OT: Screaming did for whites what rap did for blacks

[texafana]

Just an observation, nothing racial!! Rap seemed to provide a musical outlet for alot of well...not really talented musicians/singers. Screaming seems to have done the same thing for alot of well...not really talented musicians/singers.

Disclaimer: Yes, I know there are a few actual talented rappers and actual talented screamers.

I think that's why both generes became popular, because it opened the flood gates to a swarm of people with similar talents. "Hey! even I can do that! Let's start a band!!" Sorry, but anyone can rap, anyone can scream. Not everyone can pick up a mic and actually sing.

I can't stand rap, well, I REALLY can't stand the gangster rap. I can deal with the Will Smith type of rap music.
But I simply HATE the screaming rock bands out there. No singing, just this crappy grunting, screaming, bs, etc. It does however seem to be dying down a bit. I hope it finally fizzles out and goes away. I enjoy hard rock music, but I prefer my rock with actual singing, a verse a chorus, etc, not this deep throat screaming crap.

[Saint John]

Just an observation, nothing racial!! Rap seemed to provide a musical outlet for alot of well...not really talented musicians/singers. Screaming seems to have done the same thing for alot of well...not really talented musicians/singers.

Disclaimer: Yes, I know there are a few actual talented rappers and actual talented screamers.

I think that's why both generes became popular, because it opened the flood gates to a swarm of people with similar talents. "Hey! even I can do that! Let's start a band!!" Sorry, but anyone can rap, anyone can scream. Not everyone can pick up a mic and actually sing.

I can't stand rap, well, I REALLY can't stand the gangster rap. I can deal with the Will Smith type of rap music.
But I simply HATE the screaming rock bands out there. No singing, just this crappy grunting, screaming, bs, etc. It does however seem to be dying down a bit. I hope it finally fizzles out and goes away. I enjoy hard rock music, but I prefer my rock with actual singing, a verse a chorus, etc, not this deep throat screaming crap.

Interesting observation. I watched a special that outlined how rap music originated. When there was a huge backlash against the 70's disco/funk type music (which I love ), rap music was the angry response. Gradually it picked up steam and slowly began to push the envelope until it eventually mutated into something lacking any hint of artistry. In short, we can blame all of the disco bashers for the shit we now call rap. Fuckers.

[Rick]

Just an observation, nothing racial!! Rap seemed to provide a musical outlet for alot of well...not really talented musicians/singers. Screaming seems to have done the same thing for alot of well...not really talented musicians/singers.

Disclaimer: Yes, I know there are a few actual talented rappers and actual talented screamers.

I think that's why both generes became popular, because it opened the flood gates to a swarm of people with similar talents. "Hey! even I can do that! Let's start a band!!" Sorry, but anyone can rap, anyone can scream. Not everyone can pick up a mic and actually sing.

I can't stand rap, well, I REALLY can't stand the gangster rap. I can deal with the Will Smith type of rap music.
But I simply HATE the screaming rock bands out there. No singing, just this crappy grunting, screaming, bs, etc. It does however seem to be dying down a bit. I hope it finally fizzles out and goes away. I enjoy hard rock music, but I prefer my rock with actual singing, a verse a chorus, etc, not this deep throat screaming crap.

Interesting observation. I watched a special that outlined how rap music originated. When there was a huge backlash against the 70's disco/funk type music (which I love ), rap music was the angry response. Gradually it picked up steam and slowly began to push the envelope until it eventually mutated into something lacking any hint of artistry. In short, we can blame all of the disco bashers for the shit we now call rap. Fuckers.

Ditto, definitely fuckers. Rap sucks, period. Although, Aerosmith does some rap that doesn't suck.

[Saint John]

As do The Beastie Boys.....without swearing, referring to ho's, or grabbing their crotches like they slept with PROPERRY.

[Rick]

As do The Beastie Boys.....without swearing, referring to ho's, or grabbing their crotches like they slept with PROPERRY.

Did she get banned? I haven't seen her.

[Saint John]

As do The Beastie Boys.....without swearing, referring to ho's, or grabbing their crotches like they slept with PROPERRY.

Did she get banned? I haven't seen her.

Haven't seen her. Not complaining either. Though I hope she's ok.

[Rick]

As do The Beastie Boys.....without swearing, referring to ho's, or grabbing their crotches like they slept with PROPERRY.

Did she get banned? I haven't seen her.

Haven't seen her. Not complaining either. Though I hope she's ok.

Well, she's not the most abrasive person on the board. Actually I was getting to where I didn't want to choke her to death quite so much. She's better than some. A very small some.

[mikemarrs]

same here.i can handle it as long as its not endless grunting and screaming.why in the hell is that called rock? guess i'm getting older or something but i don't see the artistry in sounding like a cookie monster gargling with a mouthful of whatever.some stuff with screaming like linkin park i can handle cause it does have some melody to it.even something like korn i can stand a lil bit.but all these death metal bands i just can't seem to relate.as far as rap i can handle some older stuff thats got a groove and some thoughtful lyrics like maybe tupac,dr. dre or something.but this new rap literally sounds gimmicky and cartoonish.they sample everything because they don't have enough intelligence to write their own stuff.outkast or something might be pretty good but thats one good out of about fifty crappy musicians that are out there.

[Rip Rokken]

I can't stand most rap, though I don't really mind some of it to add texture to a song (like Linkin' Park's "In The End" or Evanescence's "Bring Me To Life" ). I remember way back when rap started to hit -- bands like Grandmaster Flash and some dude called The Egyptian Lover. It seemed rap was just about on its death bed after a while, but somehow it survived, became "Hip Hop", and has thrived ever since.

I used to be on the bandwagon that rappers were completely talentless, but no longer believe that extreme... I think it definitely takes talent to write lyrics, memorize scads of them word for word, rap extremely quickly (I've seen guys rap about as fast as an auctioneer), and especially to rhyme on the fly (rap battling). No argument there -- they are just not vocalists, and so just about anyone can "rap" and sound ok.

My biggest problem with rap is two-fold:

1) Instead of being creative, many songs used to just rip off someone else's music (sampling), and often tried to do so without giving credit to the original artist.

2) The whole Hip-Hop culture I think is damaging to society. From everything I can tell, it's a very angry, selfish, chip-on-the-shoulder, "screw you" type of attitude. There are the exceptions of course, but compare that to bands like Journey, who you can remember having your first kiss to, and the influence is just entirely different. I think Hip-Hop is a plague on society, and this is by no means directed at any type of people -- I love everybody. But I also hate what a lot of people do to themselves.

Oh, to texafana's point, yes, screaming (do they call it Screamo or something) sucks, too.

[mikemarrs]

i agree.hip hop culture does nothing mostly but cause problems.notice how rocks most famous died of drug overdoes by their own hand like joplin,morrison or hendrix,raps most famous die by gunfire like tupac,b.i.g. or jam master jay.rap glorifies guns,getting shot,going to prison,dope banging chicks or hitting girls,gang warfare.the whole rap culture is complete shit.

[bluejeangirl76]

i agree.hip hop culture does nothing mostly but cause problems.notice how rocks most famous died of drug overdoes by their own hand like joplin,morrison or hendrix,raps most famous die by gunfire like tupac,b.i.g. or jam master jay.rap glorifies guns,getting shot,going to prison,dope banging chicks or hitting girls,gang warfare.the whole rap culture is complete shit.

I've never been able to find anything about rap to have even an ounce of respect for. Lyrically - no way. Guns, violence, beating up women, calling people every name in the book, drugs, the ridiculous overuse of the word 'nigga'... so maybe let's ignore the lyrics for a minute and look at just the music, maybe there's something of value in there?... er... *searches* Where is the music? Machine made techno beats laid over a sample of a song from the 70s or 80s... assholes like Coolio freaking out when Weird Al parodies his song and uses his music, music which by the way HE jacked from Stevie Wonder... (but it was alright when he did it, naturally). Nope, not much original or artisic on the musical end either. And do not get me started on Snoop fucking Dogg.

[mikemarrs]

your right.whats funny is most rap hits have been samples or stealing of others music.all of the late 70's disco shit and the funk stuff is what they sample,hell parliament funkadelic has been sapled to death.rick james was sampled by mc hammer,coolio sampled stevie wonder and on and on.hell they don't get no royalties because it all goes to the real songwriter,lol.

[texafana]

cRAP. lol.. The gangster mentality is the worst. And it's ALWAYS funny to see a group of young white boys getting into the gangster rap stuff. Hilarious.

[Rhiannon]

Oh, to texafana's point, yes, screaming (do they call it Screamo or something) sucks, too.

There are quite a many "screamo" bands out there today. They suck. A little screaming never hurt anyone, but screaming every note of every song is overkill. Now, EMO, that's a whole 'nother story. I love Fall Out Boy, Paramore, My Chemical Romance, Finger Eleven, the Used, and Story of the Year. (Not my favorite genre, but it grows on me constantly.)

[Rip Rokken]

notice how rocks most famous died of drug overdoes by their own hand like joplin,morrison or hendrix

And now you can add Kevin Dubrow to that list.....

[Uno_up]

i agree.hip hop culture does nothing mostly but cause problems.notice how rocks most famous died of drug overdoes by their own hand like joplin,morrison or hendrix,raps most famous die by gunfire like tupac,b.i.g. or jam master jay.rap glorifies guns,getting shot,going to prison,dope banging chicks or hitting girls,gang warfare.the whole rap culture is complete shit.

Having "dealt with" Tupac (I have worked within the NY State Correctional Department for over 18 years) and spoken with him on many occasions, it boggles my mind as to why he is considered a martyr in the rap music world. While his music is considered "gangsta rap", he is far from a gangster, as he signed himself into protective custody which is highly looked down upon by the hardcore inmates.

[Little Lenny]

notice how rocks most famous died of drug overdoes by their own hand like joplin,morrison or hendrix

And now you can add Kevin Dubrow to that list.....

After studying art And English Literature I could say the same about many of our great Writers and Artists

[finalfight]

I can't stand most rap, though I don't really mind some of it to add texture to a song (like Linkin' Park's "In The End" or Evanescence's "Bring Me To Life" ). I remember way back when rap started to hit -- bands like Grandmaster Flash and some dude called The Egyptian Lover. It seemed rap was just about on its death bed after a while, but somehow it survived, became "Hip Hop", and has thrived ever since.

I used to be on the bandwagon that rappers were completely talentless, but no longer believe that extreme... I think it definitely takes talent to write lyrics, memorize scads of them word for word, rap extremely quickly (I've seen guys rap about as fast as an auctioneer), and especially to rhyme on the fly (rap battling). No argument there -- they are just not vocalists, and so just about anyone can "rap" and sound ok.

My biggest problem with rap is two-fold:

1) Instead of being creative, many songs used to just rip off someone else's music (sampling), and often tried to do so without giving credit to the original artist.

2) The whole Hip-Hop culture I think is damaging to society. From everything I can tell, it's a very angry, selfish, chip-on-the-shoulder, "screw you" type of attitude. There are the exceptions of course, but compare that to bands like Journey, who you can remember having your first kiss to, and the influence is just entirely different. I think Hip-Hop is a plague on society, and this is by no means directed at any type of people -- I love everybody. But I also hate what a lot of people do to themselves.

Oh, to texafana's point, yes, screaming (do they call it Screamo or something) sucks, too.

Rap & hip hop are two entirely different forms of musical exprssion. It is important not to confuse the two cultures as the less enlightened often do with rock & heavy metal.

It would certainly be quite a broad statement for someone to express how much they dislike a particular style of music, be it rock, rap or otherwise as there are so many different variations, sounds and artists to explore. That being said I will go on record and state that I completely abhore reggae music - I just really don't like the sound of any of it!

One last thing - Folks please don't confuse the content of some songs by Linkin Park and Evanesance as including anything remotely resembling true rap or hip hip. These musical additions are based on a highly popular form of expression simply known as (C)rap. For more examples of (C)rap please refer to anything by Eminem.

[Rip Rokken]

Having "dealt with" Tupac (I have worked within the NY State Correctional Department for over 18 years) and spoken with him on many occasions, it boggles my mind as to why he is considered a martyr in the rap music world. While his music is considered "gangsta rap", he is far from a gangster, as he signed himself into protective custody which is highly looked down upon by the hardcore inmates.

Wow, that's pretty cool. Not surprising at all that Tupac the man and Tupac the myth are two different people. Tell us more about him! But to answer your question as to why he's considered a martyr... MONEY, MONEY, MONEY! Some of the stuff they've put out to capitalize on him after his death is just ridiculous.

Rap & hip hop are two entirely different forms of musical exprssion. It is important not to confuse the two cultures as the less enlightened often do with rock & heavy metal.

One last thing - Folks please don't confuse the content of some songs by Linkin Park and Evanesance as including anything remotely resembling true rap or hip hip. These musical additions are based on a highly popular form of expression simply known as (C)rap. For more examples of (C)rap please refer to anything by Eminem.

I hardly ever hear the term "rap" used anymore -- only "Hip Hop". I'm sure you are right, and they may be two totally different things, but how can one tell the difference? Gangsta rap groups were also called Hip Hop groups. As for those two songs, I didn't mean at all to indicate they had any Hip Hop elements to them -- only that they contained some rap. I don't mind a little of it used sparingly. Also enjoy it in the new Duran Duran song they worked on with Timbaland -- very cool song!

Don't anyone try giving me grief over Duran Duran... Somehow they even seem to get a free pass on the Metal Sludge board, I guess because there are so many fans. One of my all-time favorite bands.

[finalfight]

Having "dealt with" Tupac (I have worked within the NY State Correctional Department for over 18 years) and spoken with him on many occasions, it boggles my mind as to why he is considered a martyr in the rap music world. While his music is considered "gangsta rap", he is far from a gangster, as he signed himself into protective custody which is highly looked down upon by the hardcore inmates.

Wow, that's pretty cool. Not surprising at all that Tupac the man and Tupac the myth are two different people. Tell us more about him! But to answer your question as to why he's considered a martyr... MONEY, MONEY, MONEY! Some of the stuff they've put out to capitalize on him after his death is just ridiculous.

Rap & hip hop are two entirely different forms of musical exprssion. It is important not to confuse the two cultures as the less enlightened often do with rock & heavy metal.

One last thing - Folks please don't confuse the content of some songs by Linkin Park and Evanesance as including anything remotely resembling true rap or hip hip. These musical additions are based on a highly popular form of expression simply known as (C)rap. For more examples of (C)rap please refer to anything by Eminem.

I hardly ever hear the term "rap" used anymore -- only "Hip Hop". I'm sure you are right, and they may be two totally different things, but how can one tell the difference? Gangsta rap groups were also called Hip Hop groups. As for those two songs, I didn't mean at all to indicate they had any Hip Hop elements to them -- only that they contained some rap. I don't mind a little of it used sparingly. Also enjoy it in the new Duran Duran song they worked on with Timbaland -- very cool song!

Don't anyone try giving me grief over Duran Duran... Somehow they even seem to get a free pass on the Metal Sludge board, I guess because there are so many fans. One of my all-time favorite bands.

Gotta love Duran Duran. Simon Le Bon has a great voice.

I am not a fan of the bling, bling culture and bullsh!t that certain rap artists like to shove down the throats of the masses but the difference between rap and hip hop is often as distinctive as those between death metal and AOR. Some rappers are skilled lyrical poets and some are just fortunate to have a career just as some singers have fantastic voices and the backup of exceptional musicians whilst others like to sing like the cookie monster whilst their drunken mate bangs loudly on a dustbin lid!

[Rip Rokken]

I am not a fan of the bling, bling culture and bullsh!t that certain rap artists like to shove down the throats of the masses but the difference between rap and hip hop is often as distinctive as those between death metal and AOR. Some rappers are skilled lyrical poets and some are just fortunate to have a career just as some singers have fantastic voices and the backup of exceptional musicians whilst others like to sing like the cookie monster whilst their drunken mate bangs loudly on a dustbin lid!

Hey, no doubt... I'm sure there are as many different categories of rap and Hip Hop as there are in rock. You are spot on about the bling culture -- it's destructive. The problem is that so few people will get to the level where they have that kinda money to blow foolishly on junk, but it's set up as the place to be -- the thing to aspire for. This isn't just limited to Hip Hop, either -- channels like VH1 do no one any good with their constant barrage of "Fabulous Life Of" shows. When I hear Britney Spears chartered a jet across a few states just to get a cup of her favorite coffee, it makes me sick. This is something to marvel over? How many needy people could she help with the money she blew on that type of stuff? There was an article recently about Britney/K-Fed's court case where their earning/spending habits were disclosed. Not surprisingly, they blow immense amounts of money monthly, and save nothing! (at least that's what they claim).

So what is the nice back end result of bling culture? CRIME, my man... CRIME... for so many who feel pushed to fit into that mold, but can never come anywhere close to achieving it on their own.

There is a check cashing place in town that I got a kick out of -- their sign said, "Want some bling, but have no cha-ching? Come see us!" TRANSLATION: "Want to spend money you don't have on crap you don't need? Come see us!"

[Uno_up]

Having "dealt with" Tupac (I have worked within the NY State Correctional Department for over 18 years) and spoken with him on many occasions, it boggles my mind as to why he is considered a martyr in the rap music world. While his music is considered "gangsta rap", he is far from a gangster, as he signed himself into protective custody which is highly looked down upon by the hardcore inmates.

Wow, that's pretty cool. Not surprising at all that Tupac the man and Tupac the myth are two different people. Tell us more about him! But to answer your question as to why he's considered a martyr... MONEY, MONEY, MONEY! Some of the stuff they've put out to capitalize on him after his death is just ridiculous.

Not much more I can say about him, Rip. I do remember him being very cocky once he first came into the system, while thinking he was going to be treated differently than the average inmate (there's a story here, but I refuse to mention it until I retire in about 8 years...sorry). That cockiness, later changed after he realized he was getting nowhere fast with this attitude. I had a decent rapport with him, but it was on a professional basis as a counselor.
He did voluntarily sign himself into protective custody after several inmates attempted to extort him in the first month. I also recall him getting about 50 pieces of mail daily, of which he would sort through and only open a few of them, while giving the rest (mostly fan mail from unknowns to him) to his cell-neighbor to read and later dispose of. Finally, I remember that his inmate ID card was constantly being stolen...I wonder how much those would go for on ebay now?

[finalfight]

Having "dealt with" Tupac (I have worked within the NY State Correctional Department for over 18 years) and spoken with him on many occasions, it boggles my mind as to why he is considered a martyr in the rap music world. While his music is considered "gangsta rap", he is far from a gangster, as he signed himself into protective custody which is highly looked down upon by the hardcore inmates.

Wow, that's pretty cool. Not surprising at all that Tupac the man and Tupac the myth are two different people. Tell us more about him! But to answer your question as to why he's considered a martyr... MONEY, MONEY, MONEY! Some of the stuff they've put out to capitalize on him after his death is just ridiculous.

Not much more I can say about him, Rip. I do remember him being very cocky once he first came into the system, while thinking he was going to be treated differently than the average inmate (there's a story here, but I refuse to mention it until I retire in about 8 years...sorry). That cockiness, later changed after he realized he was getting nowhere fast with this attitude. I had a decent rapport with him, but it was on a professional basis as a counselor.
He did voluntarily sign himself into protective custody after several inmates attempted to extort him in the first month. I also recall him getting about 50 pieces of mail daily, of which he would sort through and only open a few of them, while giving the rest (mostly fan mail from unknowns to him) to his cell-neighbor to read and later dispose of. Finally, I remember that his inmate ID card was constantly being stolen...I wonder how much those would go for on ebay now?

This story you mention wouldn't happen to be the one about Tupac being raped whilst incarcerated would it? This would be a real attitude changer for me and also explains his later obsession with physical fitness by way of making himself stronger and less 'pretty' and defenceless. If such an event did occur it might have triggered a switch in his general behaviour and attitude - from a laid back if somewhat cocky manner to a more aggressive one.

[Uno_up]

Having "dealt with" Tupac (I have worked within the NY State Correctional Department for over 18 years) and spoken with him on many occasions, it boggles my mind as to why he is considered a martyr in the rap music world. While his music is considered "gangsta rap", he is far from a gangster, as he signed himself into protective custody which is highly looked down upon by the hardcore inmates.

Wow, that's pretty cool. Not surprising at all that Tupac the man and Tupac the myth are two different people. Tell us more about him! But to answer your question as to why he's considered a martyr... MONEY, MONEY, MONEY! Some of the stuff they've put out to capitalize on him after his death is just ridiculous.

Not much more I can say about him, Rip. I do remember him being very cocky once he first came into the system, while thinking he was going to be treated differently than the average inmate (there's a story here, but I refuse to mention it until I retire in about 8 years...sorry). That cockiness, later changed after he realized he was getting nowhere fast with this attitude. I had a decent rapport with him, but it was on a professional basis as a counselor.
He did voluntarily sign himself into protective custody after several inmates attempted to extort him in the first month. I also recall him getting about 50 pieces of mail daily, of which he would sort through and only open a few of them, while giving the rest (mostly fan mail from unknowns to him) to his cell-neighbor to read and later dispose of. Finally, I remember that his inmate ID card was constantly being stolen...I wonder how much those would go for on ebay now?

This story you mention wouldn't happen to be the one about Tupac being raped whilst incarcerated would it?

No. I never heard that story...ever. What's your source?

[finalfight]

Having "dealt with" Tupac (I have worked within the NY State Correctional Department for over 18 years) and spoken with him on many occasions, it boggles my mind as to why he is considered a martyr in the rap music world. While his music is considered "gangsta rap", he is far from a gangster, as he signed himself into protective custody which is highly looked down upon by the hardcore inmates.

Wow, that's pretty cool. Not surprising at all that Tupac the man and Tupac the myth are two different people. Tell us more about him! But to answer your question as to why he's considered a martyr... MONEY, MONEY, MONEY! Some of the stuff they've put out to capitalize on him after his death is just ridiculous.

Not much more I can say about him, Rip. I do remember him being very cocky once he first came into the system, while thinking he was going to be treated differently than the average inmate (there's a story here, but I refuse to mention it until I retire in about 8 years...sorry). That cockiness, later changed after he realized he was getting nowhere fast with this attitude. I had a decent rapport with him, but it was on a professional basis as a counselor.
He did voluntarily sign himself into protective custody after several inmates attempted to extort him in the first month. I also recall him getting about 50 pieces of mail daily, of which he would sort through and only open a few of them, while giving the rest (mostly fan mail from unknowns to him) to his cell-neighbor to read and later dispose of. Finally, I remember that his inmate ID card was constantly being stolen...I wonder how much those would go for on ebay now?

This story you mention wouldn't happen to be the one about Tupac being raped whilst incarcerated would it?

No. I never heard that story...ever. What's your source?

It literally began as a word on the street - although is now fairly well documented.

Although Pac himself rarely mentioned it it was speculated that it came from one of his then enemies and not a source from inside the prison. Personally I don't believe it and think that the sheer frustration of being inside was eventually the catalyst for Pac's change in demeanor.
Upon first being imprisoned I honestly believe that he just wanted to be left alone to rest hence his apparant difficult manner. Afterall the guy was used to having an entourage around him 24/7 and would likely have wanted to refocus on his work and plot strategies for the future. Things only got worse when he was released and became more famous than ever before.

Hang on i'll just confirm the above info with him......

[Uno_up]

Not much more I can say about him, Rip. I do remember him being very cocky once he first came into the system, while thinking he was going to be treated differently than the average inmate (there's a story here, but I refuse to mention it until I retire in about 8 years...sorry). That cockiness, later changed after he realized he was getting nowhere fast with this attitude. I had a decent rapport with him, but it was on a professional basis as a counselor.
He did voluntarily sign himself into protective custody after several inmates attempted to extort him in the first month. I also recall him getting about 50 pieces of mail daily, of which he would sort through and only open a few of them, while giving the rest (mostly fan mail from unknowns to him) to his cell-neighbor to read and later dispose of. Finally, I remember that his inmate ID card was constantly being stolen...I wonder how much those would go for on ebay now?

This story you mention wouldn't happen to be the one about Tupac being raped whilst incarcerated would it?

No. I never heard that story...ever. What's your source?

It literally began as a word on the street - although is now fairly well documented.

Although Pac himself rarely mentioned it it was speculated that it came from one of his then enemies and not a source from inside the prison. Personally I don't believe it and think that the sheer frustration of being inside was eventually the catalyst for Pac's change in demeanor.
Upon first being imprisoned I honestly believe that he just wanted to be left alone to rest hence his apparant difficult manner. Afterall the guy was used to having an entourage around him 24/7 and would likely have wanted to refocus on his work and plot strategies for the future. Things only got worse when he was released and became more famous than ever before.

Hang on i'll just confirm the above info with him......

I can't say either way if this is true or false, but if I had to guess, I'd lean closer to "false". I do know he was placed in administration segregation when he first entered the facility...more or less, meaning a lack of direct contact with other inmates. This included staying in his single cell, 1 hour of private recreation in a cage, being escorted to wherever he had to go by a prison employee (prison hospital/dental trips, visiting room, interviews, etc). After being moved to an even securer unit, he was placed with other victim-prone inmates (rats, child molesters, transexuals, etc) from where I have NEVER heard of a rape occuring. I think many outsiders visualize "Oz" as to what is the norm in prison. The unit he was housed in would actually be the "anti-Oz"...a relatively quiet place with very little happening. Most convicts are actually watching their tv's most of the time.
--By the way, I hate his music.

[finalfight]

Not much more I can say about him, Rip. I do remember him being very cocky once he first came into the system, while thinking he was going to be treated differently than the average inmate (there's a story here, but I refuse to mention it until I retire in about 8 years...sorry). That cockiness, later changed after he realized he was getting nowhere fast with this attitude. I had a decent rapport with him, but it was on a professional basis as a counselor.
He did voluntarily sign himself into protective custody after several inmates attempted to extort him in the first month. I also recall him getting about 50 pieces of mail daily, of which he would sort through and only open a few of them, while giving the rest (mostly fan mail from unknowns to him) to his cell-neighbor to read and later dispose of. Finally, I remember that his inmate ID card was constantly being stolen...I wonder how much those would go for on ebay now?

This story you mention wouldn't happen to be the one about Tupac being raped whilst incarcerated would it?

No. I never heard that story...ever. What's your source?

It literally began as a word on the street - although is now fairly well documented.

Although Pac himself rarely mentioned it it was speculated that it came from one of his then enemies and not a source from inside the prison. Personally I don't believe it and think that the sheer frustration of being inside was eventually the catalyst for Pac's change in demeanor.
Upon first being imprisoned I honestly believe that he just wanted to be left alone to rest hence his apparant difficult manner. Afterall the guy was used to having an entourage around him 24/7 and would likely have wanted to refocus on his work and plot strategies for the future. Things only got worse when he was released and became more famous than ever before.

Hang on i'll just confirm the above info with him......

I can't say either way if this is true or false, but if I had to guess, I'd lean closer to "false". I do know he was placed in administration segregation when he first entered the facility...more or less, meaning a lack of direct contact with other inmates. This included staying in his single cell, 1 hour of private recreation in a cage, being escorted to wherever he had to go by a prison employee (prison hospital/dental trips, visiting room, interviews, etc). After being moved to an even securer unit, he was placed with other victim-prone inmates (rats, child molesters, transexuals, etc) from where I have NEVER heard of a rape occuring. I think many outsiders visualize "Oz" as to what is the norm in prison. The unit he was housed in would actually be the "anti-Oz"...a relatively quiet place with very little happening. Most convicts are actually watching their tv's most of the time.
--By the way, I hate his music.

He says he hates you too! Just kidding, thanks for the insight - great stuff.