G Herbo’s ‘Went Legit’: 5 Crucial Ways The Rapper Defined His Own Success After Federal Court Sentencing

The phrase "G Herbo went legit" is no longer just a fan theory or a meme; it is the title of a viral, late-2024 track that has become the definitive anthem for the Chicago rapper's career pivot. As of late 2025, this narrative of legitimacy is powerfully reinforced by the resolution of his high-profile legal battles and his relentless focus on mental health advocacy, marking a seismic shift from the 'Lil Herb' of the drill scene to the businessman and community leader Herbert Wright III.

The conversation around G Herbo's evolution—from a street-hardened lyricist detailing the realities of Chicago's East Side to a respected entrepreneur—has reached a fever pitch following the release of his song "Went Legit." The track itself serves as a candid, unapologetic reflection on the journey from a crime-filled past to achieving wealth and stability through legal means, a narrative now complicated and confirmed by the most recent updates on his federal wire fraud conspiracy case. This article breaks down the five most crucial ways G Herbo is defining his own version of 'legitimacy' in the current era.

G Herbo: Full Biography and Profile

Herbert Randall Wright III, known professionally as G Herbo (formerly Lil Herb), has cemented his status as a cornerstone of the Chicago drill music movement. His career, beginning in the early 2010s alongside collaborator Lil Bibby, has been characterized by raw, narrative-driven lyrics that detail the trauma and struggle of growing up in the city's rough neighborhoods.

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• Real Name: Herbert Randall Wright III
• Stage Names: G Herbo, Lil Herb
• Date of Birth: October 8, 1995
• Age (as of late 2025): 30
• Hometown: Chicago, Illinois (East Side)
• Career Start: Early 2010s, with breakout mixtape Welcome to Fazoland (2014)
• Genre: Drill, Gangsta Rap, Hip Hop
• Key Albums: Humble Beast (2017), Swervo (2018), PTSD (2020)
• Legal Issues: Federal wire fraud conspiracy, identity theft, unlawful use of a weapon.
• Philanthropy: Founder of the "Swervin' Through Stress" non-profit initiative.

1. The Legal Turning Point: Probation, Not Prison

The most significant and recent development cementing the "went legit" narrative is the long-awaited sentencing in his federal fraud case. After pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of making a false statement to a federal officer, G Herbo faced the possibility of years in prison.

In a major legal victory that surprised many, U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni ultimately sentenced Herbert Wright to three years' probation instead of the year-plus of jail time prosecutors had argued for.

This ruling, handed down in 2025, is arguably the most tangible evidence of the 'legit' evolution. The court's decision was likely influenced by several factors, including his guilty plea, his demonstrated commitment to mental health advocacy, and his willingness to take responsibility for past actions. As part of the sentencing, he was also ordered to pay restitution and a significant fine, closing a chapter that had loomed over his career for years. This outcome allows him to continue his music and business ventures without incarceration, effectively giving him the space to 'go legit' in the eyes of the law.

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2. The Viral Anthem: The Meaning Behind "Went Legit"

The song "Went Legit," which gained massive traction in mid-2025, is not just a catchy track—it's a direct lyrical manifesto on his transformation. The song’s meaning centers on the rapper's transition from a dangerous, crime-ridden existence to achieving massive financial success and stability through his music and brand.

Lyrically, G Herbo pairs gentle storytelling with a sense of acceptance and inner balance, contrasting his past life with his current reality of legitimate wealth. The track's popularity stems from its relatability to the broader cultural conversation about street artists making a successful transition to the mainstream, all while grappling with the consequences of their past. By naming the track "Went Legit," Herbo essentially owned the narrative, turning a potentially critical label into a badge of honor and a statement of fact.

The song's success highlights a key element of his professional evolution: the ability to generate wealth and maintain a high-profile lifestyle without relying on illicit activities. This shift is a powerful message to his fanbase and a clear indicator of his commitment to a new path.

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3. The True Business Venture: Swervin' Through Stress

Beyond his music, G Herbo's most meaningful and 'legit' endeavor is his philanthropic work through the "Swervin' Through Stress" initiative. Launched in recent years, this non-profit organization is a direct response to his own struggles with trauma and mental health, which he has openly discussed.

The mission of Swervin' Through Stress is to destigmatize mental health issues, particularly within the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. The organization provides tangible resources, including subsidized wellness services and connections to Black behavioral health specialists.

This commitment to community advocacy serves as a powerful counter-narrative to his legal troubles. It demonstrates a genuine desire to use his platform and personal experiences to create positive change, effectively transforming his trauma into a legitimate, impactful business of healing. Entities like the BIPOC community, behavioral health specialists, and mental health services are central to this legitimate, non-music-related venture.

4. Independent Hustle and Financial Freedom

G Herbo has consistently emphasized his status as a "self-made" artist, a theme that underpins the 'went legit' philosophy. Even deep into his career, he has maintained a strong level of independence, which is a significant business accomplishment in the modern music industry.

His financial freedom is rooted in strategic career moves and a focus on long-term stability. The evolution from the raw, street-level mixtapes to commercially successful albums like *Humble Beast* and *Swervo* showcases a rapper who mastered the economics of the music business. This independence means his success is tied to his creative output and branding, a truly legitimate and sustainable model, unlike the precarious financial schemes that led to his legal issues.

5. The Evolution of Drill Music’s Narrative

Finally, G Herbo's journey represents a broader, necessary evolution within the drill music genre. Drill has often been criticized for its dark themes and association with violence, but artists like Herbo are using their platform to shift the conversation toward healing and accountability.

By openly discussing his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and channeling his past experiences into a positive community initiative, G Herbo has become a leader in a new wave of hip-hop that prioritizes wellness and legitimate business structures. The narrative of "went legit" is, therefore, not just about personal wealth—it's about legitimizing the stories and struggles of his community through both his music and his actions, securing his legacy as a transitional figure in the drill scene.