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In an effort to keep the violence down, Rikers Island officials treat inmates to rap concerts as a reward for good behavior.
An insider told the NYPost that these shows help keep prisoners from “stabbing each other” and boost morale. “It takes their mind off other things,” said the source.
Rappers like LL Cool J and Naughty By Nature rapper Treach have performed concerts at the prison. The shows have been kept under the radar by the Department of Correction.
In July, a group of young prisoners received a visit from LL and Russell Simmons. Both encouraged them to stay positive and focused on their goals.
“You can absolutely without a doubt do anything you put your mind to,” said LL.
“It’s your spirit you’ve got to work on,” added Simmons.
Treach also performed at Rikers earlier this year.
A rep for the Department of Correction says that rappers volunteer their services in an effort to give prisoners some encouragement.
“The Department of Correction uses positive reinforcement as one of many strategies to reduce inmate idleness and improve facility safety,” said the rep. “Their appearances are geared toward violence reduction and inmates who attend these events do so as a reward for good behavior.”
