Fetty Wap Biography: Eye Injury, Tragic Loss, and Legal Troubles

There’s something about Fetty Wap that sticks with you — his unmistakable voice, the way “Trap Queen” became a cultural reset, and the story behind his missing left eye. But beyond the hits and the viral moments, his life has been shaped by a series of personal tragedies and legal battles that rarely make the playlist. Here’s a look at the real person behind the moniker, from his childhood in Paterson to his recent release from federal prison.

Stage name: Fetty Wap ·
Real name: Willie Junior Maxwell II ·
Born: June 7, 1991 ·
Birthplace: Paterson, New Jersey ·
Genre: Hip hop, pop, R&B

The pattern: His story balances verified legal outcomes against private grief that resists complete documentation.

Six quick facts that paint the picture:

How many baby mamas does Fetty Wap have?

Fetty Wap has at least four children with different women, though he has never publicly confirmed an exact number. His relationships have been a subject of tabloid interest, partly because of his rapid rise and the personal narratives woven into his music.

• Number of children: At least four, based on public records and interviews (The Fader article).
• Number of mothers: Multiple; the precise count is not publicly known.

Why did Fetty Wap’s daughter pass away?

Fetty Wap’s daughter Lauren died at age 4 from complications related to a heart defect. The rapper spoke about the loss in interviews, describing it as a devastating event that shaped his outlook. While the exact medical details remain private, the tragedy is widely acknowledged in media coverage.

The implication: personal grief became a quiet undercurrent to his public persona.

What does 1738 mean for Fetty Wap?

The number 1738 is a direct reference to Remy Martin 1738, a cognac brand Fetty Wap name-drops in his breakout hit “Trap Queen.” The line “I’m like, hey, what’s up, hello / 1738” became so iconic that the rapper even used it as a nickname.

• Origin: The number refers to Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal, a cognac named after the year the house was founded (Rémy Martin official site).
• Meaning in song: Used as a celebratory shout-out to luxury and success, typical of hip-hop culture.
• Relation to Fetty Wap: He popularized the phrase, and fans often associate 1738 directly with him.

The implication: a simple brand reference became a lasting identifier for a generation of listeners.

What was the accident that caused Fetty Wap to lose his eye?

Unlike the common misconception, Fetty Wap did not lose his eye in a car accident. The rapper himself clarified in a 2015 interview that he was born with congenital glaucoma and lost his left eye at six months old (The Fader interview). The confusion may stem from early media reports that inaccurately described a car crash.

• Accident type: Medical condition — congenital glaucoma.
• Age at loss: 6 months.
• Medical outcome: He wore a prosthetic eye for many years and later had reconstructive surgery (Yahoo Finance report).

The pattern: The car-accident rumor persisted despite direct correction by the rapper himself.

Timeline of key events

• 1991: Willie Junior Maxwell II born in Paterson, New Jersey.
• 1992: Loses left eye due to congenital glaucoma.
• 2014: Releases “Trap Queen” on SoundCloud, later signed to 300 Entertainment.
• 2016: Daughter Lauren dies at age 4 from a heart defect.
• 2022: Pleads guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances (ABC7 News report).
• May 24, 2023: Sentenced to 6 years in federal prison (U.S. Department of Justice).
• January 9, 2026: Released early to home confinement (The New York Times).
• Projected Nov 8, 2026: Expected end of confinement (CNN).

Quotes from Fetty Wap and officials

“I was born with glaucoma. I lost my eye at six months old.”

— Fetty Wap, interview with The Fader (2015)

“Maxwell was sentenced to 6 years in prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy.”

— U.S. Department of Justice (May 24, 2023)

For the artist who once commanded the charts, the return to civilian life begins under federal supervision. The trade-off: freedom, but with conditions that will last through most of 2026.

For a deeper look into his rise and fall, check out Fetty Waps full biography which covers his career, prison sentence, and family tragedies.

Frequently asked questions