Rio da Yung OG, the Flint, Michigan rapper known for his gritty lyrics and raw storytelling, has been a major figure in the underground hip-hop scene for years. After being sentenced in 2019 and serving time in federal prison, fans have been eagerly waiting for his return to music and public life. Now in 2025, the wait is finally over — Rio da Yung OG has officially been released, marking a new chapter in his career and personal journey. If you're wondering about the exact Rio da Yung OG release date, what happened during his time behind bars, and what's next for him, you're in the right place.

Since his arrest in early 2019, Rio has been in and out of legal battles, eventually accepting a plea deal that would see him serve a portion of a five-year sentence. His time in prison didn’t stop him from staying connected with his fanbase, and in early 2025, he made a triumphant return with a new album and tour. The question on everyone’s lips — when did Rio da Yung OG get out of jail? — has now been answered with a clear timeline and celebration.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just catching wind of his story, this article breaks down everything you need to know about Rio da Yung OG’s release, his recent projects, and what’s next for the rapper as he re-enters the music world. Keep reading to find out how this moment fits into the bigger picture of his life and career.

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Table of Contents

• Rio da Yung OG: A Quick Biography
• Understanding the Rio da Yung OG Release Date
• Time Behind Bars: What Happened Between 2019 and 2024?
• The Rio Free Album: What Came After His Release
• Welcome Home Tour: What to Expect
• Frequently Asked Questions

Rio da Yung OG: A Quick Biography

Rio da Yung OG, born on April 19, 1995, in Flint, Michigan, rose to prominence in the late 2010s with a string of mixtapes that showcased his unique blend of melodic flows and street narratives. His music often reflects his personal experiences growing up in a rough neighborhood, dealing with loss, and navigating life in the underground rap scene.

Before his arrest in 2019, Rio had already built a loyal following, with hits like “City on My Back” gaining traction online. His style combines elements of drill, trap, and emo rap, making him a standout in the genre. Despite legal setbacks, he’s remained a consistent voice in independent hip-hop.

Below is a quick bio table with key personal details:

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Understanding the Rio da Yung OG Release Date

Rio da Yung OG was originally sentenced to five years in prison following a January 2019 arrest related to a firearms charge. However, he entered a plea deal in 2020 and didn’t start serving his sentence until the summer of 2021. That’s when things got a bit confusing for fans trying to track his release date — there were rumors, speculation, and even a few false claims online.

So, when did Rio da Yung OG get out of jail? The official date was December 8, 2024. That’s when he walked free after serving three years and eight months of his sentence. Many fans believed he might be released earlier due to good behavior, but that didn’t happen — at least not until the very end.

His release was quietly celebrated by his team and close friends, and just a few weeks later, he dropped his new album, RIO FREE, on January 10, 2025. The timing of the album made perfect sense — it was his way of reintroducing himself to the world after a long hiatus.

Time Behind Bars: What Happened Between 2019 and 2024?

After his 2019 arrest, Rio da Yung OG’s legal situation went through several stages before he officially entered prison in 2021. He was initially facing more serious charges, but after negotiations, he accepted a plea deal that reduced his potential sentence. Still, it meant spending a significant chunk of his prime years behind bars.

While incarcerated, Rio stayed active through social media and music releases. He recorded voice notes, shared messages with fans, and even dropped new tracks from prison. His ability to stay connected with his audience kept his name relevant, even during his absence from the public eye.

Some fans were worried he might not return to music, but Rio always made it clear he’d come back. In a now-viral Instagram story from 2023, he said, “I’m not done yet. I got more to say.” And sure enough, as soon as he was released, he got back to work — faster than many expected.

The Rio Free Album: What Came After His Release

Less than a month after being released, Rio da Yung OG dropped his new album, RIO FREE, on January 10, 2025. The project was a direct reflection of his experiences during incarceration and his excitement about being free again. It features a mix of emotional tracks, street anthems, and collaborations with artists who kept his legacy alive while he was away.

The album’s title says it all — it’s a celebration of his freedom and a statement that he’s not backing down. Tracks like “Out the Box” and “Still the GOAT” quickly gained traction online, showing that Rio still has a strong connection with his fanbase.

What’s impressive is how quickly he got the album together. Considering he was released in December 2024, he must have been working on the project almost immediately after getting out. That kind of hustle is exactly why fans respect him so much.

Welcome Home Tour: What to Expect

To celebrate his return, Rio da Yung OG announced his “Welcome Home Tour,” kicking off on January 18, 2025. The tour marks his first major run since his incarceration and is a way for him to reconnect with fans face-to-face.

The tour includes stops in major cities across the U.S., with dates in Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and of course, Flint — where it all began. Fans have been lining up for tickets, with many shows selling out within hours of going live.

This isn’t just a regular tour — it’s a celebration of freedom, resilience, and second chances. For many fans, seeing Rio perform live is more than just a concert — it’s a moment of closure and hope after years of waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Rio da Yung OG released from prison?

Rio da Yung OG was officially released from federal prison on December 8, 2024, after serving three years and eight months of a five-year sentence.

What did Rio da Yung OG do after getting out?

Shortly after his release, Rio dropped his new album RIO FREE on January 10, 2025, and announced his “Welcome Home Tour,” which started on January 18, 2025.

Was Rio da Yung OG supposed to get out earlier?

Some fans believed he might be released earlier due to good behavior, but there’s no official record of that happening. His actual release date was December 8, 2024.

For more updates on Rio da Yung OG’s music and tour, Learn more about the latest in underground hip-hop news.