Over the years, artists such as Rage Against The Machine, Flobots and Sarah McLachlan have recorded songs to raise awareness on the wrongful conviction of Native American activist Leonard Peltier. Most recently, a group of Hip Hop artists have come together to show their support.
Free Leonard Peltier: Hip Hop’s Contribution to the Freedom Campaign includes records from Talib Kweli, M1 of Dead Prez, Skyzoo, Bicasso of Living Legends and others that see his 1977 conviction as another tragic story in the road to freedom. “Human rights organizations are trying to right this wrong, but for Peltier the least I can do is write this song. It’s been over 30 years of tears and frustration since the brother stood up with no fear for the nation,” said Rakaa of Dilated Peoples, who appears on the first single “Right This Wrong” alongside 2Mex.
“Our mission is to highlight a case that clearly is an abuse of the legal standards of American justice,” stated A-Ron, the organizer of this project. Convicted in connection to two FBI agents’ deaths in 1975, Peltier was most recently denied parole in 2009. His next expected hearing will take place in 2024, when he is 79-years-old.
Free Leonard Peltier: Hip Hop’s Contribution to the Freedom Campaign can be purchased on iTunes now. For more information on Peltier’s case, visit here.
