Despite recent online speculation, YFN Lucci is very much alive. Rumors circulated widely on social media on Wednesday, September 18, suggesting that the 33-year-old rapper had passed away in prison. However, TMZ has confirmed that Lucci’s attorney, Drew Findling, has set the record straight, ensuring that the rapper remains alive and well.
In January, Lucci, whose real name is Rayshawn Bennett, entered a guilty plea to a gang-related charge. This plea was part of a deal that came nearly three years after his indictment on serious charges including murder, gang activities, and racketeering in Atlanta. Following his guilty plea, Lucci was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The recent death hoax is believed to have emerged in the wake of the passing of Rich Homie Quan, a former labelmate of Lucci. Quan, born Dequantes Lamar, was found deceased at his home earlier this month at the age of 34, though the cause of death has not been released.
Lucci was among twelve individuals indicted in April 2021 as part of a large-scale investigation targeting alleged members of the Bloods gang. Initially charged with murder related to a drive-by shooting, Lucci saw his case significantly reduced after agreeing to a plea deal. Prosecutors dropped 12 of the 13 charges against him, and Lucci pleaded guilty to a single count related to gang terrorism.
In a statement from his defense team—Drew Findling, Gabe Banks, and Marissa Goldberg—they noted, “After extensive litigation, including over two weeks of jury selection and three years of waiting in custody, the prosecution finally conceded and dismissed the murder and RICO charges against Mr. Bennett.” They also emphasized that Lucci had steadfastly refused to cooperate in any other case.
Lucci’s plea agreement, entered on January 23, 2024, resulted in a ten-year prison term and ten years of probation, with his time served being credited toward his sentence. The District Attorney of Fulton County has since supported his early release, proposing that Lucci could be eligible for release as soon as January 2025. Findling highlighted the significance of this support, calling it a crucial factor in Lucci’s potential early release.
