Image via Complex Original
So Special: When Rappers In Prison Get Preferential Treatment
A few weeks back, the New York Post reported that a Rikers Island corrections officer was being investigated for giving preferential treatment to Lil Wayne by hanging out with him and allowing him to stay in his cell while other inmates were ordered out to the yard. A few months prior, another guard was fired for being in an unauthorized area where Weezy was. There were even reports that Wayne was being tipped off about searches, being brought pizza, and that one guard barricaded herself in a room and demanded to see Wayne. But none of these stories surprise us, since this is Weezy we're talking about and he is not a human being. He's a celebrity! Let's face it: People who are rich and famous always get special treatment, even in jail. That's why we put together So Special: When Rappers In Prison Get Preferential Treatment, to take a look back at a few memorable instances of when doing hard time (pause) got a little easier.
2Pac Is So Fresh And So Clean (1995)
Which prison? Clinton Correctional Facility
What happened? Just like Wayne, 2Pac was sent up north at the height of his fame. His third album, Me Against The World, was sitting pretty at #1 while Pac was sitting in a jail cell. In Tupac: Resurrection, he talks about his time in prison—besides discussing how Tony Danza was his homeboy, Pac mentioned that the COs in Clinton Correctional let him take a second shower the day they heard Madonna might come and visit him. In the end, Madonna never showed up, but Pac still got to enjoy a private shower without any fear of dropping the soap.
Complex says: Damn son, the COs gave Pac special treatment and he still played the shit out of them on "Picture Me Rollin'."
Tony Yayo (2003)
Which prison? Rikers Island
What happened? Yayo's Rikers bid sprung from a combination of a probation violation, gun possession, and bail-jumping charges, but with help from the best defense lawyers money can buy, he ended up only getting a one-year sentence. When asked about his time in prison, Yayo claimed the corrections officers brought him Kentucky Fried Chicken, Alize, and even weed. In July of 2005 he told
XXL, "COs is regular people like me and you. Read between the lines.
T.I. Shoots A Video (2004)
Which prison? Fulton County Jail
What happened? Remember when T.I. was starting to blow up on a national level? Yeah, he was in jail then, too, thanks to a parole violation. Just like he would later do with his gun charges, he worked out a sweetheart deal with the prison officials that allowed him to promote an upcoming concert by shooting a video in jail where he used a cell, inmates, and guards as props. Only problem was a prisoner escaped during the filming. Although T.I. wasn't blamed, we can't help but think it wouldn't have occurred if guards weren't busy trying to get their Pacino on.
Complex says: Tip's recent arrest for drug possession probably means T.I.'s never going to get another sweetheart deal. Yeah, we know it's customary to say "Free T.I." But seriously, that guy just loves committing crimes.
Foxy Brown Stays Fresh (2009)
Which prison? Rikers Island
What happened? Whether rocking the mic or doing a nine-month bid for a parole violation, Foxy Brown is still Brooklyn's Don Diva. According to the New York Post, Foxy was given all types of perks while in the pen: COs brought her meals and makeup, she was given unlimited TV time and phone use, and was even allowed to wear Gucci sneakers and Fendi scarves.
Complex says: WTF? Foxy rocks flyer shit in jail than we do on the outside? Obviously, contrary to popular belief, crime pays. Word to Cam.
Prison Guards Love Lil Wayne (2010)
Which prison? Rikers Island
What happened? As previously mentioned, so far Wayne has gotten two different guards in trouble because they just couldn't control themselves. Probably because he's such a fuckin' star.
Complex says: The guard who got fired for hanging around Wayne when she wasn't supposed to later claimed, "I don