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Lil Wayne: A Closer Look At His First Day Behind Bars
'The best thing to do in the first 24 hours is to keep your mouth shut as much as possible,' one expert says.
By Jayson Rodriguez
Lil Wayne at court Monday
Photo: Ray Tamarra/ Getty ImagesLil Wayne has been booked and processed into the Eric M. Taylor Center on Rikers Island to begin his one-year jail sentence.
According to most experts, the first 24 hours are the most crucial to ensuring a successful incarceration. Dr. Jefferey Ian Ross, a faculty member at the University of Baltimore's Criminology Division, advises that the superstar MC keep to himself as he gets adjusted to his new surroundings.
"Most of the time, the best thing to do in the first 24 hours is to keep your mouth shut as much as possible," Ross told MTV News. "Keep your eyes open and basically do as you're told by the correction officers. Essentially, you shouldn't look at other inmates in the eye, 'cause to a lot of people, that may be considered an aggressive type of action. Also, don't look at their property, because they may feel like that's aggressive as well and that you want their property."
Ross, who wrote the book "Behind Bars: Surviving Prison" along with Stephen C. Richards, explained that most inmates are housed with similar offenders, but there are instances were prisoners get bored and lash out. For these reasons, it's important for someone like Lil Wayne, a celebrity, to maintain as normal of a disposition as he can.
"Say 'yes sir,' 'no sir,' no cutting in line," Ross said. "Don't act like you have special privileges."
Unlike NFL star-turned-inmate Plaxico Burress, Lil Wayne shunned a jail coach or a sentencing specialist. Ross said that decision put Wayne at a disadvantage, because some benefits include assistance in building a network within the prison facilities. Sentencing coaches, in some cases, are previously jailed people who can connect incoming inmates with those they can trust inside.
According to Ross, Lil Wayne will eventually have to venture out from his own connections. But in the interim, Ross suggested the old adage that prisoners need to just "do their time."
"Keep your mouth shut, keep your eyes open, be respectful — not only to correction officers, but to inmates," he said. "And don't be a snitch and don't complain about the housing accommodations, follow those rules and they call that 'do your own time.'
"It's not easy," Ross added. "Criminals don't face a cakewalk, [regardless of the length of their sentence]. Their liberties and choices are taken away from them, and they're basically at the will of prison."
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'American Idol' Top Eight Women: What They Need To Do
Paige Miles and Didi Benami need to step it up, while Crystal Bowersox and Lilly Scott should keep doing their thing.
By Gil Kaufman
Crystal Bowersox on "American Idol" last week
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty ImagesThis is the week we've all been waiting for. Following Tuesday and Wednesday night's performances, we will be down to season nine's top 12, and the competition on "American Idol" will start to get serious.
After last week's surprise switcheroo due to Crystal Bowersox's illness, the remaining 12 ladies served up a mixed bag of good, bad and eh on Wednesday night. Lilly Scott and Siobhan Magnus proved to be suddenly strong competition for Bowersox, who stormed back from her undisclosed ailment to regain her spot as the woman to beat this year.
So what do the rest of the ladies need to do to win the hearts — and ears — of the nation? How can they get enough votes to avoid landing in the bottom two? Here's what we do (and don't) want to see from these "Idol" hopefuls, starting with those who need the most work.
Didi Benami
It feels like this once-promising singer has seriously lost her way. After ditching the thing that got her to the big show (i.e., sensitive singer/songwriter material with a jazzy twist), Benami was undone by a hard-to-watch warble through the Bill Withers soul classic "Lean on Me." Didi would be wise to dig into the Lily Allen or Corinne Bailey Rae songbook to get back into the game.Paige Miles
The judges have told Miles she has the strongest voice in the competition this year, but so far, she's failed to make much of an impression personality-wise. Last week, Kara DioGuardi faulted her for smiling through a cover of Kelly Clarkson's "Walk Away," dissing Miles for not getting the angry mood of the song right. And she should know — she co-wrote it! She needs to put the coloring books away and bite off a meaty Alicia Keys song that will allow her to open up and show some serious emotion.Katie Stevens
This teenager needs to find her inner child. After weeks of going too old, Stevens is in danger of losing her spot if she doesn't show the panel that she could be a youthful, contemporary artist. She tried to display her younger side by singing Bailey Rae's signature "Put Your Records On," but even that didn't work because the judges said it felt too unfocused and bland, with Simon Cowell suggesting she needed a bit more time to figure out what kind of artist she wants to be. Unless Stevens can smash it with a convincing tumble through a Katy Perry or Rihanna song, she might be back in her old classroom next week.Lacey Brown
Proving you're damned if you do and damned if you don't, Brown followed the judges' advice and performed Sixpence None the Richer's "Kiss Me" — and they didn't like it. In order to stick around, she needs the kind of signature moment Magnus provided with her Aretha Franklin power note, so this week's selection should focus on displaying her range and originality.Siobhan Magnus
Has one note ever meant so much? Magnus, this year's token quirky girl, could very well have stamped her ticket to the top 12 last week thanks to that massive wail at the end of her version of Franklin's "Think." Now, Magnus just has to keep surprising the judges and audience to stay in the running. Luckily, she hasn't painted herself into a genre corner so far and has displayed an indie-leaning sensibility, so she's free to try out anything on the charts, from Lady Gaga to Owl City.Katelyn Epperly
The judges weren't crazy about Epperly's slow take on Coldplay's "The Scientist," but America gave it a thumbs-up and she made it to sing another day. She should strap the guitar back on this week and give us a new twist on a contemporary singer/songwriter, perhaps even putting some jazz into a Taylor Swift tune.Lilly Scott
Scott is on a roll. She nailed her Beatles cover two weeks ago, gave another solid performance with Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" last week, again proving that while she may not have the best voice, she's got a unique stage presence and memorable delivery. It would be great to see her sit at a piano this week and rework a contemporary ballad, say something from Muse or Carrie Underwood.Crystal Bowersox
At this point, it's Crystal's game to lose. She's proven she can kill it with classic-rock tunes, thanks to a very strong gospel-tinged rendition of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Long as I Can See the Light," but this week might be her chance to tackle a newer artist and prove that she can be relevant now. A Jack Johnson song might do the trick.What do you want to see from the girls on Tuesday night? Who do you hope steps up their game this week? Let us know below!
Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
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The Notorious B.I.G.'s MTV Interviews: A Look Back
Thirteen years after B.I.G.'s death, we look back on his life as hip-hop's brightest star.
Notorious B.I.G.
Photo: MTV NewsTuesday (March 9) is a day not to mourn, but to celebrate the life and legacy of one of music's most gifted artists: the Notorious B.I.G.
His voice, his flow, his rhymes, his swag — whatever you wanted, B.I.G. had it to offer. He could tell stories, battle it out, ignite the party or kick game to the ladies. Christopher Wallace was made for rap.
We didn't get much time with Biggie. He put out his first album in 1994, and he died in early 1997 before the release of his second LP (Life After Death). Due to his work ethic, however, we have a catalog of timeless music that is often imitated, never duplicated. As mesmerizing as a Biggie song was, part of his allure as an artist was his charming personality. He's a rare breed that could capture the wit and magnetism in his offstage persona and bring it to his music.
Here, we are taking you back into our vaults to relive Biggie's best MTV interviews. He was candid and thoughtful as he spoke about the inspiration for his music, his stage performance and much more.
On Tuesday night, Diddy is going to celebrate the life of his friend and marquee artist at Brooklyn club the Lab.
"We're trying to make March 9th a national hip-hop holiday," Diddy told MTV News last week. "It already is, on the low. MTV is going to have a big special. We're doing a party. I'm going to Brooklyn. It's gonna be the first time I'm throwing a party in Brooklyn. I'm from Harlem. Everybody in Harlem knows you don't usually go over the bridge to Brooklyn. It's a big, big deal. Me being such a Harlemite, I'm going over there to pay respect to my man. It's gonna be a big party in Brooklyn with Mister Cee. It's a big day. It's a day to celebrate his life. It's a day to celebrate the life of the man. We done did the movie, the records. It's something that, I guess, as a label we're obsessed with: making sure people don't forget about this man in a positive way. March 9 is Biggie Day. ... Bump Biggie all day, feel good and positive."
On Tuesday, MTV Jams will be playing videos by B.I.G. and a slew of other fallen musical soldiers, such as Michael Jackson, Tupac Shakur, Aaliyah, Big Pun, the Lost Boyz and their deceased member Freaky Tah and Camoflauge. This week's "Sucker Free Sunday" on MTV2 is running a special tribute to Biggie, hosted by Diddy.
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Lil Wayne Fans Say They Already Miss Jailed MC
'I hope he gets out early!' one MTV News reader says as Wayne begins prison term.
By MTV News staff
Lil Wayne
Photo: Louis Lanzano/APShortly after Lil Wayne turned himself in to serve his yearlong prison sentence, the superstar MC's absence could be felt, both online — where Weezy had been busy tweeting and posting videos in recent weeks — and on the street.
"It's messed up looking at his situation, being a role model," Wince Aubrey, 32, told MTV News. "But he got caught red-handed, so he's being a man and owning up to his responsibility. He's gonna be missed."
Lil Wayne's sentencing had been delayed a number of times, first for dental surgery he required and then once again after a fire occurred at the courthouse last week. But on Monday, the rapper was formally sentenced to one year in prison after pleading guilty to attempted gun possession. The New Orleans native will now call Rikers Island his home at least until November, when he could be released after eight months for serving his jail stint with good behavior.
"Wow, that really sucks," MTV.com reader Courtney wrote. "I think that this is so stupid. ... He is a good artist and donates a lot of money to charities. I hope he gets out early!!!"
"DAMN! So, finally he's gone," Superman commented online. "Stay strong, Weezy. Best rapper alive."
But not all fans were saddened by the departure of the nearly ubiquitous hip-hop star.
George Asatrian, 21, argued that Lil Wayne won't be missed too much. "Hip-hop won't be affected too much by him going to jail," he told MTV News. "Because he probably has so much music to last, and I think he has enough people under him who will hold him down until he comes back."
Brooklynite Angel Velasquez said that even though the rapper's sentence is short, it will still be challenging. But he cautioned about too much hype surrounding Lil Wayne's imprisonment. "It's not all about Weezy," he said. "There's a lot more entertainers out there."
What do you think about Lil Wayne's jail time? Will you miss the rapper while he's out of the public eye? Let us know below!
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Notorious B.I.G. And Tupac's Famous Freestyle Remembered By Mister Cee
DJ looks back on 'one of the illest live hip-hop performances of all time.'
By Shaheem Reid
Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac
Photo: MTV NewsOne of the greatest freestyles in hip-hop history took place at, of all places, a Patti LaBelle concert.
The Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur came onstage together in New York for a legendary performance. DJ Mister Cee tells the story as if it were yesterday.
"That was live at Madison Square Garden," Cee said in Brooklyn, minutes from where Biggie grew up in Bedford-Stuyvesant. "It was a concert me and [Big Daddy] Kane did for the Budweiser Superfest back in 1993 at Madison Square Garden. We were the only rap group on the show. I think Patti LaBelle was on the show, Tony! Toni! Toné!. We only had 10 minutes. Being it's New York, we wanted to do something extra crazy for our show. So we asked Big to come out. Kane told me to reach out to Big.
"Big had the record 'Party and Bullsh--' out from the 'Who's the Man?' soundtrack," Cee added. "He was starting to bubble. When we got to the Garden, Tupac was there anyway. The movie 'Poetic Justice' just came out the week before. Everybody was already hype off 'Pac, because the 'Poetic Justice' movie came out. [The freestyle] just came about backstage. 'Pac, Big, the Rugged Child Shyheim. We just brought all of them onstage, and the magic happened. I recorded that on a cassette inside Madison Square Garden. So the whole 'Where Brooklyn at?' To this day, when they hear that, they know [that Madison Square Garden show] is where that comes from. I recorded that on cassette, then it eventually got transferred to vinyl and became probably one of the illest live hip-hop performances of all time."
Big Daddy Kane took the mic himself during that cipher, as did Kane's dancer Scoob Lover.
Tuesday (March 9) marked the 13th anniversary of the death of the Notorious B.I.G. It is a day for his fans to celebrate his life and legacy.
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B.G. On Lil Wayne's Jail Time: 'I Don't Know How He's Gonna Do It'
Hot Boys rapper also addresses Turk's imprisonment: 'He's handling it like a gangsta.'
By Shaheem Reid
B.G.
Photo: MTV NewsGone but never forgotten. Lil Wayne has been in prison for 24 hours, and the reactions about his sentence keep pouring in. Fans told MTV News that they already miss the New Orleans rhyme hero, and stars such as LeBron James, Bun B, Young Jeezy and the Game have all lamented the loss of their friend and a talented performer.
Wayne's former partner in the Hot Boys, B.G., also shared his opinion on the situation.
"I mean, I been there, done that," said B.G., who last partied with Wayne on Super Bowl Sunday. "So, you know, you gotta take your lick. Me, personally, I would recommend that they don't put him in general population. But then again, I don't recommend putting them on 23 and 1 [protective custody]. I don't know how he gonna do it."
The New York Daily News reported that Weezy will be serving his time in general population.
When asked about another incarcerated former Hot Boy, Turk, B.G. said he is staying tough while inside. "I talk to Turk all the time," B.G. said. "He's been down almost six years. He took 10 years on the gun charge. They dropped the charges of attempted murder on a police officer because it was friendly fire. They have a civil lawsuit with the police [officer's family]. He's supposed to be on his way to the halfway house.
"Turk's a soldier," B.G. added. "He's handling it like a gangsta. He's got smarter, wiser, he's been reading. Six years in the feds ... his chess game is on point. He's been eating. He got about 10 albums [written]. He's ready."
B.G. has his own firearm charge he has to contend with. He was arrested earlier this year on weapons charges.
"I know what comes behind what I do," B.G. told MTV News in November. "I know the consequences and repercussions of what comes behind it. Where I'm from, it's just like, that first draw is a mutha----a, the bullets raining out the sky. It's like that for real. It's a murder capital. They dropping like flies. I stay in the suburbs. All my neighbors are white and football players and doctors and dentists. I lay my head there, but when I get up in the morning, I gotta go to the projects and get some grits and cheese and sausage and toast. It's just something about that 'hood. I wanna post up and sit on the porch and get my hair braided. I'm just 'hood. The same way I came in the game is the same way I'm going out. I just can't see it no other way. I don't care if I sell 10 million, 20 million, 30 million."
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Farrah Fawcett Oscars 'In Memoriam' Omission Was Intentional
'In every category, you're going to miss some wonderful people,' Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences executive director says.
By Larry Carroll
Farrah Fawcett
Photo: Keystone/ Getty ImagesTwo days after fans of Farrah Fawcett began complaining that the late "Charlie's Angels" star had been overlooked by the Oscars, an Academy Awards representative is speaking for the first time about the omission, and revealing that it was done on purpose.
Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences executive director Bruce Davis, speaking on behalf of the committee who assembles the Oscar's yearly "In Memoriam" segment, told The Associated Press that it was a difficult decision to omit Fawcett and that they expected some controversy. "[The committee] was kind of figuring that probably the Farrah Fawcett and Gene Barry omissions would be the ones we'd get the most comments on," Davis said, also naming the veteran actor whose 1963-66 series "Burke's Law" kept him predominantly remembered as a TV star. "[We] did get one letter about Miss Fawcett."
During Sunday's highly rated Oscar telecast, a video tribute was shown featuring such memorable Hollywood names as Brittany Murphy, David Carradine and Patrick Swayze. But Fawcett — who had memorable turns in such films as "The Apostle," "The Cannonball Run" and "Logan's Run," and who got Oscar buzz herself for a performance in the 1986 rape drama "Extremities" — was nowhere to be found.
Citing the "remarkable television work" of Fawcett and Barry, the Academy ultimately decided to omit the two actors intentionally. Those playing along at home, however, might point to the fact that Michael Jackson was featured prominently during the "In Memoriam" clip, but will hardly be remembered first and foremost as a movie star.
Diagnosed with cancer in 2006, Fawcett died in June 2009.
"In every category, you're going to miss some wonderful people," Davis said. "There's nothing you can say to people, particularly to family members, within a day or two of the show that helps at all. ... They tend to be surprised and hurt, and we understand that and we're sorry for it."
Fawcett's longtime partner, actor Ryan O'Neal, said that he was confused by the omission — a sentiment echoed by several other famous folks who knew and loved Fawcett. In past years, similar controversies have erupted concerning omitted names like Brad Renfro and Gene Siskel.
Relive all the best moments from the 2010 Academy Awards with photos, interviews, blogs, post-show analysis and more, right here at MTV News.
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The-Dream Says New Album May Be His Last
'I really would like it to be the last one if I could,' he says of upcoming album Love King.
By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Shaheem Reid
The-Dream
Photo: MTV NewsIs he or isn't he?
The-Dream has been threatening to stop making albums after his next release, Love King, but the hitmaking songwriter admitted his declaration comes with a catch.
"It's the last album, period," he told MTV News on Monday (March 8). "I really would like it to be the last one if I could — in a perfect world."
The Atlanta native already has two critically acclaimed albums under his belt, 2007's Love Hate and 2008's Love vs. Money. And he's scored a number of chart-topping tracks as the pen behind "Umbrella" and "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)." His dedication to his craft as a hired songwriter is in part why he would like to finish his run of personal projects after the forthcoming Love King.
However, he said, what he wants versus what may actually happen could very likely be two different things.
"In the back of my mind, I'm thinking a fighter fights," he explained. "You don't retire on top. [Michael] Jordan didn't retire on top. I'm not saying I'm the best [like him], but I'm the best at what I can do. And I can stop now and say, 'This album is pretty good.' "
For Love King, The-Dream said he plans to evolve as a performer. Because of his hectic schedule working with others, he previously didn't have the chance to polish his skill set like he wanted. He joked about his weight, saying he works better for others when he's eating red velvet cupcakes — but that diet clashes with his desire to be a slimmed-down performer.
"Doing those things [for everyone else] prohibited me from being a certain individual or shedding 10 pounds when I wanted to," he offered.
At the end of last year, the singer hinted at impending retirement when he spoke about his next project.
"The first two albums came out and it really was just about music," he said. "This album, it has to be a lot more — whether that's marketing, all of the things that the big guys get. We have to turn and put those things on me as an artist also. ... Now we have to treat it like it means something to the building. I think everybody is there. We have an incredible staff at Def Jam, of course. Now we gotta buckle up for me and put them dollars up."
Who do you think about The-Dream's retirement plans? Would you be happy if he stopped performing to focus on being a songwriter for other stars? Let us know in the comments below, or upload a video to Your.MTV.com!
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Nicole Richie Tells Ellen She's 'Not Sure' About Wedding Details
'It's a big deal,' Richie says of her upcoming nuptials to Joel Madden.
By Jocelyn Vena
Nicole Richie
Photo: NBCJoel Madden recently told us that when it comes to planning his wedding with Nicole Richie, the couple are
"I am [engaged]. We have been together about three and a half years," Richie, who also rapped on the show, said. About specific plans, she said, "Not yet, but soon [we'll have a wedding date]. Yeah, it's a big deal."
When asked if DeGeneres would be one of the guests at the wedding, Richie responded, "You will definitely be there, obviously. Hello! Huge part of our life and relationship."
All joking aside, Richie did share that she hadn't yet decided on the details. "Yeah, I'm actually not sure [about maids of honor] — I've been on the road," she said. "I just got home and so it's really going to be, like, now that's the time for me to sit down and think about what I want."
Richie also talked all about her big boy, Sparrow. "He is six months. He's huge. He was almost eight pounds when he was born. [Harlow's] 22 pounds and she's 2 and he's 18 pounds and he's 6 months — needless to say, I'm exhausted."
When MTV News caught up with the future Mr. Richie at the Oscars over the weekend, he was excited to share the news with us. "Yeah, we're engaged! I finally did it!" he said. "You know what? Just like the engagement, [we're not rushing anything]. I mean, we had two kids before we got engaged, so getting married — I couldn't give you a timeline. We kind of move at our own pace, so we'll see."
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'My Life As Liz' Star Says 'Jersey Shore' Guidette Snooki Is 'So Sweet'
'I just want to pick her up and put her in my pocket and feed her animal crackers,' Liz Lee tells MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena
Liz Lee
Photo: MTV NewsLiz Lee bid a fond farewell to Burleson, Texas, on Monday night's season finale of "My Life As Liz" and made her way to New York. When she's not busy getting an education in the Big Apple, she's hanging with the "Jersey Shore" cast at work functions and tweeting with Snooki.
"I don't go to clubs with Snooki," Lee said to MTV News. "I can't say I've ever fist-pumped with her to house music at a club, but I've seen her at MTV functions. Just stuff for work. And she's a really, really sweet girl. Basically, she talks about how she likes the show and says she watches it and how she was a cheerleader in high school, but she was nice to people."
If they haven't been clubbing, it begs the question: Do they "GTL" together? "No gym, tan, laundry," she laughed about the "Jersey Shore" stars' top priorities. "I think she's gym, tan, Emilio [now]. She recently fell in love. I haven't met Emilio. I've seen pictures on Twitter, though. He's tan, lots of hair gel.
"She's so sweet, though, and she's so cute," Lee continued about her pal. "I just want to pick her up and put her in my pocket and feed her animal crackers. She's a really, really sweet girl, and you can't help but love her. It's inescapable."
Although Lee is a celeb herself, when she first met the cast of the "Jersey Shore," she was pretty starstruck. "They didn't really know much about the show, but they were pretty sweet," she recalled. "And then we were at lunch together, and I thought that was insane. Eating lunch with the 'Jersey Shore,' it was incredible, and they were all really, really nice."
What do you think of this intra-MTV friendship? Would you like to see Liz hit Jersey and the "Shore" crew head to Texas? Let us know below!
