Rappers With rap sheets
Karyn Amira
Issue date: 2/1/07 Section: Arts and Entertainment
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Over the years, we as pop culture consumers and onlookers have watched various celebrities sink relatively low in the public eye. For some, its hard not to, as being in the wrong place at the wrong time can easily tarnish a reputation. P. Diddy demonstrates an exemplary case study. His lawsuit involving a nightclub shooting resulted in a court case and a name change. Others, however, may bring infamy upon themselves. The two names that stick out the most are clearly Michael Jackson and OJ Simpson.
Recently, Jackson's spokeswoman reported that he was back in the United States after a yearlong hiatus in France and Ireland. The pop superstar decided to escape the incessant paparazzi by fleeing the country after being acquitted in his most recent child molestation lawsuit in 2005. Consequently, he plans to tour in Japan again, where his fan base is unconditional and supportive.
Although celebrities such as Jackson and Simpson have faced widespread criticism due to large-scale criminal court cases, other celebrities over the past few years have developed a rap sheet of smaller, nay concerning criminal charges. There are constantly a few rappers who push the legal limit.
Coolio, the dread-locked mid 90s rap phenomenon, has come dangerously close to criminal status since his breakthrough on the Dangerous Minds soundtrack. His slew of criminal charges include shoplifting, assault on a store owner and driving on the wrong side of the road with an expired license, a concealed weapon, and marijuana. He was also threatened to be charged with inciting crime after recommending that those who could not afford his album should steal it. Fortunately for Coolio, these charges blew over without a terrible public response.
My most recent concern for the rap industry is Busta Rhymes. Busta can be summed up in two separate phrases. The first: a Jamaican influenced, high-speed rapper with solid credentials. The second: punk. Busta was released on bail on January 4th for allegedly beating a man over a money dispute. The victim, Busta's driver, reported that he beat him with his fist over his head and his neck. Although Busta voluntarily turned himself into the police and denies all allegations, this is not his first run-in with the law. Earlier this year, Busta was charged with assaulting a fan that spit on his car. He also faces charges for possession of a weapon after police searched his car and found a ten-inch blade. Coincidentally, Busta's bodyguard was shot and killed on the set of his upcoming music video, "Touch It". To make matters worse, Busta's flood of arrests and misdemeanors has resulted in concert cancellations in the past, leaving fans disappointed. A word of advice for a very promising and talented rapper: bust rhymes, not caps.
Recently, Jackson's spokeswoman reported that he was back in the United States after a yearlong hiatus in France and Ireland. The pop superstar decided to escape the incessant paparazzi by fleeing the country after being acquitted in his most recent child molestation lawsuit in 2005. Consequently, he plans to tour in Japan again, where his fan base is unconditional and supportive.
Although celebrities such as Jackson and Simpson have faced widespread criticism due to large-scale criminal court cases, other celebrities over the past few years have developed a rap sheet of smaller, nay concerning criminal charges. There are constantly a few rappers who push the legal limit.
Coolio, the dread-locked mid 90s rap phenomenon, has come dangerously close to criminal status since his breakthrough on the Dangerous Minds soundtrack. His slew of criminal charges include shoplifting, assault on a store owner and driving on the wrong side of the road with an expired license, a concealed weapon, and marijuana. He was also threatened to be charged with inciting crime after recommending that those who could not afford his album should steal it. Fortunately for Coolio, these charges blew over without a terrible public response.
My most recent concern for the rap industry is Busta Rhymes. Busta can be summed up in two separate phrases. The first: a Jamaican influenced, high-speed rapper with solid credentials. The second: punk. Busta was released on bail on January 4th for allegedly beating a man over a money dispute. The victim, Busta's driver, reported that he beat him with his fist over his head and his neck. Although Busta voluntarily turned himself into the police and denies all allegations, this is not his first run-in with the law. Earlier this year, Busta was charged with assaulting a fan that spit on his car. He also faces charges for possession of a weapon after police searched his car and found a ten-inch blade. Coincidentally, Busta's bodyguard was shot and killed on the set of his upcoming music video, "Touch It". To make matters worse, Busta's flood of arrests and misdemeanors has resulted in concert cancellations in the past, leaving fans disappointed. A word of advice for a very promising and talented rapper: bust rhymes, not caps.
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