Kevin Gates is back.

On Wednesday morning (Jan. 10), TMZ reports the rapper was released from East Moline Correctional Center in Illinois, a week after it was confirmed he'd be a free man.

Gates had served nine months of a slated 30-month prison stint for felony gun possession at the time he was released today. Gates had previously served six months in jail for kicking a female fan in the chest during one of his concerts, but on the day he was supposed to be released from Florida's Polk County Jail on March 24, 2017, he was held on an out of state warrant for a felony gun possession charge in Illinois.

From there, Gates was sentenced to 30 months in prison on April 26, 2017. Now he's free.

As part of the conditions for his release, Gates will be on mandatory supervision, and he's not allowed to own any firearms. Sounds like a decent trade.

Gates went to his Twitter and Instagram account and shared an image of the words "I'M HIM." Is this the title of a new song, new album or simply a statement? We'll have to wait and see.

Speaking with TMZ last week, Gates' lawyer explained that his client would devote "considerable time and resources" to making sure teens would avoid many of the same mistakes he's made over the course of his life. That might be a good idea.

Gates was on the verge of full-blown superstardom following the release of his 2016 effort, Islah. With its vivid street lyrics and infinitely memorable melodies, the project earned Gates plenty of critical acclaim and a platinum plaque—without the aid of any features.

Some of that momentum was lost when Gates went behind bars. Now, he can pick up the pieces and resume what start off what should be a very successful 2018.

XXL has reached out to Gates' team at Atlantic Records for comment.

Illinois Department of Corrections
Illinois Department of Corrections
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