February 24, 2004 @ 12:05 pm

Street Cred (Even Pop Stars Need It)

by: Patrick Taliaferro

What do Whitney Houston, Cam’ron, DMX, and Faith Evans all have in common? Besides the need for a hit album, they have all been charged with drug possession. And while drug charges may seem commonplace for the average rapper, a police record is uncommon for your run-of-the-mill pop singer. In the past, a drug conviction for a pop star could definitely end up being a career killer. But in today’s industry, musicians have turned racy publi

During the early eighties, Rick James was an unstoppable force with a string of hits including "Super Freak" and the ubiquitous "Mary Jane." At the time, he was untouchable. By the end of the decade, after drug convictions and court appearances, his decadent lifestyle had consumed his musical career. These days, the rules have changed. The systems that used to chide naughty habits have instead turned into enablers. When Whitney was busted in Hawaii back in 2000, we were all sure it was over for her. We knew grandmothers were praying for her when a legal technicality afforded her the convenience of getting off scott-free. She has since parlayed that awful publicity into public interest. Whenever she conducts an interview it is always a media event and rappers continuously drop her name in songs from Biggie's "Just Playin' (R&B Bitches)" to Jay-Z's "'03 Bonnie & Clyde." Although her popularity hasn't exactly translated into stellar record sales lately, it has created enough buzz to generate a load of cultural capital. Recently, Faith and her husband were charged with possession of marijuana and cocaine in Georgia. She now faces the issue of releasing an album after a high profile conviction. If she's smart, she will follow in the footsteps of Mary J. Blige, who used her situation as an asset. Although never arrested for drugs, it was widely known that in the beginning of her career, Mary dabbled in a cornucopia of substances. Since kicking the habit, it is virtually impossible for her to have an interview without discussing her former behavior or declaring that she wants No More Drama in her life. She took a dangerous addiction, brushed it off, and now it blings for her like a jewel from Jakob the Jeweler. Musicians are beginning to realize how illegal behavior can invigorate a stalled career, but street credibility isn't always guaranteed. Usher Raymond, in what is most likely a publicity move to promote his new album Confessions, has been recounting his experiences with marijuana. Even Usher realizes that people love their pop stars with a little dirt on their shoulder, though his lame attempt to create controversy has done little for his street credibility. Considering the meteoric effect of a criminal record on record sales-a la 50 Cent- pop stars may now be looking to swap their outrageous publicity stunts for longer rap sheets.

Article tags: Street, Cred, Even, Pop, Stars, Need