I noticed that the rapper Ja Rule is headed to prison this week to begin a two-year sentence on a weapons charge. Being caught with a gun in New York is no joke, especially when you’re black. The NYPD stops and searches black males at alarming rates, and the state has no problem locking you down for a very long time
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I have yet to understand why black men see prison as some sort of "rite of passage", especially in the music industry. Does Ja Rule think that getting his album out before he goes in will help support his children financially? If I'm not mistaken, his prior albums had flopped so what makes this new one any different? What's next,a reality show when he is released? It seems to me as if prison is glorified by society to the point whereas young impressionable black children develop this idea that it is okay to go to jail and that everything will be okay if and when they are released. This saddens me that people with children do things like such without thinking about the consequences or the damaging effect that it has on their children who ultimately are hurt the most.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the article, it dumbfounds me to think that going to prison is something he is trying to "accomplish." Without downright saying it - it appears that he is using his sentence in prison to promote himself in the music industry. Yes he's "focused" on putting on music for his fans but he's also putting out the wrong image to not just African American children, but all children, adults, and teens who love his music. In my opinion, just another example of making money on everything whether it has a positive or negative influence. Artists today get so caught up in making money they forget what a powerful influence they have on our society.
ReplyDeleteJust to be honest, I think the problem is not that Mr. Rule or any man for that matter is proud of going to jail. I personal believe African American men and women have always felt they have to put on this fascia that we are strong and emotionless not matter what the situation is. That being said, I really hope he and other prisoners learn a lesson while they are behind bars, but we all know the prison system does a poor job at rehabilitating our youth both African American and other cultures alike.
ReplyDeleteIt's really a shame that making more money from rapping than most people won't even see in their lifetime isn't enough for some people to clean up their acts. I think that Sherita has a point in saying that going to jail is more of a bragging right to young black men. Simply because of what it says to the community about being imprisoned, that it means youre tough and a bad boy. Its really sad but true, and doesnt seem to be changing.
ReplyDeleteI don't care what anyone says, Ja Rule was the shiznick to me. I loved all of his songs with the upcoming R&B ladies, and his anthem to New York was off the chain. Still, as much as I love his music, I find it completly stupid to see another black hiphop artist going to jail over guns. Not only hiphop artists, but football, basketball, and politicians as well. I cringe when I watch the news, and see that another black person is being arrested. I don't understand why rich rappers, athletes, ect. with all this money, do things to put themselves at risk? Ja Rule's petty beef with 50cent could not have been this serious. I can't see 50cent risking his Vitamin Water millions over Ja Rule. Too many black people, that our children watch on 106 & Park are going to jail: Lil Lim, Foxy, Lil Wayne, TI, Micheal Vick.......Jail is not cool, and I bet that the main rappers that rap aboul jail as if it is, are the main ones crying in their cells.
ReplyDeleteJa Rule's desire for notoriety and financial success seems to be seriously misguided. As he ensues his prison career one can only hope that his priorities become more focused on his ability to send a positive message to his fan base. Prison time should not be viewed as an accolade! A prison sentence is supposed to be an opportunity for self reflection,rehabilitation, as well as self improvement. Instead celebrities use it as a media tool for the advancement of their careers. Society in general really needs to reassess their priorities.
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