Are Rappers Turning to Steroids?

Jan. 15, 2008 — -- Big, bad, and now buff like baseball slugger Barry Bonds.

Hip-hop stars, cultural icons for youth around the world, have now been linked to steroid use.

Some of the biggest names in rap -- Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, Timbaland and Wyclef Jean -- may have used performance-enhancing drugs, according to an ongoing investigation that was launched two years ago by the Albany, N.Y., district attorney's office. The names of the rap stars appeared in a story in the Albany Times Union that the DA has refused to confirm.

Few would say hip-hop stars -- with their music personas of drugs, violence and misogyny -- are getting a bad rap. But those familiar with the culture say steroid use is more about beauty and album sales than strength and endurance.

LL Cool J's six pack sells.

"As they approach 40, they are wondering how they can stay relevant. It's like Botox or plastic surgery," said David Canton, who teaches a class on the history of hip-hop culture at Connecticut College. "Rappers are part of American society, and it's a young person's industry."

R & B singer Mary J. Bilge is 37; rappers Timbaland and Jean are 36. Other image-conscious singers who haven't been connected to steriods are also aging: mega-muscular LL Cool J turned 40 this week, and record producer Dr. Dre is 43.

"They're getting older," Canton said. "Baseball players are doing it. Why not take a little. It makes a difference when you come back with an album and you look a particular way. It boosts sales."