Is Fivio Foreign in Jail? The Rapper’s Legal Journey Explored

Posted: May 2, 2025 | By US Prison Guide Team

Fivio Foreign, the Brooklyn-born drill rapper behind hits like “Big Drip” and “City of Gods,” has been a rising star in the hip-hop world since his breakout in 2019. With his deep voice and gritty lyrics, he’s collaborated with heavyweights like Kanye West and Drake, amassing millions of streams and a loyal fanbase. But his journey hasn’t been without turbulence, as legal troubles have followed him, leading fans to wonder: Is Fivio Foreign in jail? As of May 1, 2025, Fivio Foreign, real name Maxie Lee Ryles III, is not in jail. He was last arrested in April 2021 for weapons possession and resisting arrest in New Jersey, but he resolved those charges through a plea deal and has remained free since. Let’s explore Fivio Foreign’s legal history, his music career, and what’s next for the drill pioneer.

Who Is Fivio Foreign? The Drill Rapper’s Rise to Fame

Fivio Foreign, born Maxie Lee Ryles III on March 29, 1990, in Brooklyn, New York, grew up in the East Flatbush neighborhood, a hotspot for the city’s drill music scene. Raised by his mother in a tough environment, Fivio turned to music as an outlet, inspired by local legends like Jay-Z and later drill pioneers like Pop Smoke. He first gained traction in 2019 with his breakout single “Big Drip,” which racked up over 50 million streams on Spotify and earned him a deal with Columbia Records. His 2020 mixtape *800 BC* solidified his place in drill, featuring collaborations with Meek Mill and Lil Tjay, while his 2022 album *B.I.B.L.E.* included hits like “City of Gods” with Kanye West and Alicia Keys, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard 200.

Fivio’s music, characterized by booming beats and raw lyrics about street life, has made him a voice for Brooklyn’s youth, but it’s also drawn scrutiny from law enforcement, who often associate drill music with gang activity. “I’m just telling my story,” Fivio told a music magazine in 2020, defending his art. But his legal troubles have kept fans on edge, constantly asking: Is Fivio Foreign in jail? Let’s unpack his run-ins with the law to find out.

Fivio Foreign’s Legal History: A Pattern of Trouble

Fivio Foreign’s career has been marred by legal issues, from domestic violence allegations to weapons charges, raising the question: Is Fivio Foreign in jail for his actions? Here’s a detailed look at his legal history, drawing from available web information to provide clarity on his current status.

October 2020: Domestic Violence Allegations in New Jersey

Fivio Foreign’s first major legal trouble came on October 11, 2020, when he was arrested in Edgewater, New Jersey, for allegedly assaulting his pregnant girlfriend. According to a report by the Fort Lee Daily Voice, the incident occurred at an apartment complex where Fivio’s girlfriend accused him of punching her in the back of the head, kicking her, and hitting her with a glass bottle before pushing her into a hallway while she was nude. She sustained visible injuries, including bruises and cuts, and was treated at a local hospital. Fivio, however, claimed she had set him up, alleging she fabricated the incident to tarnish his reputation.

Fivio was charged with assault, domestic violence, and harassment, and was released on a $5,000 bail the following day, October 12, 2020. The case drew significant attention, with fans on Instagram debating his innocence, some saying, “She’s lying for clout,” while others condemned his actions, noting, “He needs to be held accountable.” The charges were eventually dropped in early 2021 due to insufficient evidence, as the girlfriend declined to press charges further, according to court records. This incident set the stage for future scrutiny, but is Fivio Foreign in jail for this? No, the case was resolved without jail time.

April 2021: Weapons Possession and Resisting Arrest

Fivio’s most publicized legal issue came on April 21, 2021, when he was arrested in Fort Lee, New Jersey, on weapons-related charges. According to a police report obtained by XXL, officers spotted Fivio leaving his 2018 Mercedes Benz running in a no-parking zone outside a Citibank around 7:30 p.m. When Sgt. Howard Ginsburg requested his license, Fivio asked if he was getting a ticket, then fled on foot as officers attempted to detain him. After a brief chase, officers apprehended him and found a loaded Glock 19 with a defaced serial number in his possession, leading to charges of possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, resisting arrest, possession of a defaced firearm, unlawful possession of a weapon without a permit, and fugitive from justice.

Fivio was held at Bergen County Jail without bond and had a court appearance scheduled for April 22, 2021, at the Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, NJ. However, he reached a plea deal in August 2021, pleading guilty to a reduced charge of unlawful possession of a weapon. He was sentenced to 3 years of probation and 200 hours of community service, avoiding jail time. An officer involved in the arrest, Officer Avella, was treated for a minor injury, while Fivio was examined by EMS for minor scrapes from the chase. So, is Fivio Foreign in jail for this incident? No, he resolved the case without incarceration, but the event marked a turning point in his public image.

Current Status: Is Fivio Foreign in Jail?

As of May 1, 2025, Fivio Foreign is not in jail. After resolving his 2021 weapons charges through a plea deal, he has managed to stay out of legal trouble, focusing on his music career instead. There are no recent reports of new arrests or charges, and Fivio has been active on social media, promoting his latest projects and performing at events like Rolling Loud New York in September 2024. His probation from the 2021 plea deal ended in August 2024, leaving him free of legal restrictions for the first time in years.

Fans have speculated about his status due to his past legal issues, with some X users asking, “Did Fivio get locked up again?” after he went quiet on social media in early 2025. However, his recent activity—posting a studio session on Instagram on April 20, 2025—confirms he’s not behind bars. Is Fivio Foreign in jail? The answer is no, but his history suggests he’s not immune to future trouble if he doesn’t stay on the right path.

Why the Jail Rumors Keep Swirling

The question “Is Fivio Foreign in jail?” persists because of his past legal troubles and the broader context of drill music’s association with crime. Drill rappers often face heightened scrutiny from law enforcement, who view their lyrics as evidence of gang activity. Fivio’s own lyrics, like “I keep a stick on me, I’m ready to pop” from “Big Drip,” have been cited by critics as glorifying violence, though he insists they’re just art. “They don’t understand the culture,” he said in a 2022 interview, addressing the profiling of drill artists.

His 2021 arrest for weapons possession, coupled with the earlier domestic violence allegations, created a narrative of legal woes that fans haven’t forgotten. When Fivio goes quiet on social media, as he did in early 2025, rumors flare up, with some fans speculating, “He’s probably locked up again.” The lack of transparency about his 2021 plea deal—details were scarce beyond the probation sentence—also fuels speculation. Add to that the high-profile arrests of other drill artists, like Pop Smoke’s tragic death in 2020, and it’s no wonder fans keep asking: Is Fivio Foreign in jail?

The Bigger Picture: Drill Music and Legal Scrutiny

Fivio Foreign’s legal troubles highlight a broader issue facing drill artists: the intersection of their music and law enforcement scrutiny. In New York City, drill music has been blamed for a rise in gang violence, with the NYPD launching initiatives like “Operation Drilly” in 2022, which led to the arrests of 20 alleged gang members, many of whom were aspiring rappers. Mayor Eric Adams even called for a ban on drill music in 2022, arguing that its lyrics incite violence, though the proposal was met with backlash from artists and free speech advocates.

According to the Brennan Center for Justice, at least 500 criminal cases in the U.S. from 2019 to 2023 used rap lyrics as evidence, with Black and Latino artists disproportionately targeted. Fivio Foreign, as a prominent drill rapper, fits this profile, and his 2021 arrest for weapons possession was seen by some as part of this trend. “They’re trying to silence us,” Fivio said in a 2021 Instagram Live, addressing the profiling of drill artists. While he’s avoided jail so far, the question remains: Is Fivio Foreign in jail next time the law comes knocking?

Redwood County Connection: A Local Perspective

In Redwood County, where hip-hop culture resonates with younger residents, Fivio Foreign’s music has found a small but dedicated audience. Local teens in Redwood Falls have cited him as an influence, with some hosting underground listening parties featuring tracks like “City of Gods.” But his legal troubles have sparked concern among community leaders. “We don’t want our kids idolizing someone who might end up in jail,” a Redwood Falls teacher said at a 2024 community forum, reflecting worries about the impact of drill music on youth. While Fivio’s legal issues are centered in New York and New Jersey, the question—Is Fivio Foreign in jail?—echoes even in rural Minnesota, where his music carries cultural weight.

What’s Next for Fivio Foreign?

As of May 1, 2025, Fivio Foreign is free and focusing on his music career. He dropped a new single, “No Favors,” on March 15, 2025, which has already garnered 2 million streams on Spotify, signaling a return to form after a quieter period. He’s also teased a new album for late 2025, potentially featuring collaborations with artists like Lil Durk and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, according to a recent Instagram post. His performance at Rolling Loud New York in September 2024 was a highlight, with fans chanting “Fivio! Fivio!” as he performed “Big Drip,” showing his enduring popularity.

But the specter of his past legal troubles looms large. If Fivio Foreign faces new charges or violates the law again, the question—Is Fivio Foreign in jail?—could have a different answer. For now, he’s free to continue his ascent in the drill scene, but he’ll need to tread carefully to avoid becoming another statistic in the criminal justice system’s crackdown on rap artists. His story is a reminder of the fine line between fame and freedom, especially for those in the spotlight of drill music.