Wanna build buzz? Go to Jail

There was a time when a rapper being incarcerated meant the end of his career. Your label pulled out of the deal. You lost whatever endorsements you had. And fans were forced to listen to whatever material was out or hope that some unreleased tracks were leaked. But the line is not so black in white apparently. Over the last couple of years there have been many high-profile rappers who have been locked up, guilty or not. One of the greatest strengths of hip hop is the ability to evolve and be creative. The marketing side is no exception.

I wonder sometimes if these rappers go to jail on purpose. Because the industry has gotten so good at marketing them while they do their time. Its like they never left. For example, Lil Wayne was just released from jail after completing a year. Weeks before going in, he recorded new music videos, guest appearances, and even had a full length CD released while behind bars. Add in his weekly letters to his fans and you have a brilliant marketing plan. Gucci Mane and T.I. (who is doing another 11 months for probation violation with No Mercy on the way) have also yielded success from this.

But some are not as lucky and are not able to regain the shine they once had. G.Dep did a year in jail and did dropped him from 8 album deal. Due to Beanie Siegel's jail woes, The B. Coming  fell short of expectations.  The now deported Shyne has been in jail so long that he seems a little out of touch with the times.  Though Siegel and Shyne have managed to secure major label deals, the damage is done. But with all the success, why is so hard to stay out of jail? Is it the result of trying to live up to their street credibility, or are the Hip Hop Police really out to make examples of these guys?

Maybe there should be a contractual clause in all record deals for rappers to relocate to the suburbs upon completion of their first album. It worked for 50 cent....