Rapper and Chicago Native Common Opens A Recording Studio In Illinois Prison

Entertainer and activist Common, has opened a state of the art music studio, inside of an Illinois prison. Stateville Correctional Center, located in Crest Hill, Illinois has a functioning studio that consists of musical instruments, mixing boards, sound panels, microphones and more. The studio was made possible by Common’s non profit organization, Imagine Justice.

A First Of Its Kind

The program is 12 weeks long, and is said to be a first of its kind at IDOC. It will educate inmates on music production, audio engineering, songwriting and more. In addition to that, the program gives inmates a chance shorten their time in prison. Each day they’re in the program is a day off of their sentence. However, that’s only if statute allows for it, whereas some inmates cannot have their sentence reduced no matter the time they’re in the program. Common’s non profit organization has also provided the funds to have a professional music teacher come in to teach the class.

Common’s Inspiration For Studio

The idea of the studio originally came from an attorney named Ari Williams. She had a vision for the inmates, and reached out to Common personally. She said that “the hope is that inmates will develop new skills in a productive environment.” The attorney saw it as an opportunity for the inmates to tap into their creativity while serving their sentences, ultimately giving them optimistic thoughts about their future.

Activist For Inmates

Common is not only a Grammy, Oscar, and Emmy Award winning entertainer. He’s an activist as well. He has always been very vocal when it comes to helping people who can’t get help from else where. This is why he speaks up for the incarcerated. Common said, “I’ve been going to those prisons and meeting people. Now I can speak from a whole other perspective.”

In 2020, Common launched a #WeMatterToo campaign. It urged the compassionate release of incarcerated people as the coronavirus outbreaks ripped through jails, prisons, and youth detention centers. Common has done a lot of wonderful things for the people. He continues to use his influence and resources for the good of other people. He represents his hometown of Chicago very well. As a Chicago native myself, I can say that I am very proud.

By chi_journalist

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