Bobby Shmurda, Brooklyn Rapper With Jamaican Roots, Released From Prison
Beloved Brooklyn rapper Bobby Shmurda is officially a free man after six years and two months in federal prison.
Shmurda, whose real name is Ackquille Jean Pollard, is the youngest of two brothers. The rapper’s Jamaican father, Gervase Johnson, has been serving a life sentence since 1995 for attempted murder, according to Complex. His mother, Leslie Pollard, told TMZ that Bobby will enjoy quality family time and a nice dinner upon his release.
Bobby rose to fame with his gritty debut single Hot N*gga and its accompanying viral Shmoney Dance in 2014. The hit has amassed over 691M YouTube views and spawned many unofficial remixes by US rappers as well as a reggae version featuring Junior Reid, Mavado, Popcaan, and Jah X.
Dancing aficionado Elephant Man also hopped on the viral hit with his track Money Dance and a music video featuring the then 22-year-old rap sensation.
The response to Shmurda’s homecoming has swept social media, as fans and celebrities alike share in the moment, already making him a trending topic.
“Shmurda Home King Of New York S—t!! Big Blood But I Support A Real Loc”, Chris Brown tweeted.
And recently, a Twitter video, from Bobby’s now scrubbed Instagram account, resurfaced from one user, who had said it ‘showed his Jamaican side.’
https://twitter.com/zoebrincess/status/1236088669699702786
Meanwhile, Migos member Quavo, who toured with Shmurda back in the day, personally picked him up from prison following his release.
“I’m going to get my guy,” Quavo told Billboard. “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.”
On Tuesday, Quavo shared a clip of the two of them stepping off his private plane “Did Six And Didn’t Switch Welcome Home!” Quavo captioned the Instagram video tagging Shmurda.
Comments from equally enthused users read, “If you not from NY, you should cash app someone from NY for a bottle today, Bobby free. Its a holiday!”, while others who are looking forward to his return to music said, “Clock is ticking Bobby Follow in Kodak’s footsteps and drop a whole video tonightttt!”
Bobby Shmurda talking to his mom after he got out 🙏https://t.co/cF14YJjizU
— XXL Magazine (@XXL) February 23, 2021
The impact of Shmurda’s stunted music career remained a hot topic while he was incarcerated. At just 19 years old he had signed a record deal with Epic Records and had already collaborated with heavyweights such as Spragga Benz on Switch It Up by the time of his sentencing.
Shmurda was indicted and later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder, weapons possession, and reckless endangerment. At the time, it was alleged he was the ringleader of GS9, an offshoot of the infamous Los Angeles gang, The Crips.
The rapper shared a five-minute clip from the 1990 film Kings Of New York to celebrate his return. “How the fuc y’all forget about me,” he wrote in the caption with a raised eyebrow emoji.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CLlhq16HmeJ/
He also shared a heartfelt message on his IG Stories mere hours before his release.
“Thank you for remaining loyal and for riding this six year sentence out with me,” Shmurda said. “I love you all and look forward to seeing you soon.”
Shmurda will remain under community supervision until his sentence is completed on Feb. 23, 2026.