Troy Ave Released From Rikers Island Prison After Serving Six Months; Celebrations and Controversies Follow

Rapper Troy Ave was released from Rikers Island on August 26, 2024, after serving six months of his one-year sentence for his involvement in the 2016 Irving Plaza shooting.

His release has sparked widespread attention, with the artist sharing his freedom and celebration on social media, alongside discussions about the events leading up to his imprisonment.

Troy Ave, born Roland Collins, was originally sentenced to a year in prison for attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.

Troy Ave Released From Prison

The sentencing followed his involvement in a deadly altercation at Irving Plaza, New York City, which resulted in the death of his bodyguard, Ronald “Banga” McPhatter.

The incident, which also involved podcast host Taxstone, escalated into a violent confrontation that left McPhatter dead and Troy Ave firing shots in self-defence.

Despite the initial one-year sentence, Troy Ave’s attorney, John B. Stella, successfully argued for a reduced time, citing the two months Collins had already spent in jail before making bail.

As a result, the rapper was released after serving just over six months of the original sentence. In a statement, Stella confirmed, “Under the law, he must serve eight months to satisfy that sentence.

Since he previously spent almost two months in jail before he made bail, the remaining balance of time he must serve is a little over six months.”

Troy Ave’s release was marked by a lavish celebration, which he enthusiastically shared on social media. Upon his release, the rapper was greeted with a $2 million gift and a red Lamborghini, reportedly from his girlfriend.

Clad in sunglasses and a mask, he posted photos of himself holding bags of cash and expensive liquor, captioned with a triumphant “Ya Boi Home!!” The extravagant display quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.

The celebrations were not without controversy, given the sombre nature of the events leading to his imprisonment.

Taxstone, who was also involved in the shooting, was handed a 35-year sentence for manslaughter and firearm possession as a felon, highlighting the stark difference in outcomes for the two men involved in the tragedy.

Before his sentencing earlier this year, Troy Ave addressed his fans on Instagram, expressing his belief that his actions were a response to a life-threatening situation.

“Somebody shot at me, and instead of laying down and dying, I’d have been a hero, a martyr. I took the gun and bust back,” he stated.

He remained defiant, adding, “But we don’t cry over spilt milk. We take the lemons and make lemonade. God is great, and the paper’s straight.”

Troy Ave’s career, marked by both musical success and legal challenges, continues to be a topic of discussion as he re-enters the public eye.

Whether his release marks a new chapter or simply adds another layer to his complex narrative remains to be seen.

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