In my ongoing effort to document rap artists and their contact with the criminal legal system [actually regular readers might characterize it as my Lil’ Wayne obsession], I am now compelled to write about the plight of Lyfe Jennings.

I don’t know how many of you are aware of Lyfe Jennings.   Lyfe (born Chester Jennings) is a 37 year old rapper/singer who has been known for some of his socially-conscious music.  He went to prison at the age of 19 for arson and served 10 years.  His prison number was 268-192.  When he was released from prison, he recorded his first album “Lyfe 268-192.”

Lyfe often credits prison with turning him on to writing music and giving him a chance to deepen his religious faith. OK here’s the part where Lyfe breaks my heart:

On October 19, 2008, Jennings was arrested after kicking in the door where he thought his former girlfriend and mother of his children, Joy Bounds, was staying, firing gun shots into the home, and leading police on a high speed chase. On September 22, 2010, Jennings was sentenced to three and a half years in prison as a result of the incident.

So Lyfe Jennings who was getting his life together and had found professional and financial success after 10 years in prison, is headed back to prison for 3 1/2 years. I am particularly saddened by the fact that it was an act of violence against women and children that has landed him behind bars again.  I often speak about the issue of restorative and transformative justice.  I think that this incident is a prime candidate for testing out the possibilities and the limits of that approach.  Wouldn’t  it better for everyone if  Lyfe could avoid a return trip to prison by making restitution for the harm and pain that he caused to his ex-girlfriend and to his children?  Of course, those impacted from his action would have to agree to a non-criminal legal intervention in this case.  Often people do want this option.  They want accountability for harm caused not draconian punishment.  Instead of the minimum sentence of 1 year, he received a 3 1/2 year sentence.

According to local reports:

While in court, he was very emotional as he told the judge “I did it, I know I gotta be punished for it and I just wanted the opportunity to apologize”.

Here is a link to news coverage of his sentencing hearing. Another link is below:

Click on this link to see coverage of his sentencing hearing.

With his fate sealed, at least for the next three years, the R&B singer bid farewell to his fans via Twitter.
“This will be my last post,” stated the singer according to MTVNews.com. “To everyone who gave me a chance I am forever in your debt. I have had a fabulous career because of you…. I’ve lived a hundred lives in these 6 yrs so I not only won’t, I don’t have the right to complain. I would like to think that I’ve changed lives by changing my own, tho I can’t be sure. But one thing I am sure of is God gives and takes away in measure. He is fair, just and forever. Amen from aman… Smile, it’s contagious:)”

Here’s Lyfe’s latest called “Statistics”: