Chris Brown's court room ensemble can't be beat!
Recording artists are constantly being judged for their fashion choices, but at no point is an outfit more important than when they're going before a judge in court to face the music. For instance, the same baggy thug apparel that gives a rapper street cred makes them look like a disrespectful miscreant to a gavel banger.
Yesterday, when R&B singer Chris Brown appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court to be arraigned for the alleged assault of his pop star girlfriend Rihanna, he made a smart selection: tight fitting dress clothes topped off with a sweater. Note the black—it's slimming, which makes him look too skinny and frail to whup on a woman. Well done, Chris. Of course, not everyone is so wise. Check out five artists whose court look was just plain criminal...
Moses Michael Leviy, a.k.a. Jamal "Shyne" Barrow
• Charged with: First-degree assault and reckless endangerment, a.k.a shooting the club up
• What he wore: Dapper suits with fitted baseball caps
• What it said: "I'm ready to start a New Era—in prison."
• Verdict: Guilty. Sentenced to 10 years.
Michael Jackson
• Accused of: Child molestation
• What he wore: A suit with pajama pants.
• What it said: "Let's get this over with. I have a slumber party to get to, and you know how kids hate it when you're late."
• Verdict: Not guilty. Extremely suspect, but not guilty.
Phil Spector
• Charged with: Murdering nightclub hostess and actress Lana Clarkson in his mansion
• What he wore: A series of crazy hairstyles and ill-advised suits
• What it said: "OK, even if I did it, just look at me—I'm clearly insane."
• Verdict: Guilty of fashion crimes. All else is TBD.
Radric "Gucci Mane" Davis
• Charged with: Violating terms of his probation (failing to do 600 hours of community service and using alcohol and drugs) after an assault conviction
• What he wore: A "Gucci Mane" T-shirt
• What it said: "My 'Gucci Mane' suit is still at the tailors."
• Verdict: Guilty. One year in jail, continued probation.
Dwight "Beanie Sigel" Grant
• Charged with: Attempted murder, aggravated assault and weapons offenses
• What he wore: A sharp suit and hat combo straight out of Goodfellas
• What it said: "As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster."
• Verdict: Hung jury. Pause.
