Hey Sound-Savvy readers, I got educated on a very important topic today: The Rockefeller Drug Laws. They're a set of laws enacted in the 70's in the state of NY to govern the sentencing of drug-related crimes which include usage, sales and violent crimes by offenders under the influence of drugs. These laws provide for harsh sentencing penalties for non-violent offenders and prevent diversion of drug users or sellers into much-needed reform programs. Moreover, the sentencing for a non-violent drug offender convicted of a crime committed without malicious intent can be the same as a person who has committed a violent crime with malicious attempt... i.e. murder.

Yep, you read that right... so someone selling 4 ounces of weed or heroin could face the same sentence as a murderer. While Sound-Savvy doesn't condone or excuse the use or sale of illegal drugs, this just isn't right. There's no type of reform or rehabilitation, and even worse, no type of preventive measures, and this has been going on for over 3 decades causing a swell in the prison population. It's time for a change...



Today Russell Simmons and Dr. Ben Chavis held a live chat on Global Grind to get the word out about this travesty and to call the hip-hop community to action on an issue that requires our attention. The Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) is calling for a unified front to help the state of New York pass Rockefeller Reform. This is not the start, nor the end to the problem, but it is where YOU can start to make a difference. Click here to fill out the form and get involved! Make a difference in your community so a young person doesn't have to go down the same path, backed into a corner of hardship with drugs as the only way out...



Check out this video by Jim Jones called Lockdown USA. This song was made in support of the effort to Repeal the Rockefeller Drug Laws.