Letters from a convicted rap star
Since being jailed for gun crimes in March 2010, rapper Lil Wayne has been keeping in regular contact with his fans. The star set up a website called WeezyThanxYou.com, on which he has regularly posted letters about his time behind bars. After being placed in solitary confinement following a contraband misdemeanour, in early October Weezy told fans that the letters would be stopping, only to catch everyone by surprise with another letter just one week later. Posted on the website on the 13th October, the letter – titled ‘I’m Back!’ – spelled out the details of his latest punishment, while also expressing remorse for what his incarceration has put his family through.
“By now I’m guessing that you all have heard about my recent relocation to the bing, which is punitive segregation. Basically, no T.V., no radio, no snacks/junkfood,, and one phone call a week,” he wrote. “This punishment has been handed to me for my earlier MP3 incident. I admit, I f***ed up and now I must deal with the consequences. As I write this, I only have 25 days left, and it’ll be even less than that when you read this. So honestly, I’m fine.”
In a frank and open statement of remorse, Wayne went on to apologise to his family, while also thanking fans for their letters of support.
“I do miss being able to hear from my family every day but once a week will have to suffice. To them, I apologize. I’m still able to receive mail so reading and responding is still a huge part of my day. I’d like to thank everyone that sent me B-Day cards and wishes… that was terrific. You all are wonderful, simply wonderful.”
Despite spending most of the year behind bars, Lil Wayne’s latest album has been riding high in the Billboard charts following its release on 27th September 2010 – the rapper’s birthday. Titled ‘I Am Not a Human Being’, the record debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, with debut single ‘Right Above It’ peaking at number six on the Hot 100. With Wayne due for release on the 4th November, more single releases are sure to follow, and in his latest letter the star laid out plans to record a number of videos for the album.
“When I get out I’m going to put the album in stores and shoot more videos for it. Which songs should I shoot videos to?,” the rapper asked. “Also, we will be adding bonus songs and packaging the new Nino Brown DVD with the in store album! You’re welcome. Talent is best nurtured in solitude… Be home soon!”
