Is the Hip Hop Industry Dirtier Than the Dope Game?

Defiant rapper FOXY BROWN has slammed the officials who sentenced her to a year-long prison spell at New York's notorious Riker's Island jail, insisting the punishment did not match the crime.

Brown, real name Inga Marchand, was released four months early on Friday (18Apr08), and insisted her first priority was to find a church and thank God for supporting her.

Speaking to fans and media shortly after her release, the rap star said, "I did not deserve a sentence that harsh."

Brown was sent to jail for a series of probation violations.

The rapper conducted her first full interview, with MTV, by phone from the back of a white Bentley, which arrived to take her home from jail.

She told the music network that prison was a life-changing experience for her, explaining, "There were days when I just thought I could make it through; I was sitting down (and) eating next to drug addicts, next to killers.

"I have a whole newfound respect for my freedom. Little things I would take for granted... like a Snickers bar... It's an incredible feeling. I feel really good."

Of her trip to church, she said, "I really, really want to go to church first and get it right with God. It's only through His grace that I was able to survive this, and I want to get down on my knees and thank Him."