Gucci Mane Released From Jail, Announces New Album and Tour

Gucci Mane was released from Atlanta's Fulton County Jail around 12:30AM on May 12, after serving six months of a one-year prison sentence for parole violation stemming from a 2005 assault charge. He was greeted by fellow ATL rapper Shawty Lo before addressing a small group of press and fans with a prepared statement.

"I have made some mistakes in my life that have hurt a lot of people who care about me. I have worked very hard to get past them, but those mistakes have brought me to where I am today, and they will not be repeated," he said. "These past six months have been a difficult time, but fortunately I have learned a great deal from my experience. I was able to do a great deal of soul searching; I am coming out with a new attitude towards life."

Gucci began his jail sentence in November, just prior to the release of his second album 'The State vs. Radric Davis,' which debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200. During his incarceration, Gucci also released his 'Burrrprint (2)' mixtape, which successfully entered the Billboard Top 20, but he expressed disappointment that he was trapped behind bars for both milestones.

"Unfortunately, my incarceration also came at a pivotal point in my career, just as my first major label album was dropping. I was forced to miss what should have been one of the proudest moments of my life," he explained. "This is something I will make sure never happens again. My time in jail was trying, but I grew from it and am now a stronger and better person. I want to continue on a positive track and truly focus on being a role model to my fans and my community."

Gucci also confirmed that he has officially parted ways former label, So Icey Entertainment, as well as his management company Mizay Entertainment and booking agency Hitt Afta Hitt Enterprises. "I have launched a new label, 1017 Brick Squad Records in affiliation with Asylum/Warner Bros. Records, and I'm working with a new team," he said.

The Atlanta rapper announced that he will launch a nationwide tour in July, followed by the release of his new album 'The Appeal' later this summer. Projects from his Brick Squad artists, including Waka Flocka Flame and OJ Da Juiceman will follow later in the year. To watch Gucci Mane's post-prison press conference head here.