Tory Lanez has been sentenced to 10 years in North Kern State Prison, which highlights some of the most dangerous prisons in the United States. Additionally, the UJC and Roc Nation have banded together for a bigger cause.
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On September 14, Tory Lanez was sentenced to 10 years in prison after his appeal was denied. This came concerning the 2020 shooting of rapper Megan Thee Stallion. Lanez will serve his sentence in North Kern State Prison, a facility with a violent history, including cellmate murders, inmate violence, and confrontations with correctional officers.
Another notable inmate, is Eric Holder, the civilian responsible for the late rapper and entrepreneur, Nipsey Hussle’s death. This news comes amidst a discussion on the most dangerous prisons in the United States.
Here’s a compilation of the country’s top five most dangerous prisons:
One of the most notorious prisons in the United States is Parchman Prison in Mississippi. The institution has gained notoriety due to reports of inmate violence, sexual assault, physical abuse, and forced labor in its cotton and soybean fields.
David Oshinsky, a distinguished American historian and director of the Division of Humanities at NYU School of Medicine, highlighted these grim details. Parchman Prison, originally known as Parchman Farm, was established in 1896 and consisted of 12 male camps and one female camp, emphasizing strict racial segregation.
In May 2023, rappers Jay-Z and Yo Gotti even joined forces to shed light on the appalling conditions inmates face at the Parchman Correctional Facility in a documentary titled, Exposing Parchman, which premiered on June 17 at 8 p.m. EST on the A&E network. Some notable inmates incarcerated at Parchman Prison include American Delta Blues singer and guitarist Bukka White, Vernon Presley (father of Elvis Presley), and Delta Blues musician Eddie “Son” House.
Rikers Island in New York has been widely criticized for its lack of control, overcrowding, cruelty towards younger prisoners, negligence of prison staff, rape, and prison health concerns. Notable inmates include, late rappers Tupac Shakur and DMX, and among the released are Foxy Brown, Lil Wayne to name a few.
The Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola Prison, has a dark history that dates back to when it was a plantation owned by a slave trader, Isaac Franklin. This prison was known for racial segregation, rampant violence, and even the selling of inmates into slavery by dominant prisoners.
Notable inmates include Master P’s brother, C- Murda (Corey Miller), and “Set It Off” rapper, Boosie.
Pelican Bay State Prison gained infamy for guards’ abuse and staging gladiator fights among rival gangs. This prison has been known as the “worst of the worst” since its opening in 1989.
The violence initially started when guards wanted to reign supreme over the inmates in inmates in the Security Housing Unit were tied up naked. Among these prisoners were notable inmates, Suge Knight and cult leader Charles Manson.
ADX Florence, a maximum-security prison, is reserved for the most dangerous and high-profile inmates. Being locked up for 23 hours daily with minimal human contact, prisoners describe it as a “cleaner version of hell.”
Notable inmates include Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman Loera, a former leader of the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel.
Amid discussions about criminal justice reform, the United Justice System and Roc Nation are collaborating to host their annual Social Justice Summit. The event addresses topics such as civic engagement, probation, and parole laws, and alternatives to sentencing.
Keynote speakers include rapper Fat Joe, author and professor Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, and CBS morning host Gayle King. The UJC Summit is scheduled for December 1, 2023, in New York City at the Javits Center.
In a related story of criminal justice reform, Kim Kardashian has been advocating for rapper C-Murder, shedding light on his controversial case. C-Murder’s family has accused Kardashian of reopening old wounds, as two key witnesses recanted their statements in 2018, claiming they were coerced by authorities to testify against him.
