Quando Rondo, whose real name is Tyquian Bowman, officially started serving a 33-month federal prison sentence on January 10, 2025. He accepted responsibility for his actions during the court proceedings and expressed remorse, stating his intention to use this time for personal growth and rehabilitation. He will serve his sentence at either FCI Jesup or FCI Estil and will also have three years of supervised release, including mandatory mental health treatment and routine drug testing. This moment is a significant turning point for the Savannah rapper, whose music has always reflected his life’s challenges and triumphs.
Known for his heartfelt lyrics and raw storytelling, Quando rose to fame by speaking directly to listeners who shared his struggles. Now, his story takes a new direction that many fans find bittersweet. His sentencing follows a guilty plea in August 2024 to conspiracy to possess and distribute marijuana. Initially facing more serious charges tied to drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine, he accepted a plea deal that reduced the severity of his case, sparing him a potentially much longer sentence.
In addition to the prison time, he was ordered to pay a $40,000 fine and will be subject to three years of supervised release once his sentence is complete. During that time, he’ll be required to undergo drug testing, mental health counseling, and educational programs. If all goes smoothly, he could be released in October 2027.
Quando spoke openly in court, taking full responsibility for his actions. He admitted his mistakes, saying,
“I did the wrong thing, and I’m getting punished for it,”
while regretting how his choices have affected those close to him. His words showed a willingness to grow and to use this time to better himself.
For fans, this moment is particularly heavy. Quando’s music has always drawn from the raw realities of his life, and his openness about pain, loss, and survival has made him a deeply relatable figure. Songs like “Scarred from Love” and “Depression” connect because they come from a place of honesty and struggle. Now, as he faces this setback, it feels like another chapter in a story that so many of his listeners understand all too well.
The legal system’s focus on rappers’ influence has been a recurring theme in cases like this. Prosecutors argued that, as a public figure, Quando carries responsibility for how young fans perceive his actions. This is a heavy burden for any artist, especially one navigating the pressures of fame while dealing with personal challenges.
This isn’t the end of his legal battles, either. He’s still facing state-level charges related to alleged gang activity and drug offenses in Georgia, though those cases are on hold while he serves his federal sentence. He also has an unresolved DUI case from a 2023 incident. These challenges could complicate things further, but fans are hopeful that Quando will emerge stronger and more focused.
It’s hard to predict what’s next for him, but his time away might lead to a period of reflection and growth that could inspire new music. For an artist like Quando, whose work has always been rooted in truth, this chapter could bring powerful new material that resonates with the people who’ve been with him through every step of his journey.
