Lil Wayne Released From Prison, Leaves Rikers Island

Lil Wayne, who had been serving an eight month term at New York’s Rikers Island prison following a 2007 weapons charge, has been freed from jail. At 8:35 a.m., the Department of Corrections confirmed to MTV that the rapper was indeed released.

The headliner in the Young Money movement kept in contact with the public on several occasions, including a couple of phone calls to friends, family and music business associates such as the call-in to Funkmaster Flex’s radio show on NY’s Hot 97. It was recently reported that Lil Wayne’s jailhouse writings, including a series of letters that were released and featured as blog posts during his incarceration, may be turned into an official book project.

Lil Wayne’s time was marred by brief moments of controversy, including the confiscation of materials in May that included an mp3 player and headphones, items not permitted in the facility.

Young Money associates, including labelmate and prodigy Drake, tell MTV that a large Miami party is scheduled to celebrate his return, while Drake’s upcoming tour stop in Las Vegas on November 6 could mark Lil Wayne’s on-stage return.