Meek Mill to be released from prison immediately

“I’d like to thank God, my family, and all my public advocates for their love, support and encouragement during this difficult time. While the past five months have been a nightmare, the prayers, visits, calls, letters and rallies have helped me stay positive,” Meek Mill, whose real name is Robert Williams, said on Twitter.

Michael Rubin, co-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team and the New Jersey Devils hockey team, and comedian Kevin Hart will reportedly pick up Meek Mill from prison. The rapper is expected to be at the 76ers game Tuesday night.

Williams was sentenced in November to two to four years in prison for violating probation, which stemmed from a 2008 gun and drug case. He originally served eight months for the conviction, and has been in and out of court since for violating probation rules.

The sentence was handed down by Judge Genece Brinkley, despite a recommendation by the prosecutor against jail time.

There have been demonstrations and rallies throughout Philadelphia in the past few months, and Meek Mill has received an outpouring of support from various celebrities, athletes, and public figures.

In November, rapper Jay-Z wrote an op-ed in the New York Times calling Williams’ sentence “just one example of how our criminal justice system entraps and harasses hundreds of thousands of black people every day.”

On Twitter, Meek Mill said he will work with his legal team “to overturn this unwarranted conviction and look forward to reuniting with my family and resuming my music career.”