Talib Kweli, Dead Prez & More Record Album for Jailed Activist

A group of politically aware MC's have come together in support of imprisoned Native American activist Leonard Peltier. Talib Kweli, Immortal Technique, M-1 of Dead Prez, Skyzoo, Rakaa of Dilated Peoples have contributed songs to the album, 'Free Leonard Peltier: Hip Hop's Contribution to the Freedom Campaign.'

In 1977, Peltier was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for the murder of two FBI agents, during a shootout on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. His supporters claim that he was wrongfully accused, but despite his many A-List advocates over the years, he has been denied parole.

"Human rights organizations are trying to right this wrong/ But for Peltier the least I can do is write this song," spits Rakaa on 'Right This Wrong.' "It's been over 30 years of tears and frustration/ Since the brother stood up with no fear for the nation."

"Our mission is to highlight a case that clearly is an abuse of the legal standards of American justice," said A-Ron, organizer of the 'Free Leonard Peltier' album. A similar benefit album was recorded for Columbia Records in 1995, featuring rap and hard rock artists like the Beastie Boys, Rage Against the Machine, Superchunk, Helmet and The Goats, but inexplicably never saw an official release.

Peltier is currently imprisoned at the United States Penitentiary in Lewisburg, Penn. He is not projected to be released until Oct. 11, 2040, despite receiving six nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize and being designated a political prisoner by Amnesty International by Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu and 55 Members of Congress.

'Free Leonard Peltier: Hip Hop's Contribution to the Freedom Campaign' is available on iTunes. For more information, click here.

Listen to Immortal Technique's 'Political Prisoner' from the album