Going to jail on a regular basis seems to be a recurring problem with rap artists these days. (I wonder why).
Most seem to get picked up by police on drug or weapons charges, but they’re usually released shortly after.
But two rap-star incarcerations in the past few years have really stuck out.
First, Lil Wayne earned himself a year in jail after getting arrested for carrying a gun in New York after a concert in 2007.
On March 8, 2010, almost three years later, Wayne was finally locked up.
Then something strange happened.
“Free Weezy” shirts popped up in store windows, and Facebook statuses among the Wayne loyalty suddenly changed, informing all their friends the gun-toting, tear-drop-tattooed criminal should be released.
In another case, Baton Rouge rapper Lil Boosie was sentenced in 2009 to two years for a marijuana charge. But his sentence was later doubled to four years after authorities caught Boosie violating his probation while awaiting sentencing.
With Boosie’s incarceration, even more ignorant propaganda sprung up — this time in the form of “Free Boosie.”
And just as Lil Wayne’s release approached, a storm hit poor Boosie. He was indicted on a first-degree murder charge for the death of Terry Boyd.
East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore III  also launched an investigation into whether Boosie was involved in five other slayings.
Needless to say, Boosie does  not seem like a person you would want to free.
But this didn’t stop the “Free Boosie” brigade.
More Boosie attire sprung up, bumper stickers were made, and Facebook pages appeared.
Facebook page, “FREE LIL BOOSIE!!!!!!” has more than 81,000 “likes” as of mid-March and a slew of comments from people trying to defend their favorite criminal.
Some aimed their comments toward the stupidity of the group while the majority seem to disregard the seriousness of Boosie’s first-degree murder indictment.
One commenter thinks Boosie will make a come back.
“Free mii n—a boosie he da realest n—a it aint nothing minor set back 4 major cum back,” she posted.
Another commenter believes Boosie “haters” are jealous.  
“TO ALL THE DISRESPECTFUL PPLE THAT WANNA COMMENT ON BOOSiE ‘S Pg,, YU ARE A LAME!! OBVIOUSLY YU WANT SOME HE GOT!! … FREE BOOSIE,” she commented.
Of course, Boosie’s got something we’d like — jail time and a first-degree murder indictment.
Jokes aside, why would anyone honestly believe Boosie should be released from jail?
I’ll give him some respect as a Louisiana-born rap artist, but his actions completely
overshadow any credibility he once had — and pushing for his release seems completely asinine.
First, it’s simply unwise to wear a shirt advocating for the release of any convicted criminal.
It’s equally stupid to be associated with “Free Boosie” material after he has been indicted with first-degree murder and possibly linked with five others.
I also find it senseless to even consider Boosie a respectable member of society, considering the music video for his song “We Out Chea,” depicts him pointing pistols at the camera while his crime-crew dances behind him.
One part even shows Boosie and Co. beating a guy, likely because he walked on the wrong turf.
Overall, publicly flaunting the desire to release criminals is probably one of the worst things you can do to yourself, aside from committing the same crimes.
Consider you show up for a job
interview with a slick “Free Boosie” sticker on the back of your Escalade. The
interviewer will probably think, “What a moron — this guy wants to free a possible murderer,” and not hire you.
Or in general, consider what others think of you when you advocate for a possible murderer to be released — it’s usually not a positive assessment.
Our culture has become way too fond of stupidity, and pushing to free Boosie epitomizes that foolishness.
Chris Grillot is a 19-year-old English and mass communication sophomore from New Orleans. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_cgrillot.
 
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