By Rose Miami 
HangupsMusic.com – Five months removed from his release from incarceration, Memphis rapper Pooh Shiesty is exhibiting a profound level of renewed focus and strategic intent. As he gears up for his highly anticipated album, the artist is embracing a "CEO mindset," meticulously shaping the trajectory of his next career phase. His recent interview paints a vivid picture of an artist not just reclaiming his freedom, but redefining it through discipline, reflection, and an unyielding dedication to his craft.
For Pooh Shiesty, the concept of freedom has transcended mere abstract thought; it is now a tangible reality. The simple act of waking up in his own bed, preparing a meal in his own kitchen, and experiencing quiet solitude without external constraints represents a profound appreciation after over four years of confinement. His days are now deliberately structured, a regimen of introspection, self-imposed discipline, and the creation of music that will serve as the foundation for his future endeavors.
"Sometimes I just be laying here in the dark," Pooh Shiesty shared during his first interview since his release on October 6, 2025. "No phone, no nothing, you know? Just freedom, just space and privacy." The 26-year-old multiplatinum artist feels immensely grateful for the opportunity to return to the studio and operate on his own terms, a stark contrast to the regimented environment he endured. Having pleaded guilty in 2022 to charges related to firearms and drug trafficking stemming from a 2020 incident, he received a sentence of five years and three months. His return home, now establishing a residence in Texas, marks a significant turning point.
The relentless pace of his pre-incarceration life—marked by constant studio sessions, performances, and travel—now makes the quiet moments feel exceptionally vital. Pooh Shiesty is currently under home confinement, a situation that necessitates a considerable degree of self-regulation. While he possesses considerable freedom within these parameters, the discipline remains paramount. He describes his daily routine as beginning around 5:30 a.m., emphasizing a preference for early mornings dedicated to contemplation or catching up on rest. The remainder of his day is dedicated to physical activity, songwriting, music production, and strategic planning. This methodical approach defines his current headspace, a period of life that has intentionally slowed, allowing him to engage with aspects he once took for granted.
Cultivating a Creative Sanctuary
Music has always been intrinsically linked to Pooh Shiesty’s identity as a rapper, and he has diligently recreated the optimal environment for sustained productivity. He now boasts multiple studio setups, including one provided by his engineer, a mobile studio he personally ordered, and access to external studios when his release permits. His relocation to Texas has provided a tranquil setting conducive to his renewed focus. "In Texas, it felt like I had a good judgment, you know? I picked the right place. It’s cool, it’s collected, calm. It’s just chill. It’s what I wanted, what I imagined being in there [in prison]," he explained. This serene atmosphere, largely free from the distractions that previously obscured his vision, allows him to maintain an intense creative focus.
A Transformative Approach to Recording
Prior to his incarceration, Pooh Shiesty predominantly relied on a "punch-in" method for recording, a technique evident on his 2021 mixtape, Shiesty Season, and the chart-topping hit "Back in Blood" featuring Lil Durk. "Before I went to jail, I wasn’t writing at all," he admitted. "I was just punching in and just going to the microphone." This methodology underwent a significant transformation during his time inside. "But when I went in, I just been writing, writing, writing, writing, like, whatever free time I get to the point to where, you know, I got raps that’s taller than me, that’s up to my hips."
These extensive collections of lyrics were intended to fuel his initial post-release tracks. However, the realities of prison life, including frequent transfers and strict limitations on personal possessions, presented significant challenges in preserving his work. "But I was being moved so much that I had so much property that wasn’t allowed, like, I was exceeding the limit," he elaborated. "So, a lot of my property ended up getting took. Not by nobody or no inmates or nothing, but by just it being too much, you know? So, you might get a person that ain’t willing to help you or whatever, he throw away everything."
At one point, he faced the devastating loss of nearly all the lyrics he had meticulously written. "So, I had that happen to me, like a year-and-a-half before I finna get out. So I had to start all the way over, for real." This setback forced him to abandon a unique organizational strategy. "I had a plan for every rap. I was just gonna come home, go to the studio, put all my raps on my wall. And as I recorded, I was gonna take it down until the wall clear." With that plan dismantled, he recommenced his writing from scratch. "So, now I’m going extra hard," he asserted. "I ain’t going to sleep unless I make like three songs, even if it ain’t fully verses on there or it just a hook or whatever, but I gotta have, like, three different type of songs and flows and styles."
He showcased this renewed creative output on "FDO," his first single released post-incarceration. The five-minute, hook-less track features a barrage of potent lyricism, a testament to his time away. "When you meet me, you gon’ get real motivated, same day," he declared on the song, produced by longtime collaborator TP 808s and released on December 12, 2025. "FDO" achieved considerable success, peaking at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and accumulating over 34 million streams on Spotify, with its accompanying music video, highlighting his impressive car collection, garnering over 45 million YouTube views. To commemorate "FDO" reaching the top of the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, he acquired a $500,000 2026 Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4MATIC, a significant motivator as he prepares for his debut album, slated for release later this year via 1017 Global Music/Atlantic Records.
Rekindling Rap’s Fiery Spirit
Pooh Shiesty’s ambition extends beyond simply releasing new music; he aims to revitalize a specific energy within the genre. "I want that assertiveness, the aggressiveness," he stated. "It’s like music was getting a little too passive for me. I need to be in that mode to where you feeling what I’m saying, and if even you don’t understand what I’m saying, you can feel it because you know my situation." This potent energy was instrumental in his early rise with tracks like "Hell Night" featuring Big30 and continues to be a central tenet of his artistic vision.
Evolution Post-Incarceration
With five years having elapsed since his last full project, Pooh Shiesty acknowledges the heightened expectations from his fanbase. "I need to get this new music out here because Shiesty Season, don’t get me wrong, it’s some timeless music on there, but I think this [new music] is a little bit different," he revealed. The intervening years and his experiences have undoubtedly shaped him. "You gotta think about it," he continued. "That was, like, five years ago exactly. I evolve and adapt every day and get better and better and grow up every day, so y’all ain’t really heard nothing in five years except for that ‘Federal Contraband [2].’" Released in 2023 while still incarcerated, the song served as a stark reminder of his authenticity. "I experienced what I be rappin’, sh*t ain’t on me, it’s in me," he asserted on the track, a sentiment that resonates deeply.
The Pillars of Motivation: Faith, Family, and Music
During the most challenging periods of his incarceration, Pooh Shiesty found solace and strength in his faith, his family, and his passion for music. "You got all three of them," he articulated. "Faith, being blessed, knowing that I’m blessed and the situation could be way worse." His spirituality deepened significantly during this time. "I believe in God most definitely," Shiesty stated. "Wouldn’t be here talking to you without God." He dedicated considerable time to scripture and prayer, fostering a stronger connection with his spirituality. "I was reading the Bible, you know, I love the Bible. I love the book. I was praying a lot, too. I always prayed, you know? And when I pray, I like talk to him, you know? I just try to get a connection with him." He observed a profound strengthening of this connection during his confinement. "I know me being on the streets, from me going in there to coming out now, I can say my connection with God is way closer than what it was."
Witnessing the passage of time and the growth of his loved ones while he was away also served as a powerful motivator. "My family, watching them grow up, everybody that was just, that was 10 years old, they 15 now. Everybody that was 15 years old, 20 now. They growing up and they need me." His grandmother, a devout Christian, played a particularly influential role in shaping his perspective, instilling in him the importance of resilience and hard work. A viral video upon his return depicted a humorous moment where his grandmother expressed disapproval of his dreadlocks, humorously telling him to "Get them snakes up out your head." While acknowledging his grandmother’s affection and acceptance, he hinted at the possibility of eventually altering his hairstyle for her. He also spoke admiringly of his grandparents’ enduring marriage, especially following his grandfather’s passing during his incarceration. "She was hurt," he recalled. "She was tore up, but she kept it all together. She a real smart lady. I love her."
Above all, music served as a vital mental anchor. "Music, of course, was like 90 percent of my bid," he stated, referring to his time inside. Even while incarcerated, he remained connected to the broader hip-hop landscape, consuming music from artists like EST Gee, Big30, and Kevin Gates through various devices. He also engaged with motivational literature, including titles such as The 33 Strategies of War and Rich Dad Poor Dad.
Clarity of Mind
Pooh Shiesty’s transformation has also been marked by sobriety. His past struggles with lean use had significant repercussions, but he is now committed to a cleaner lifestyle. "My appetite got way better," he admitted. "I used to be tore up to the point where I barely can eat nothing or I’ll go all day without eating." The positive changes are now evident. "I can eat way better, got a better appetite, got a clear mind, I can see clear. Make a lot of rational decisions now." Friends and fans have also noticed a visible shift in his appearance. "I’m glowing now," he chuckled. "They be saying I’m glowing now." This transformation extends beyond physical well-being. "I’m way smarter, way faster, way more business-oriented," he asserted.
Building a Broader Enterprise
Looking ahead, Shiesty’s ambitions extend beyond the realm of music production. His "CMO" brand signifies this expanded vision, reflecting his evolution into a business-minded executive. "CMO, that’s the brand," he explained. "That’s the image. That’s the new way we pushing with trying to start these reform groups and these nonprofits and this record label." The acronym itself encompasses multiple interpretations: "Can’t Miss Opportunities" or "Chasing More Opportunities," and "Certified Members Only." The establishment of nonprofit initiatives holds particular significance for him. "That’s what we’re on right now," he revealed. "We trying to help these kids and better their future and clean up the community." Shiesty also intends to cultivate a roster for his forthcoming record label, identifying potential artists he has observed both before and during his incarceration. "I got a couple artists that I met incarcerated," Pooh detailed. "The best talents be in there." He is prepared to offer them opportunities should the circumstances align.
The Path Forward
His future trajectory is characterized by a commitment to elevation across personal, creative, and professional domains. "Man, long-term goals is just elevating, period," Pooh expressed. "Being able to go tour, being able to drop this music, being able to just perform and pop out and, you know, just take back over." He confidently declares, "2026 is the takeover year." Since February, Pooh has been generating anticipation for new music across social media platforms, teasing solo material and collaborations with fellow Memphis rapper K. Carbon and emerging artist Trim. The success of "FDO" has provided a powerful impetus for his debut album, which promises to be a highly anticipated release.
Despite his evident excitement for his upcoming album, Pooh Shiesty remains mindful of those still incarcerated. "Everybody still locked up, incarcerated, you know, y’all ain’t missing nothing out here, but a new iPhone. Keep y’all head up. Stay out the way. Stay away from the 4Gs. Get through that time, keep y’all chin up. Free everybody locked down doing calendars. Big Blrrrd." With this message of solidarity in mind, one certainty remains: Shiesty Season has officially commenced.