Jay-Z sent out a tweet that complimented New York mayor Bill de Blasio’s decision to shut down Rikers Island prison facility. In the tweet, the Brooklyn-born rapper and music mogul observed Kalief Browder’s story as a catalyst for this important move.
“Kalief is a prophet. His story will save lives,” Jigga wrote in the tweet. “You guys watching and your compassion made this happen. Thank you.”
Kalief is a prophet. His story will save lives . You guys watching and your compassion made this happen. Thank you . pic.twitter.com/Vvnt9tDBeR
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) March 31, 2017
Hov is the executive producer of six-part documentary Time: The Kalief Browder Story. The documentary follows the short life of Browder, who at 16-year-old was sent to Rikers while awaiting trial for allegedly stealing a backpack. After three years of incarceration, mostly spent in solitary confinement, his case was dismissed.
Three years after being released, Browder committed suicide at the age of 22. Many believe he suffered from post traumatic stress syndrome stemming from time he spent at Rikers.
