.AUTHOR: Ernest Wilkins at Chicago Now
WORD COUNT: 403
BONE OF CONTENTION: The most artistically brilliant rap icons keep getting "caught up in some nonsense" and getting "sent to the pokey"
THE CURE: Wilkins has four solutions to keep rappers "fresh to death without getting sentenced to death"
TRADE-OFFS OF STICKING WITH OLD CREW: "While staying true to the people you came in with can pay off in spades, more often then not, it ends up costing you."
REASONS HOMIE MUST STEP UP SECURITY: "Haters are out to get you, something from your past might catch up with you."
INSPIRATIONS FOR SOME OF RAP'S GREATEST MOMENTS: Drugs, but "that's still no excuse. You don't HAVE to pour up that drank, You don't HAVE to smoke purp/haze/whatever 'cool' new name weed has these days. Be an example. Up with hope, down with dope."
OVERALL SOLUTIONS: "Stop. Being. Stupid."
FINAL WORD:
These are simple things, yes. But sometimes the easiest decision ends up being the hardest one to make. I like you guys, and I don't want to see anymore of you locked up. For your fans sake, PLEASE keep your noses clean.
Love,
Ernest