctional Facility – here’s why he was in prison.

Why was Bobby Shmurda in prison?Pollard, 26, was arrested in December 2014 outside Manhattan’s Quad Recording Studios and was accused of leading Crips-offshoot street gang GS9, a group police said was responsible for several shootings and one murder. He was initially charged with conspiracy to murder, weapons possession, and reckless endangerment.

The rapper’s bail was set at $2 million.

Bobby Shmurda was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2016, followed by five years parole.

In a plea deal issued a month before his sentencing, the rapper pleaded guilty to 4th-degree conspiracy to criminally possess a weapon and 2nd-degree criminal weapons possession.

Prior to his sentencing Shmurda attempted to withdraw the plea deal, stating: “I was forced by my attorney to take the plea. I was forced.”

Shmurda was given credit for two years served meaning he only had to serve five more years.

In 2017 Shmurda was issued with a four-year sentence for sneaking a shiv into his prison cell. This sentence ran concurrently with his seven year sentence, meaning no additional time was necessary.

Where was Bobby Shmurda imprisoned?

Shmurda was initially incarcerated at Rikers Island prison in New York.

Due to a threat on his life and following brawls with rival Blood gangs Shmurda was moved to New York's Clinton Correctional Facility.

The musician finished his sentence under protective custody.