S. Samuel
Former NBA star Jalen Rose has publicly shown support for jailed rapper Beanie Sigel in light of his arrest earlier in the week on a drug and gun possession charge.
While brief with his comments, the current NBA broadcaster and on-screen personality has stood behind Beans.
“Support to my friend Beanie Sigel aka “Broad Street Bully” #respect,” Rose tweeted August 29th. (Jalen Rose’s Twitter)
Ruffhouse Records CEO Chris Schwartz vowed his support to Sigel earlier in the week.
“Obviously, we’re very disappointed. However, Beanie has done nothing but display the utmost professionalism in all the initiatives related to the promotion of his new release. Beanie obviously has been struggling with some personal issues, and we continue to support him now and throughout his impending incarceration.” (Statement)
Fellow Philadelphia rapper Cassidy recently talked to SOHH about Sigel’s publicized woes.
“Yeah, that’s a sad situation because you know Beanie is from my city. He was one of the first cats to get on and get it popping and take it to a whole other level, and he’s really lyrical,” Cass told SOHH. “It’s sad that he has to go away for the [tax evasion conviction] situation. Everything happens for a reason, so hopefully he’ll be able to build from the time where he’s sitting down. Be able to develop. Learn more about himself. Learn more how to move when he finally gets the opportunity to get back out here, so when he does get back out here he can take it to a whole other level. That’s definitely sad. I don’t wish nobody to go to jail. I’ve been there before. I know what that life’s like, and it definitely ain’t a fun place to be so it’s sad to see him have to go away.” (SOHH)
Although initially slated to start a two-year bid on September 12th for a tax-related conviction, Sigel was forced to begin immediately following this week’s arrest.
“At this point, the Federal authorities will take him into custody and he’ll begin serving the sentence that he was going to start on September 12 anyway,” Sigel’s longtime attorney Fortunato N. Perri told XXL. “He had bail set on the new charges, but the Federal authorities have issued a detainer–a warrant, essentially–that will transfer him to Federal custody and he’ll start serving his sentence.” (XXL Mag)
