NY PD Continue to Target Hip-Hop
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The SmokingGun website (http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/1008041hiphop1.html) has obtained 500 pages of secret NYPD records apparently used to monitor rapper activities. Mug shots, the places they hang out and associates are just a few of the things being kept by the New York City Police Department on rap stars including Busta Rhymes, P. Diddy, Jay-Z and 50 Cent.
The confidential file on Jay-Z, for example, gives his vital stats and the name of his associate, Damon Dash, and the head of Roc-A-Fella Records. It also features Dash's mug shot and even reveals Jay-Z's favorite city hangouts, like Joe's Pub and Club Chaos.
Meanwhile, P. Diddy and 50 Cent's mug shots also grace the pages of the files. In the police package, 50 is featured as both a villain and victim. A 2000 report details how some thugs pulled up to 50 in Queens and one pulled out a small handgun and fired multiple shots. Three hit 50.
Busta Rhymes also made a cameo in the police files. According to the NYPD, Busta was hanging out with his new baby, when his baby's mother came to his home unannounced and then pulled out locks of hair from his head.
Simmons is producing a documentary called "Hip Hop Justice" to address the issue, which he notes goes beyond the NYPD. According to Simmons, "The purpose of this show is to expose the mistakes that are made in law enforcement and the criminal justice system."