FBI Says Gangs Use Rap to Launder Money, Recruit Members

From Ice-T's Cop Killer to New York City's so-called hip hop police, government on all levels has long tried to link hip hop with crime and violence, and a new FBI report is more of the same. A new Bureau study on gang activity claims that criminal organizations are using rap music to launder dirty money and attract new members. According to AllHipHop, the report, which was released last week, takes an in-depth look at the activity of gang members around the country, the growth of gangs, their standard operating procedures and how they are recruiting new members. According to the report, gangs are starting and funding rap groups as a front for criminal activity. “Gangster rap gangs, often comprised of juveniles, are forming and are being used to launder drug money through seemingly legitimate businesses,” the report says. The FBI alleges that gangs also host legitimate events, parties and concerts to recruit members. “Juvenile gang members in some communities are hosting parties and organizing special events which develop into opportunities for recruiting, drugs, sexual exploitation and criminal activities,” the report says. Strangely, the report specifically takes a look at the Insane Clown Posse, labeling their fan base, known as "Juggalos," a "hybrid gang. Open-source reporting suggests that a small number of Juggalos are forming more organized subsets and engaging in more gang-like criminal activity, such as felony assaults, thefts, robberies and drug sales," the report says. What do you think? Does the FBI report have some truth to it? Or is the government yet again unfairly targeting hip hop — and people of color in general? Let us know in the comments below.
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