Rap Promotions Sink To A New Low

I'm completely disgusted by this whole thing. As you may have read on various websites, including Perez Hilton, rapper J-Kwon was reported "missing" by his record label yesterday after his family and friends allegedly hadn't heard from him in over a month. Following the news being picked up by countless websites and blogs, today, a press release went out announcing J-Kwon had miraculously been found. Here is the statement from J-Kwon's publicist Dorian Washington:

"I am very happy to let everyone know that I personally spoke with J-Kwon today, and he is OK. He'd like to send a sincere apology to his friends and everyone who showed concern this week. He was taking some time to himself as he sometimes does, not realizing that people would start to worry after a while. A few days out of touch versus a month is quite a difference. Right now, he just wants to keep doing what he's doing and will be more available for those who care about him. We thank you again for your outreach, and we are relieved to know he'll be all right."

Not only is this poorly written, but it raises some questions:

J-Kwon didn't realize that people would be worried if they didn't hear from him for a month?

Is there any reason J-Kwon decided to go "missing" coincidentally right around the time his album is slated to drop at the end of March?

No police report was filed (that I know of) however a Twitter account was set-up at @whereisjkwon

The record label was promoting J-Kwon's new single between tweets pleading for information on his whereabouts. Funny enough, once I raised concerns about them promoting the single to a person connected with J-Kwon, it was removed.

Any particular reason they took the time to post a background with a hot car and chick on the @whereisjkwon Twitter page?

Aside from the clear shady nature of this whole thing, the worst part is the angle they put on the news of J-Kwon "missing." They said he had been suffering from serious depression and had been quite withdrawn lately. In fact, a trusted contact of mine blew my head up with this trying to get me to post info or get involved with the effort to find J-Kwon. That contact will remain unnamed as I have respect for them. I can only hope they got pulled into this scheme unknowingly as well. Mocking depression issues for the sake of promoting a Rap song or album is disgusting on a whole other level. Does J-Kwon have depression issues? Possibly. I don't know. But as it becomes more and more clear that this whole thing was a publicity stunt, J-Kwon, his record label Gracie Promotions and publicist Dorian Washington (and anyone else knowingly promoting this scheme) should be ashamed of themselves. I've never been more disgusted since getting involved with Hip-Hop and the entertainment industry in 1996.

Comments

[TD]

"Not only is this poorly written, but it raises some questions."

Raises questions, yes... but poorly written?

I do not see it.

Perhaps you could point out some examples?

[coach bags 2011]

Thank you very much for your very thoughtful and considered comment. I approach the journey in very much the same way as you've described yours.