Pump It Up

You have probably heard about the Albany-based steroid investigation by now. You know, the one story, which was published yesterday in the Times Union citing unnamed sources and stating that 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, Timbaland, Wyclef Jean and award-winning producer Tyler Perry have received or used performance-enhancing drugs.

Blige’s camp has denied the claims and other entertainers have declined to comment. The report claims that these big names are just the tip of the iceberg, a handful among the tens of thousands of people who in recent years may have used or received prescribed shipments of steroids and human growth hormone (HGH). It’s a strange story that seems too premature to print because “law enforcement officials said they don't have evidence that musicians and other customers violated any laws.” (None are actually accused of breaking the law. Investigators are taking aim at the clinics and doctors that provide the drugs.) But, of course, anytime you have black people making serious moves, there always has to be someone trying to flush them down like Evilene with bad news.

But it also is a sign of how big the entertainment industry has become. As you read this, the steroid scandal is sweeping through the ranks of America’s pastime. Barry Bonds, the new homerun king, will be clouded by controversy over the matter for the rest of his life, no matter what you believe. Of course, you could look at Fitty and Timbo and could easily claim they’ve been popping those ‘roids. But Wyclef could use an extra veggie burger or two. And the alleged anti-aging benefits wouldn't do much for Mary because black don’t crack. (Plus, there is no evidence that says steroids make you look younger.) And I don’t know what to say about Mr. Medea.

But let’s examine another underlying fact about the stars mentioned in the report: Each of them have had big projects come out in the recent months. Mary J. had the No. 1 album in the country with Growing Pains and Wyclef just released Carnival II. Timbo’s pop collaborations have been constant chart-toppers and his groundbreaking album Shock Value is still going strong, especially Down Under. And Fitty released Curtis and was everywhere in 2007. Not to mention Tyler Perry. He’s a millionaire, cranking out bestsellers, plays and movies like it’s nothing and it has recently been confirmed that he will appear in JJ Abrams’ new Star Trek movie.

These aren’t random black celebs that wouldn’t even recognize the limelight if it hit them in the eye. These people are at the top of their respective games right now so the report comes as no surprise. Not to dismiss the seriousness of the investigation (disclaimer: steroids are bad for you), but without cold, hard facts, it’s difficult to see it as anything more than an attempt to wreck a few relatively good reputations.