Securus Technologiesan Aventiv company that strives to better serve inmates through rehabilitative justice, launched the first-ever “Original Hip Hop Competition” for people incarcerated in correctional facilities across the UNITED STATES. This competition, held in partnership with Grammy Award-winning rapper Lecrae, gave incarcerated people the opportunity to showcase their musical talents and bring hope through the power of words.
The winning song, submitted by Carmela Mose, was released exclusively today for free to incarcerated people who have access to Securus and JPay media stores on their tablets. The song is also available to the general public through streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music. All revenue from the song made through streaming services benefits the Prison scholarshipa nonprofit organization that strives to bring hope and restoration to incarcerated people, their families, and communities impacted by crime and incarceration.
Through this inaugural competition, thousands of incarcerated people were given the opportunity to submit original lyrics to one of three beats produced by hip-hop record producer Zaytoven. Students enrolled in the music department at Morris Brown College, a historically black college located in Atlanta, reviewed applications and selected the 25 best finalists. Lecrae chose the winning lyrics submitted by Carmela Mose, a 37-year-old woman of Mexican and Samoan descent, who is currently incarcerated at the Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF).
Carmela grew up in a broken home rife with violence and abuse in Long Beach, California. She was conditioned to be violent after following in the footsteps of those who were supposed to show her love and support. Leaving this abusive environment at a young age, Carmela left home with no ID, no place to live, poor social skills, mental health issues, and an addiction to methamphetamines, which made it virtually impossible for her to her to find a job and create a successful life for herself. While her struggles led her to a life of crime from a young age, Carmela now focuses on her rehabilitation and devotes herself to it at the correctional facility, where she works in the career technical education program ( PIA CTE) of the Prison Industry Authority. apprenticeship program and is one class away from earning his associate degree from Feather River Community College.
In late July, Lecrae visited CCWF and recorded Carmela’s original song “I Think” on site in a room dedicated to educational learning. The song, recorded under Carmela Good’s artist name, was later mastered by Lecrae’s Reach Records label, creating a unique experience and opportunity for Lecrae and Carmela.
“Having the opportunity to be supported and listened to by so many talented visionaries has been a truly humbling experience,” said competition winner Carmela Mose, aka Good. “As I sat there recording my track, I felt a stark contrast between the me who was rapping into that microphone and the old me who was sitting on a bus on the way to prison. I am grateful for this confirmation. Thank you so much to everyone at Securus, Reach Records and Lecrae for lifting me up and starting me on my apology.
“Recording this track with Carmela on location in a maximum security prison, home to many other inspiring women, was a completely life-changing experience for me. I am proud to be part of a campaign that invests in those who often feel forgotten, and I hope this competition opens doors for other creative campaigns to reach the incredible talent behind bars,” said Lecrae , also known for its social justice. and faith-based activism. “Music is a part of my soul, and I am honored to share my gift and create songs that help uplift others. Carmela now has the same feeling that her work ethic, talent and beautifully written lyrics will inspire the lives of so many.
The campaign is an example of Securus Technologies’ further investment in community prison, encouraging individuals to explore and celebrate their musical and artistic talents.
“We knew this campaign would change the life of one lucky winner, but we didn’t anticipate the impact Carmela’s experience would have on all of us because after reading her words, watching her passion while recording and learned her personal story and fought to become who she is today,” said Dave Abel, president and CEO of Aventiv Technologies, the parent company of Securus Technologies. “The aim of this campaign was to stimulate creativity and encourage participants to translate their passion through words. We are honored to have the opportunity to work with Carmela and all of the contest participants and look forward to continuing to organize more creative campaigns to bring hope to the community prison.
Carmela Mose’s winning song “I Think” is available FREE to incarcerated people and is available for purchase through streaming services, like Spotify. Song lyrics and photos are available here. Campaign images are available here. Additional information about the competition can be found here.
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Author: Herb Longs