Few rap artists have been as instrumental to the game as YFN Lucci. Inking a deal with Think It’s A Game Records (TIG Records) in 2014, he wasted no time heating up the streets with his enthralling debut mixtape, Wish Me Well. Following the success of the project, the Summerhill rapper unleashed Wish Me Well 2 in 2016, quietly reinventing trap music with spurts of introspection packaged into social commentary about his everyday life. That same year, Lucci landed on XXL’s “50 Best Hip-Hop Songs of 2016” and Vibe’s “The 60 Best Songs of 2016” list. From anthemic tales about pain and triumph to frank, conscious bits that harken back to aspects of his troubled past, Lucci brings his unadulterated truth to the forefront. At a relentless pace without comparison, he has reeled in RIAA certifications for several songs – including the platinum-certified “Key to the Streets” (feat. Migos & Trouble), the Billboard-charting “Everyday We Lit” (feat. PnB Rock), which peaked at no. 33 on the Hot 100 Chart (and amassed over 600 million cumulative streams), and the gold-selling smash “Heartless.” In addition, 2019’s “All Night Long” (feat. Trey Songz) reached the top 10 at Urban Radio, and hit single “Wet (She Got That…)” emerged as the #1 most-added at Urban Radio with more than 100 million TikTok views. 2020’s acclaimed Wish Me Well 3 closed out the mixtape series, adding an exclamation point to Lucci’s prolific discography. Delivering an unmatched output in terms of volume and quality, Lucci has left an indelible mark as a collaborator, too, proven repeatedly through his collection of bona fide hits with artists such as Rich Homie Quan, Latto, Boosie Badazz, Jeezy, Yo Gotti, and Rick Ross, among others. But his impact extends far beyond music. Underscored by his non-profit, Well Wishes Community Organization, Inc., Lucci’s philanthropic endeavors emphasize a commitment to improving the lives of residents through various giveback initiatives. And yet, Lucci’s greatest accomplishment is becoming a father: “It’s not about the money, it’s the bonding part.” The rapper born Rayshawn Bennett has four children – three daughters and one son – all of whom bring him a proud sense of responsibility and love. It’s those exact experiences that inspire him to create music in the first place. It’s his steadfast and resolute commitment to prioritizing the needs and well-being of others above his own that makes it all worthwhile. But loyalty may also involve sacrifices, and potentially, a cost of opportunity. In this instance, loyalty cost Lucci his freedom. After being charged with multiple felonies in Atlanta, he was facing a potential life sentence before pleading guilty to one count of violating the Georgia Street Gang Terroism and Prevention Act, and was sentenced to 10 years in prison (Jan. 2021). With faith as his primary source of strength and comfort, Lucci was released on parole earlier this year (Jan. 2025). Now, with renewed vigor and inspiration, Lucci is readying fans old and new for his next chapter. As an icon for his generation, with his signature blend of grit, nuance, and sing-song melodies, the Wish Me Well rapper is primed to change the game once again – starting with his first single since returning home entitled “JAN. 31st (my truth).”
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