2008 housed a considerable amount of setbacks and flops. Some that may have no chance at irreversibility (à la O.J. Simpson) and others that could possibly slide into some lucky drawers come the New Year. Here at VIBE.com, we like to think there’s prospect for comebacks. We’re not guaranteeing any speedy recoveries from the dismal past, but let’s just say there may be hope for the future.
‘08 VICTIM: Dame Dash
MISFORTUNE: In early March, a former videographer boasted to Street Knowledge TV about preparing to “embarrass” Dame for uncredited work, while a slew of exorbitant bills stacked up on the sidelines, alleging that the newly grey-haired mogul was stumbling over severe debt.
‘09 ADVICE: Treat Jim like Jay…
Rewind eleven years, and go back to '98. If Dame molds Jim Jones a striking makeover and actually catapults their Pray IV Reign project into proclaimed Reasonable Doubt status, he might see those foreclosed Tribeca apartments again. Not to mention a new business sidekick.
‘08 VICTIM: Yung Berg
MISFORTUNES: August 10, found the 23-year-old arrested with charges of marijuana and weapon possession. Followed by his now infamous Transformer chain snatching – last seen around Trick-Trick’s neck December 10 - and numerous self-made comments in regards to his preference for light-skinned women over “dark butts.”
09 ADVICE: Revamp the brand...
Controversy and public embarrassment might not work for album sales, but it sure brings in reality TV ratings. Slated to star in a Flavor of Love-esque show in 2009, Berg should keep a temporary focus on ventures outside of rap and toss the extra checks into a solid CD account. Once the new chain arrives, all bodyguard-free wandering should permanently cease.
‘08 VICTIM: Suge Knight
MISFORTUNES: Suge’s 2006 bankruptcy filing caught wind in ‘08, when both Death Row Records, it’s assets, and his Malibu mansion were auctioned off. In addition, the rotund entrepreneur was knocked unconscious during a May scuffle caught on camera. Later that summer, Suge was also held in a Las Vegas jail on drug and assault charges after being accused of beating his girlfriend while brandishing a knife.
‘09 ADVICE: Shun the spotlight...
Suge birthed a public persona enwrapped in terror, but more recently humiliation. If he squashes the lawsuit against Kanye for his strayed earring, authors a candid autobiography detailing rough times, and speaks out against domestic abuse, Suge may gain back some universal respect again.
‘08 VICTIM: DMX
MISFORTUNES: In January, VIBE.com reported that X was mandated to pay $1.5 million to his baby mother for defamation of character, stating in a 2003 that she had raped him, consequently causing her own pregnancy. In early December, X was also arrested at Scott Storch’s Miami residence after failing to attend a court appearance for a September drug and animal-cruelty case.
‘09 ADVICE: Shed your skin...
In 2006, Dark Man X spoke about permanently revising his rap moniker to “The Dog,” telling MTV Europe, “…we can speak things into existence. ... And Dark Man may not be the best name for me." A new name and perhaps a dab in the gospel scene might be the right route for ’09 redemption.
‘08 VICTIM: Amy Winehouse
MISFORTUNES: Carrying a seemingly infinite amount of offenses, Amy started the year with a video documented crack binge inside her East London home. From there, blogs bloated with innumerous stories of paparazzi attacks, hospital stints, drug abuse, tirades, and missed performances.
‘09 ADVICE: Recharge and Refresh...
Record the follow up to Back to Black during a 6-month rehab visit. Thank VIBE.com after.
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