Remy Ma and Papoose Tie the Knot on Rikers

Rappers Remy Ma and Papoose are finally tying the knot today at a ceremony on the exclusive Rikers Island, and the rain is the least of their problems. Papoose, who recently duped the Bed-Stuy volunteer EMTs for his video, has been planning the big day as his lady resides behind bars. This would have made for a fantastic hour of reality television had they filmed the process for Bridezillas, considering on just an average night out Remy Ma shot her friend in the stomach.

Since no reality television deal came through, The NY Times has a piece on what it's like to get married on Rikers Island.

The long walk to the Rose M. Singer chapel on Rikers Island starts after the wedding party passes through metal detectors. When the bride and groom reach the altar, the chapel doors are locked behind them.

Marriage vows are uttered in a windowless room with cinder-block walls.

The couple have permission for nothing more than a kiss after the pastor declares them husband and wife.

“Once you say ‘I do,’ he is going his way and you are going your way,” said the Rev. David Staton. “They are not going home together.”

As bleak as it sounds, weddings on Rikers are common; there were 180 last year alone -- though unlike Remy Ma's case, it's the groom that's usually incarcerated. Some other fun facts should you be considering a destination wedding on Rikers: The Department of Corrections sets your date, no flowers, no wedding cake and no photography allowed, a gown can be brought in but the ceremony is so brief that some just wear jail-issued jumpsuits. That's a stress-free wedding right there, especially when The NY Post takes care of your invites.

Will the happy couple procreate? There's no getting pregnant on the Island (conjugal visits aren't allowed), however, once married "the couples can apply for a chance for time alone if the incarcerated spouse is moved to one of the state prisons that allow such visits." Remy Ma is currently awaiting her April 23rd sentencing after being convicted of shooting Makeda Barnes-Joseph in the Meatpacking District last year.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Carlson in Arts and Events on May 12, 2008 12:49 PM

Comments [rss]

Snoopy

THE WEDDING IS OFF! It appears there was a wedding gift that wasn't allowed in the sanctioned area. That does not mean there wont be a pregnancy, just a postponement of the nuptials. How unusual.

sonyactivision

Now he's payin' her rent and he's still ain't gettin' some. What a stupid fuckwad!

Snoopy

I really don't think that guy is really of Native American origin. They normally don't wear that color blue.

Is he practicing to be a butler at the big house by the way he's holding his arms out like that?

Kreetoo

Who the fuck cares about these two douche bags??

ladywarfield

I have to say, Gothamist is the first place I ever heard of the Mr or Mrs.

Anna_Merkin

Are we to next expect a rash of off-key prison love song CDs with special guest appearances from singers finishing stints in rehab?

At least we can credit "gangsta" rap with an evolution of sorts: they moved from the Rat Pack era tradition of being backed by crime figures to being a crime figures themselves.

ed_Extinct

#9 for the win!

CR

The whole Lubavitch community would like to extend a big MAZEL TOV to Remy Ma and papoose on their recent chassina! MAZEL TOV! MAZEL TOV!

stereotypical

Shit, you she gone be having some babies in prison too.

Jen S

Talk about a destination wedding.

JenChungsBaby

What's the rush? They couldn't wait a few years until she gets out?

contro

If this is newsworthy then, me visiting NYC is newsworthy.

AnonEMouse

How romantic....

bxbrian

Sorry, Ms. Carlson, but I'm not sure we care about Remy Ma.

Muscley Armed Paper Boy

What a perfect way to glorify the gangsta lifestyle! As if NYC youths needed any more encouragement to justify their crimes.

Snoopy

Any idea of the reception menu? I hear they are serving bologna sandwiches on white with "bug juice" cocktails.

This is a match made in heaven. Will the bride be wearing something in a green shade designed by DOC? I wish them both a long and happy marriage, without kids.