Convicted rapper Lil Wayne began serving his one year prison sentence on a firearms charge yesterday at Riker’s Island. Contrary to popular belief, he will not be in protective custody where he would have been safe from roving bands of gangs that the NY prison system is famous for.

Instead, the rapper insisted that he do his time (like a man) in the general population with the thugs, murderers, pedophiles, rapists and others who probably committed some of their crimes while humming his rap tunes.

Even though defense lawyer Stacey Richman initially claimed that city officials were forcing the rapper into protective custody, it turns out he’s going into a regular cellblock. Correction Department spokesman Stephen Morello said the “Lollipop” singer will have “general population escort” status.

That means he’ll be escorted by a correction captain when outside of his housing unit – just like gang members. Inside, he’s free to socialize under the watchful eye of guards with the 17 men on his cellblock – or stay locked in his cell.

“It’s his choice,” Morello said.

He said the agency never got a request from Lil Wayne to be treated like any other inmate – and Richman conceded she never made one because she assumed it would be shot down.