The Summer of 2009 will go down in Hip-Hop history as one of the most oppressive summers to date. Not in the literal sense of the word, Hip-Hop artists are seemingly being hunted down and prosecuted with ferocity unseen before in the American justice system, mainly due to their own ignorance and ill-advised decisions.
From C-Murder and Lil’ Boosie to throwback legends Coolio and Willie D, it would seem that the stars have aligned and solar flares are disrupting the thought process of some of the game’s best and brightest talent, with even those who have recently come into commercial success choosing to involve themselves in idiotic endeavors. Terrance Boykin is a part of the latter group.
Known to the world as Bump J, Boykin reached the early commercial success with his hit “Move Around,” finding more acclaim when the song was chosen to be featured in one of McDonald’s nationally aired commercials, yet that taste of success was not enough to keep the burgeoning star from getting into trouble. J was arrested by federal officials for participating in the robbery of a Chicago-area bank nearly two years ago.
Having confessed to being involved in the heist, which netted over $100,000, – 2005’s “Best Midwest Mixtape” recipient has moved to save his self from what would have been a painful prison sentence by agreeing to a plea deal. As decreed by federal guidelines, the rapper was only facing between 37 to 46 months in prison but the penalty for “menacing” a bank employee, which he also admitted to, came with a mandatory life sentence. Under the deal reached, Bump would still have to serve a minimum of seven years behind bars, the consequence of him having brandished a firearm during a crime of violence. A sad sidestep to what was once a promising career.
Discovered by Xtreme Beats of Chicago music fame, Bump was introduced to Phil Edwards, Kanye West’s former manager. Soon after the Chicago native found his way to Atlantic Records, where a record deal was offered and quickly signed by the young artist. After releasing several mixtapes, including the acclaimed Chicagorilla with DJ Drama, Boykin returned to life in the streets and fast money after his debut album entitled Nothing to Lose was forcefully shelved. Bump also recorded with the late legendary Rick James on the song “Lock Me Down.” Scheduled to appear on his shelved project, the track was produced by Kanye.
Terrance “Bump J” Boykin is set to appear in front of Judge Charles R. Norgle on the first of September.
I guess he felt that he had nothing to lose. Another rappin’ fool bites the dust. R.I.P to what little was left of Bump J’s career…
