While fans await the January 12, 1999 release of his new album, "It's A Beautiful Thing," rapper Keith Murray has begun serving his sentence for second-degree assault.

His attorney, Joseph A. Moniz, says he is still investigating certain aspects of the case, and he and Murray will be in court on Friday motioning for a re-trial based on the claim that "the investigation singled Murray out because of his status as a rap star.

Keith has not given up and is turning the situation into a positive. Mr. Murray told the "New York Amsterdam News" that he is going to start a non-profit organization for underprivileged kids who are going the wrong way in life. He told the paper, "There's a lot of kids in my situation that don't have a voice. I'm trying to show people a better way.

As it stands now, Murray is serving a five-year sentence, suspended after three years. Meanwhile, fans wishing to send the rapper words of encouragement can do so to:

 Keith Murray

c/o WRFMU 1151 East Street South Suffield, CT 06075