Tuesday was the 34th anniversary of the Rockefeller Drug Laws. To mark the anniversary, Drug Policy Alliance released a song/video by hip hop artist Jim Jones, called "Lockdown," which calls on Spitzer to keep his word to enact reform. The song is creating quite a stir.

In less than 3 days, over 25,000 people have watched the video on You Tube and the story is being picked up by dozens of blogs from political ones like The Daily News and Albany Times Union to Hip-Hop sites like Vibe Magazine and XXL Magazine. Hundreds of faxes are being sent to Governor Spitzer, Senate Leader Joe Bruno and other elected officials by people around the country--showing NY politicians that the Rockefeller Drug Laws must go.

But the best summary of the entire week's events related to this video were reported by the great folks at Drug War Chronicle.

Hopefully, the song and video--released as a single from the new film Lockdown, USA--will push Spitzer to keep his promise. Jones is currently one of the top hip-hop artists in America. His songs are being played around the world. When a high-profile star like Jones cuts a politically charged song and video--and then releases them, free, for use by the movement -- it's a strong sign that the ground is shifting. Jones should be commended for his contribution. Combining Jim Jones's star power and song/video with the organizing strategy of Real Reform New York may mean that the Rockefeller Drug Laws are finally on their way out. Jones has provided a theme song for the movement as we organize from the streets all the way into the State House. We're just waiting for the governor to follow through.

Labels: Bruno, Drug War, Jim Jones, Lockdown USA, New York, Rockefeller Drug Law, Spitzer