Wasn't at least one of them closely tied to CCA (Corrections Corporation of America) who, as the largest private prison company in the US had somewhat of a vested interest in maintaining a high prison population?
There was an anonymous whistle blower in the 1990's who claimed the corporate prison interests and record labels had a very private meeting in the late 80's or early 90's to propose directing the hip hop industry toward nurturing the criminal element.
Take it for what it's worth, but knowing what we know about the ruling oligarchs, I wouldn't put it past them, especially considering all of the monkeyshines involving the music industry and the intelligence agencies during the 1960's.
I vaguely remember something of that now that you mention it. Honestly would not be surprised.
https://www.hiphopisread.com/2012/04/secret-meeting-that-changed-rap-music.html?m=1
Here's one I found that I remember reading ages ago. No guarantees on the veracity of it but it certainly isn't at odds with what happened.
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