Music journalist and hip-hop influencer Elliott Wilson has strong opinions about artists releasing music while in prison. Recently, he discussed this topic on his show, The Bigger Picture, after Tory Lanez dropped a new album called Peterson while serving his sentence. Wilson believes that if someone is in jail, they should be focused on getting better and reflecting on their life rather than being active in the music scene. “I think when you’re in jail, you should kind of disappear,” Wilson stated. “The point of being in there is to take a break from everything, to think about what you’ve done and work on yourself.”

Wilson’s comments highlight a bigger issue, Should artists continue to share music and connect with fans when they are behind bars, or should they use that time to be more silent and reflective? With Lanez’s new album gaining attention from his fans, Wilson argues that this keeps the artist in the public eye in a way that goes against the purpose of serving a sentence. He added, “I don’t want to be part of your promotion,” reinforcing that his stance goes beyond just Lanez. He doesn’t agree that someone in prison can still be part of society. “You’ve been told to take a break; deal with it.” Tory Lanez was found guilty for his involvement in the shooting incident with Megan Thee Stallion and has remained vocal about his situation through his music.

His album, Peterson, expresses his emotions and perspective on his struggles, but Wilson questions whether it’s right for artists to stay culturally relevant while serving their sentences. He asked, “Is it wrong for me to just want you to serve your time?” Wilson’s thoughts have sparked discussions among fans and critics. Some believe that music is a way for artists to express themselves, regardless of their situations, while others agree with Wilson that being in jail should mean a pause in their public presence. No matter the opinion, Lanez’s album is already out, making an impact that people will notice, whether they like it or not.