This column was originally about Shyne’s possible deportation a couple weeks ago. However, I realized that he wasn’t the only rapper with legal woes. Hip-hop was founded on principles of education and entertainment. Lately, fans seem to learn from popular hip-hop, how to avoid jail time by doing the opposite of what rappers say and do.
In a previous column I said the “hip-hop generation” has a responsibility to set a positive example for the kids who emulate the lifestyles. I was called a hater. Almost a year later, I wonder if I was too hard on rappers.
The unwritten rules that people say got Shyne tossed into a prison cell are the inspiration behind the “Stop Snitching” T-shirts worn by idiots and crack heads today.
According to a court of law, Jamal Barrow was found guilty of firing a loaded handgun into a crowded nightclub. According to the court of hood opinion, Jamal “Shyne” Barrow is guilty of only being a scapegoat for Sean “Diddy” Combs.
He’s considered a musical martyr to young men and women who follow the street code.
Because of his conviction, Barrow faces deportation. During all of this, Combs promised to help Shyne fight his charges. I wonder if that pledge applies to his immigration hearing as well.
Another well-known rapper, Lil Boosie, was sentenced to two years in prison for drug and gun possession charges.
I still wonder why and how a diabetic is hopping around talking about how gangster he is. Wouldn’t he be concerned about complications from using all the illicit drugs he claims to use?
Apparently somebody thinks the poor choices Lil Boosie made aren’t enough to have him locked up, because folks trying to start a “Free Lil Boosie” cyber campaign. I doubt it will grow past Baton Rouge.
The issues that Shyne and Lil Boosie face are not new or special. Rappers are in the public eye, and their legal issues become fodder for those looking for something to vilify the entire culture. And on a bigger level, Blacks and Latinos who encompass the bulk of the culture are implicated.
We can ill afford to continue on the path that we are on; without learning from the mistakes of men like Shyne and Lil Boosie, we are doomed to subtle, yet brutal genocide.
Jamal “Shyne” Barrow is guilty of only being a scapegoat for Sean “Diddy” Combs.
He’s considered a musical martyr to young men and women who follow the street code.
Because of his conviction, Barrow faces deportation. During all of this, Combs promised to help Shyne fight his charges. I wonder if that pledge applies to his immigration hearing as well.
Another well-known rapper, Lil Boosie, was sentenced to two years in prison for drug and gun possession charges.
I still wonder why and how a diabetic is hopping around talking about how gangster he is. Wouldn’t he be concerned about complications from using all the illicit drugs he claims to use?
Apparently somebody thinks the poor choices Lil Boosie made aren’t enough to have him locked up, because folks trying to start a “Free Lil Boosie” cyber campaign. I doubt it will grow past Baton Rouge.
The issues that Shyne and Lil Boosie face are not new or special. Rappers are in the public eye, and their legal issues become fodder for those looking for something to vilify the entire hip-hop culture, and on a bigger level, Blacks and Latinos who encompass the bulk of the culture.
We can ill afford to continue on the path that we are on; without learning from the mistakes of men like Shyne and Lil Boosie, we are doomed to subtle, yet brutal genocide.
Justin LaGrande is a recent graduate of Grambling State University.