E-40, Celly Cel and More Appear on Medical Marijuana Advocate’s Debut Album

Medical marijuana advocate Ken Estes is a controversial figure to some, but to members of the Bay Area rap scene, he is a hero.

The wheelchair-bound activist has worked to reform marijuana laws for more than 20 years, battling the U.S. Government and appearing in segments on CNN and FOX news programs, before attempting a new tactic; using music to get his message out to people.

In 2008, Estes and Cali rapper DJ Ignite collaborated on an 11-minute rap song and video entitled 'Leave Ken Alone,' a reference to the numerous raids on Estes' medical marijuana dispensaries, for which he had legal permits. The song was awarded Best Medical Song of 2008 by the American Marijuana Music Awards.

Following the success of his video, Estes founded his record label, Grandaddy Purp Music, named after a strain of marijuana he created. The label's first release is the 14-song LP 'Medicine Man: Medical Marijuana Music,' which features appearances by Bay Are stalwarts,E-40, Celly Cel, Tone-E, J-Diggs, the Blaxicans, singer Mike Marshall and many more, with production by former No Limit producer K-Lou.

'Medicine Man' will be released digitally on March 16. For more information on the album/movement, click here.