Brooklyn rapper Fivio Foreign has spent nearly all of 2025 behind bars — but there may finally be a path toward freedom.
The “City of Gods” hitmaker, who was arrested on New Year’s Day in Edgewater, New Jersey, has pleaded guilty to one count of terroristic threats, a third-degree charge for threatening to commit violence, according to the New Jersey Public Information Officer speaking to TMZ Hip Hop.
Charges Reduced After Initial Weapons Arrest
The plea deal marks a significant shift in the case. Fivio Foreign (real name: Maxie Ryles III) was initially facing four serious charges, including:
- Unlawful possession of a weapon
- Aggravated assault
- Terroristic threats
- Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
But now, with the guilty plea focused solely on the terroristic threats charge, Fivio’s legal team believes the remaining charges will be dismissed in court — a major development that could lead to his release on probation.
More Read
Attorney Confirms Deal, Pushes for Leniency
Fivio’s attorney, Adam Lustberg, confirmed the reduced plea and expressed optimism about the sentencing outcome.
“We’re hopeful he’ll receive probation,” Lustberg told TMZ, citing the fact that Fivio has already spent nearly six months in jail since the arrest.
“He’s accepted responsibility, and we’re looking forward to his day in court this August.”
Lustberg also emphasized that Fivio’s time in custody — which has kept him out of the spotlight and away from music — should factor heavily into the court’s final decision.
The Allegation: Dispute Over a Jumpstart
Fivio’s arrest stemmed from a bizarre and tense situation in Edgewater, NJ, on January 1, 2025. According to police reports, a woman approached the rapper asking for a car jump, but instead of lending a hand, she claimed Fivio pulled a gun on her and threatened violence.
Edgewater police quickly arrived at the scene, and Fivio was taken into custody and later charged with multiple counts related to the alleged firearm incident.
At the time, the arrest made headlines — especially given the rapper’s high-profile collaborations with Kanye West, Alicia Keys, and Nicki Minaj in recent years.
A Rough Year for the Brooklyn Rapper
For Fivio, 2025 has been a major setback. At the time of his arrest, he had been preparing for a series of new music releases, including collaborations and a planned tour. Those projects are now on hold, and his absence from the industry has not gone unnoticed by fans.
Still, despite the legal woes, Fivio’s team is confident that he can bounce back — especially if the sentencing judge opts for probation instead of additional jail time.
Sentencing Set for August
With the plea agreement now in place, sentencing is scheduled for August 2025, when the court will determine whether Fivio Foreign will receive:
- Probation (the best-case scenario for his team)
- Time served (recognizing the six months he’s already spent incarcerated)
- Additional jail time (if the court finds the offense more severe)
Legal experts say that pleading guilty to a third-degree charge often opens the door to non-custodial sentences, especially if the defendant has no violent history or if there are mitigating factors — like cooperation, remorse, or lack of prior convictions.
What’s Next for Fivio Foreign?
If probation is granted, Fivio Foreign will likely be required to comply with strict supervision terms, including regular check-ins, potential travel restrictions, and possibly anger management or community service.
That said, fans and the music industry are watching closely, with many hoping the Brooklyn drill artist can return to the spotlight after this legal turbulence.
The rapper had already made a name for himself as one of the leading voices in the Brooklyn drill movement, and his collaborations with big names like Pop Smoke, Kanye West, and Lil Tjay helped push him into the mainstream.
Final Thoughts
While 2025 started off on a rocky note for Fivio Foreign, the latest legal developments suggest that his year may not be a total loss after all.
With the most serious charges expected to be dropped and sentencing around the corner, the rapper might soon trade his jail cell for the recording studio — and fans are eager to hear what he has to say when that day comes.
