North Carolina rapper Petey Pablo released from prison after 2 years

Now, while the world may have forgotten about Petey Pablo, I haven't. I was just listening to "Rep Yo City" with him E-40, Bun-B and Eightball last week. Good to see him come home. TMZ reports:

Petey was arrested at Raleigh Durham Airport on SEPTEMBER 11, 2010 ... after cops say he tried to take a stolen gun through airport security.

Pablo was sentenced to 35 months behind bars at a federal prison ... but was released today, 4 months ahead of schedule.

Pablo now says he wants to return to hip-hop ... and has already hooked up with Timbaland.

"I'm now headed to the work shop," Pablo says ... "To begin what will be noted as my best work ever with one of the greatest producers of all time."

"See ya in a few, shirt still spinning!"