Bobby Shmurda, a rapper who popularized the first viral rap dance that would become common on TikTok, was released from prison Tuesday morning.
The “Hot Boy” rapper, whose real name is Ackquille Pollard, was conditionally released from Clinton Correctional Facility in New York about 8:30 a.m. ET Tuesday, according to New York’s Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. He will be under community supervision until his sentence is completed on Feb. 23, 2026, according to a report by USA Today.
The 26-year-old was plastered across social media and hip-hop magazines in 2014 when his music video for “Hot Boy” went viral along with the video’s “Shmoney Dance.” Before ever releasing an album, he garnered millions of YouTube videos and even an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”
It would be just days after his performance on that late-night talk show, in December 2014, that Shmurda was arrested after leaving a recording studio. Investigators said they found two handguns and a small amount of crack cocaine in the car transporting the rapper. He was arrested with fellow GS9 music collective members, including rapper Rowdy Rebel, on conspiracy to murder, weapons possession and reckless endangerment charges.
Authorities linked the New York emcee to multiple gang-related incidents, including one in which Shmurda allegedly fired a gun into a crowd at a Brooklyn barbershop. Ultimately, he was sentenced to seven years in prison after a guilty plea on charges he conspired with a violent drug gang, a plea he claimed he was railroaded into taking, according to The Associated Press.
Even in the age of short attention spans and even shorter music careers, fans seemed to root for Shmurda throughout his entire sentence. Around his birthday last year, fans had predicted and campaigned for the hip-hop artist’s release. His mother posted a tender birthday tribute on Instagram in his honor.
“I wish you Longevity, Great Health, Wealth and Prosperity and may all you life’s desires be fulfilled. LAST ONE IN BABY WE SHOOTING FOR ALL THE STARS IN THE SKY!!!!!”
In an Instagram story Monday, Shmurda told fans their support did not go unnoticed.
“I love you all and look forward to seeing you all soon,” he added. The rapper also posted a scene from the movie “King of New York” on Instagram on Monday and wrote, “How the (expletive) y’all forget about me”
He’ll get a lift from Atlanta rapper Quavo
Migos member Quavo announced in an interview with Billboard published Monday that he planned to give Shmurda a ride home after his release.
The Migos member, whose real name is Quavious Keyate Marshall, revealed he was picking up Shmurda from prison after his release.
“I’m going to get my guy,” said Quavo. “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.”
The two were collaborators before the prison sentence. The “Shmurda She Wrote” lyricist and Migos were working on a joint mixtape titled “Shmigo Gang.” Quavo also teased another collaboration in the stash at the end of 2019.
Fans were elated to hear of Shmurda’s release and the kind gesture from the metro Atlanta rapper.
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