Lil Wayne has checked off his first day of a one-year prison bid at New York's Rikers Island but is looking to serve the rest of his time in protective custody. For now, Weezy will remain a member of the general prison population but according to his lawyer, Stacey Richman, the New Orleans rapper should be separated due to his high profile. "I requested protective custody so that he may serve his time in peace," Richman told The BoomBox. "He should be granted protective custody based on my request."

Although he's not quite separated yet, should Wayne decide to leave his housing unit at present, he will receive a general population escort, a stipulation usually offered to gang members. Additionally Wayne is also allowed to mingle with the 17 other inmates in his unit under the supervision of prison guards, or stay locked in his cell. "It's his choice," said Correction Department spokesman Stephen Morello in an interview.

The 27-year-old turned himself in Monday (March 8) to begin the one-year prison sentence, stemming from a 2007 gun possession charge for which he pleaded guilty. Richman likened the scene outside the courthouse to a "crush of humanity" and described the Grammy winner as "stoic and resolved." Luckily Wayne, born Dwayne Carter, will only serve eight months of the sentence pending good behavior. His projected release date, according to the City of New York Department of Correction website, is November 4, 2010. In a nod to his release date, Lil Wayne released the 'Gone Till November ' mixtape before his incarceration.

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