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An illustration shows a bearded Black man, wearing a kufi cap and red prison uniform, holding up a phone to his ear. While on the phone, he writes lyrics onto a notebook.
Life Inside May 31
I Recorded a Whole Hip-Hop Album on a Death Row Telephone
In this new book excerpt, incarcerated rapper Alim “RRome Alone” Braxton describes his early attempts to record vocals over a phone in the dayroom.
By Alim Braxton and Mark Katz
A collage illustration shows a vinyl record at the center of the frame with various cutouts of black-and-white images overtop. On the left edge of the vinyl record, the 1950s musical group The Prisonaires is singing over a microphone. Toward the center, a group of musicians called The Outlaws poses with instruments in a yard. On the right side of the vinyl record, a man with a goatee listens to music through a pair of headphones. His eyes are closed. A soundwave connects all of these collaged photographs. Splashes of teal and purple paint lay beneath all these elements.
Looking Back August 3, 2023
Redemption Songs: The Forgotten History of American Prison Music
From blues to gospel, country to rap, people have been making music behind bars for decades. Here’s why we should all tune in.
By
Life Inside June 23, 2016
I Made a Rap Video in Prison
And it got a million clicks.
By Desmond Metcalf as told to
This image featuring Benny Medina (drums) appears on the back of the 1972 album “Behind the Walls.” Music featured on the record was written and performed by inmates housed for a system-wide contest organized by the Texas Department of Corrections.
Looking Back May 30, 2016
The Real Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Had a Father in Prison
And he played drums in a prison band.
By
Six years after being paroled for murders he committed in 1976, Rick Stevens will return to prison, this time as a performer.
Q&A May 11, 2016
Tower of Power Star to Funkifize a California Prison
Rick Stevens on his three decades locked up and his return to performing.
By
Feature February 12, 2016
Kendrick Lamar, the Grammys and the Year in Socially Conscious Music
Black Lives Matter took center stage in 2015’s hip-hop and R&B.
By and
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