B.G. Tones Down New Album to Avoid Probation Violation

Veteran rapper B.G. is walking a fine line with his new album "Freedom of Speech" after facing scrutiny from the U.S. government over his lyrics glorifying crime. In a recent interview with XXL, the former Hot Boys member revealed he had to "tone down" certain content on the project to avoid the risk of being sent back to prison.

B.G. was released from prison in late 2023 after serving over a decade on firearms possession and obstruction of justice charges. However, the government has continued to monitor his music, claiming some of his lyrics since his release have violated the terms of his probation.

Earlier this year, prosecutors accused B.G. of glorifying a life of crime in his songs and said working with other convicted felons like Boosie Badazz and Gucci Mane was also problematic. While a judge ultimately ruled he did not violate his probation, B.G. now must get written approval from his probation officer before collaborating with any felons.

"If the ban that they was trying to put on me would've stuck, then there's definitely a few records on there that I wouldn't have been able to drop," B.G. told XXL. "And to be honest with you, I still toned it down a little bit because at the end of the day, the prosecutor's still got the right."

The 44-year-old said he had to be mindful of what he was putting in his songs, acknowledging that "them people listening" and "them people watching." He advised young rappers to be cautious as well, stating "rap is on trial."

Despite the restrictions, B.G. maintained he kept his music "all the way B.G." on the new album. The judge's ruling did grant the government the ability to review his lyrics in advance, but they cannot outright censor his artistic expression.

"Mr. Dorsey [B.G.] is pleased the that Honorable Court found he did not violate the terms of his supervision and would not restrict his artistic work by ordering his lyrics be controlled by the Government," his attorney David Z Chesnoff said in a statement. "He intends on resuming his career consistent with the court order."

It's a delicate balance for B.G. as he navigates his comeback, having to carefully consider the government's watchful eye over his creative output. Fans will have to wait and see if he was able to strike the right tone on "Freedom of Speech" when it's released.