The rapper Mysonne Linen, as soon as convicted of armed theft earlier than turning into a social justice activist, was named to New York Metropolis Mayor Elect’s Zohran Mamdani’s prison authorized system transition committee, sparking some backlash from Mamdani’s opposition.
Mysonne’s Till Freedom basis shared the information in a publish on Instagram final month. He additionally shared the information on his personal account, writing “GOD’S WORK” within the caption. The information was welcomed by a number of notable figures in Hip-Hop, together with Pete Rock, MC Lyte and Ebro Darden.
The 49-year-old Bronx rapper rose to fame in 1997 as an MC, showing on a number of mixtapes and by battling different high rappers, together with Massive L, DMX, and Shyne. He would signal with Violator Data and seem on Violator: The Album, and Ruff Ryder’s Ryde or Die Vol. 1.
Nonetheless, Mysonne’s rise could be halted after a Bronx jury discovered him responsible of being a part of a bunch that robbed two cab drivers in 1997 and 1998. Regardless of being cleared of assault, he was convicted of armed theft, possession of stolen property, and weapons possession, receiving a sentence of seven to 14 years. He could be paroled in July 2006. Mysonne has persistently maintained that he was not responsible of the fees.
After his launch, Mysonne channeled his power into social justice, turning into a founding father of the non-profit Till Freedom group. He has additionally maintained his music profession, in addition to turning into an creator of youngsters’s books. He’s set to start work as quickly because the Mamdani administration is sworn in on Jan. 1, 2026.
The opposition to his appointment by Mamdani has been swift. “It’s each disheartening and deeply disturbing that people who’re convicted felons and have a historical past of breaking the regulation are being given the chance to assist form the way forward for New York’s prison justice system,” mentioned Benny Boscio, president of the Correction Officers’ Benevolent Affiliation.
