Mutulu “M-1” Olugbala, Fab 5 Freddy, and Umi NiiLampti attend Last Prisoner Project’s Inaugural Journey To Justice Gala at Sony Hall on September 24, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Last Prisoner Project)
The Last Prisoner Project (LPP) threw down in a big way for its 5-Year Anniversary at the inaugural Journey to Justice Gala held at Sony Hall in New York City. The star-studded event brought together legends of the hip-hop world, alongside advocates and gamechangers in the cannabis industry, to support a cause that’s close to home: freeing those locked up for nonviolent cannabis offenses. From powerful performances to heartfelt tributes, the night was a reminder that hip-hop and social justice have always walked hand in hand.
A Night of Music and Advocacy
The night kicked off with a cocktail hour, where guests soaked in the vibes set by Chris Johnson’s String Quartet, but things really started popping when the night’s emcee, comedian Guy Torry, took the stage. Hip-hop royalty Fab 5 Freddy was there to introduce the event’s surprise musical act: none other than Damian and Stephen Marley.
Stephen Marley and Damian Marley perform onstage at Last Prisoner Project’s Inaugural Journey To Justice Gala at Sony Hall on September 24, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Last Prisoner Project)
With nothing but a guitar and a mic, the Marley brothers performed an unforgettable acoustic set, including their cannabis anthem “Medication” and a tribute to their father, Bob Marley, with “Get Up, Stand Up.” The room was on fire with energy as the crowd joined in, standing in solidarity not only for the music but for the cause LPP represents.
Hip-Hop Icons Represent for Justice
The Marleys weren’t the only legends in the building. The night’s highlight was when dead prez took the stage. Mutulu “M-1” Olugbala & Umi had the entire audience on their feet with a performance of their classic hit “Hip-Hop” that brought the house down. Their powerful message of unity, resistance, and freedom was the perfect anthem for the event.
Before the music, NFL Hall of Famer Calvin “Megatron” Johnson introduced Michael Thompson, a man who spent over 20 years in prison for a nonviolent cannabis charge before being granted clemency with the help of LPP. But the night’s most emotional moment came when JoJo Simmons, son of hip-hop legend Rev Run from Run DMC, presented Richeda Sinclair with an award for her tireless advocacy in fighting for her father’s release from prison. The audience was moved when Richeda received a surprise voice recording from her father, who is currently serving a 22-year sentence for cannabis.
Jojo Simmons attends Last Prisoner Project’s Inaugural Journey To Justice Gala at Sony Hall on September 24, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Last Prisoner Project)
Hip-Hop, Cannabis, and Social Justice
The Last Prisoner Project has been on the front lines of cannabis reform, and their Journey to Justice Gala brought together the culture’s most iconic voices to support the fight. While the event’s music and performances brought the crowd to their feet, the message was clear: we have a long way to go in the battle to free those still incarcerated for cannabis offenses.
The night didn’t end quietly—hip-hop’s pioneers kept the energy flowing long after the main event. Keith Shocklee, from the legendary group Public Enemy, closed out the night with a DJ set that had guests vibing until the early hours. From the electrifying Marley set to dead prez’s iconic performance, the evening served as a reminder that hip-hop is more than music—it’s a movement.
Take Action and Join the Fight
(Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Last Prisoner Project)
Missed the event? You can still get involved in the movement by visiting lastprisonerproject.org. LPP is continuing their fight with initiatives like the #Countdown4Clemency Campaign, aimed at pushing President Biden to grant clemency to those still behind bars for cannabis-related charges before his term ends. Hip-hop and cannabis culture are inextricably linked, and LPP’s Journey to Justice Gala proved that the culture is still fighting for what matters most: freedom.
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