Imprisonment

Illmatic at 30: how Nas invented epistolary rap – and changed the hyper-masculine world of hip hop forever

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 18, 2024
African Americans, Love, Pulitzer, Noise, Hate Me Now, Trauma, Hope, The Color Purple, Thought, Masculinity, Male, Alice Walker, Creativity, Dear Mama, Literature, Music, Imprisonment, Magic

At the time, these lines were seen as just another gem in a long line of highly sophisticated, literary Nas lyrics.

Key Points: 
  • At the time, these lines were seen as just another gem in a long line of highly sophisticated, literary Nas lyrics.
  • In many ways a verbal successor to Nas, Lamar controversially won an actual Pulitzer prize for music.
  • Like Lamar, Nas is as highly esteemed in the street as he is in academic circles.

One Love breaks new ground

  • The Illmatic track One Love (1994) introduced the “epistolary narrative”, or written letter technique, to the rap genre.
  • As journalist, educator and author Dax-Devlon Ross explains, One Love contains “a series of prison letters set to song”, which “effectively began the epistolary sub-genre” of rap.
  • Notable advocates of the technique include one-time rival of Nas, Tupac Shakur, releasing Dear Mama a year after One Love.

Illmatic’s legacy

  • Released two years after One Love, Xzibit utilised rap’s newly established epistolary sub-genre to pen an emotive open letter to his young son.
  • The Foundation addresses themes prevalent in the male African American experience, such as lineage, loyalty, masculinity and the paternal bond.

Nas today

  • In recent years, Nas has reached a purple patch of creativity, and released a flourish of well received albums, including both the King’s Disease (2020) and the Magic series.
  • When brought into the running of “top five dead or alive” rap debates, Nas is often quick to deflect from comparison, stating that there “ain’t no best”.
  • As Nas said himself in 2022: “I probably don’t need a therapist because I have music.” It’s hard to think of another rapper of his generation who has opened up so many doors for the artform.


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Paul Stephen Adey does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

2X4 FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES LAUNCH, EMPOWERING WOMEN BY STRENGTHENING LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS NATIONWIDE

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Health, Organization, Woman, Education, Domestic violence, Religion, Research, DIY, Recidivism, Investment, Safety, Multimedia, Imprisonment, Movement, Pharmaceutical industry

With a focus on health, safety, and education, 2x4 foundation supports grassroots nonprofits providing essential services.

Key Points: 
  • With a focus on health, safety, and education, 2x4 foundation supports grassroots nonprofits providing essential services.
  • 2x4 foundation conducts dedicated research in identifying these organizations, appraises their needs, and provides funding to amplify their voices and expand their reach.
  • At 2x4 foundation, their mission is to strengthen the nation to, by, and for women.
  • "2x4 foundation is more than just a charitable organization - it's a domestic movement dedicated to bringing women together by empowering them and providing essential services," said Nikki Silver, co-founder of 2x4 foundation.

Breaking Barriers: Groundbreaking Job and Resource Fair for Criminal Justice System Impacted Individuals

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
BBPA, Ministry, Poverty, Education, Recidivism, Social services, Prison Policy Initiative, Professional association, Imprisonment, Employment, Black Business, Movement, Community, Housing, Face

Urban Rez Solutions presents a Job and Resource Fair, providing invaluable opportunities for individuals impacted by the criminal justice system.

Key Points: 
  • Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 21, 2024) - As part of its ongoing commitment to empowering individuals impacted by the Criminal Justice System, Urban Rez Solutions Social Enterprise is proud to announce the upcoming "Inside-Out Job and Resource Fair.
  • According to recent industry data from the Prison Policy Initiative, formerly incarcerated individuals face disproportionately high barriers to employment, housing, and education, perpetuating cycles of poverty and recidivism.
  • I have not forgotten the skills you taught me, and I'm eager to apply them in my life and business."
  • To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
    For media inquiries and further information, please contact:

Third Season of Bridgespan’s Dreaming in Color Podcast Celebrates the Next Generation of Leaders “Reimagining Our World”

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Penguin Random House, Woman, LGBTQ, Poverty, Culture, Thought, Season, American Legacy, Imprisonment, Reform Alliance (United States), The Bridgespan Group, Universal basic income, Social justice, Management

New York, March 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Bridgespan Group today launched the third season of its Dreaming in Color podcast, which celebrates the next generation of leaders building a better world.

Key Points: 
  • New York, March 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Bridgespan Group today launched the third season of its Dreaming in Color podcast, which celebrates the next generation of leaders building a better world.
  • “This generation is entering the conversation from a different place than I did,” said Isom.
  • “They have internalized and normalized conversations that were once thought of radical, and that’s really exciting.”
    Added Celeste Tate: “This season’s guests are truly reimagining our world.
  • In 2018 Arlan co-founded Backstage Studio, which launched four accelerator programs for underestimated founders in Detroit, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and London.

Orijin partners with Interplay Learning to scale up access to skilled trades workforce development in correctional facilities

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Interplay, Student, NATE, Recidivism, OSHA, Prison, HR, Imprisonment, Employment, EPA, Workforce, Vocational education, Partnership, Nursing

Learners will be well-prepared to sit for industry-recognized credentials like NATE, OSHA 10, and EPA 608, unlocking accelerated pathways to career success in their chosen trades.

Key Points: 
  • Learners will be well-prepared to sit for industry-recognized credentials like NATE, OSHA 10, and EPA 608, unlocking accelerated pathways to career success in their chosen trades.
  • Incarcerated learners participating in correctional education programs are nearly 43%3 less likely to recidivate when compared with those who did not participate in correctional education programs.
  • With the Orijin-Interplay Learning partnership, jurisdictions can dramatically expand access to more incarcerated learners without having to add additional teachers or build new vocational shops.
  • "We are honored to have our skilled trades courses integrated into Orijin's innovative workforce development platform," said Doug Donovan, Founder and CEO of Interplay Learning.

A Year of Impact: 750+ Volunteer Hours, $135,000+ Charitable Donations, $87,500 Scholarships

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Primary, Secondary, Education, Philanthropy, Foundation, Continuing, University, Survivor, Caregiver, Student, Spouse, Multimedia, Operation Stand Down, Quality of life, Farmer, Purdue University, Parent, National Military Family Association, Human, Imprisonment, Organization, Domestic violence, Veteran, Humanity, Partnership

With a remarkable year of impact marked by more than 750 volunteer hours, charitable donations exceeding $135,000, and scholarships totaling $87,500, Corvias Foundation aligns its community support with the residents and partners it serves each day.

Key Points: 
  • With a remarkable year of impact marked by more than 750 volunteer hours, charitable donations exceeding $135,000, and scholarships totaling $87,500, Corvias Foundation aligns its community support with the residents and partners it serves each day.
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240220735042/en/
    The Corvias team at Purdue University delivered backpacks stuffed with school supplies to a local elementary school.
  • (Photo: Business Wire)
    Using VTIME, which provides each employee with eight hours annually to volunteer during the workday, employees individually volunteered nearly 570 hours.
  • Pamela Self, who is a resident manager at Fort Johnson, used her VTIME to volunteer for a traumatic brain injury camp for survivors and caregivers.

Wilmers Integrity Prize Awarded to Refuge America Founder

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Prize, Refugee, Violence, Education, M&T Bank, Empowerment, Safety, Human, Arrest, City, Imprisonment, Employment, Medicine, Motivation, ARD International Music Competition, Logic, Housing, Environment, Social justice

NEW YORK, March 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Robert G. Wilmers Integrity Prize, which honors individuals striving to better our world, has been awarded to Edafe Okporo, founder of Refuge America, a nonprofit committed to strengthening America as a welcome place for displaced LGBTQ+ people. Offered each year, the Prize is a no-strings-attached cash award of $50,000.

Key Points: 
  • Edafe Okporo leads illustrious group of finalists, earning $50,000 prize to further the impact of aiding displaced people
    NEW YORK, March 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Robert G. Wilmers Integrity Prize , which honors individuals striving to better our world, has been awarded to Edafe Okporo, founder of Refuge America , a nonprofit committed to strengthening America as a welcome place for displaced LGBTQ+ people.
  • This recognition was announced at a reception for 65 inaugural donors to the Wilmers Integrity Prize, a nonprofit established in 2019 to support individuals working in the United States with exceptional integrity to better our world through their actions and advocacy.
  • In receiving the Wilmers Integrity Prize, Okporo led an accomplished group of finalists who have all launched innovative programs to address inequity and drive positive change.
  • The 14-member Wilmers Integrity Prize Selection Committee includes cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Pulitzer-prize winning journalist Kevin Sullivan, M&T Chairman René Jones, previous Prize winners Max Kenner and Lundy Ramos Perez, among others.

Youturn Health to Support Up to 375 Former Inmates as They Re-Enter Society in Onondaga County, NY

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Mental health, Crouse, Syracuse University, Recidivism, Justice Center, Methamphetamine, History, Imprisonment, Death, DSM-IV codes, Partnership, Nursing

Between 2019 and 2020, Onondaga County had the 5th highest number of methamphetamine overdose deaths outside of New York City.

Key Points: 
  • Between 2019 and 2020, Onondaga County had the 5th highest number of methamphetamine overdose deaths outside of New York City.
  • Without adequate support, these individuals are likely to rely on harmful coping mechanisms, which can lead to recidivism or even death.
  • Youturn Health works collaboratively with Onondaga County staff, Wellpath, and Crouse Health to provide comprehensive support for participants as part of their re-entry transition.
  • The goal is to ensure that the overall process of working together to support participants and their families is efficient and effective.

Senator Kevin Parker and Assemblyman Edward Gibbs Join with Broad Coalition to Announce Introduction of Reentry Fund that Would Provide Nearly $2,600 to New Yorkers Returning from Incarceration

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
New Yorker, Coalition, Transport, Recidivism, Fortune Society, Osborne Association, Food, Prison, Safety, Imprisonment, Employment, Legislation, Survival, Housing, Cryptocurrency

ALBANY, N.Y., March 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), a founding member of the Coalition for Reentry Cash, lauded New York Senator Kevin Parker and Assemblymember Edward Gibbs for introducing groundbreaking legislation aimed at transforming the reentry experience by replacing the insufficient amount of 'gate money,' the money people receive when leaving incarceration, with an innovative Reentry Fund.

Key Points: 
  • "As the first formerly incarcerated person in the New York State Legislature, I understand the monumental challenges facing those reentering society from our state prisons.
  • Every year, thousands of individuals return to our communities, often with little more than the clothes on their backs," Assemblymember Edward Gibbs stated.
  • By offering this support, we're not only aiding individuals but also investing in the safety and prosperity of our communities.
  • CEO has distributed cash assistance to nearly two thousand New Yorkers through the Returning Citizen Stimulus and the results were transformative.

Aura Cacia Announces Biennial Grants Uplifting Women and Girls in Crisis

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Marketing, Poverty, United States Census Bureau, Education, Transport, Homelessness, OK, Spice, Frontier Natural Products Co-op, Safety, Health, Frontier, Imprisonment, Organization, Domestic violence, Housing, Service, Nursing

NORWAY, Iowa, March 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Aura Cacia, a leader in sustainably sourced essential and skin care oils, today announced three recipients of a cumulative $200,000 in grants from the Aura Cacia Positive Change Project to help empower and enrich the lives of women and girls in communities across the U.S.

Key Points: 
  • Since its inception in 2016, the Aura Cacia Positive Change Project has provided grants to organizations that help equip women and girls with the resources necessary to further their commitment to live more purposeful lives.
  • "According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women continue to experience higher poverty rates than men," says Somer Marshall, Director of Marketing at Aura Cacia.
  • "In times of crisis, women and girls in marginalized communities bear a heavy burden.
  • Each purchase of an Aura Cacia product supports organizations that help women transform their lives as part of the brand's Positive Change Project.