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Prison Song is a 2001 drama film that tackles several pressing societal issues such as poverty, the justice system, and the gang culture. The movie is directed by Darnell Martin and features an ensemble cast led by Danny Hoch, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Q-Tip, and Mary J. Blige. The story primarily follows the life of a young man named Elijah (Danny Hoch) who lives in a low-income housing project in New York City. Elijah, who is also an aspiring rapper, is on the verge of finishing high school and wants nothing more than to leave behind his impoverished life and start anew. However, his dreams are put on hold when he gets caught in the web of the gang culture.

Elijah's best friend is a member of a notorious gang called the Diamonds, and they both share a passion for rap music. Despite their shared interest, Elijah's friend is dragged deeper into the gang life, and Elijah becomes increasingly disillusioned with his friend's decisions. Meanwhile, Elijah's mother (Elizabeth Rodriguez) struggles to raise her children singlehandedly and is forced to leave Elijah's younger sister in the care of a neglectful babysitter while she works long hours as a health aide.

Things take a turn for the worse when Elijah gets arrested on a minor drug charge and is sent to a juvenile detention center. The conditions in the detention center are brutal, and the guards are indifferent to the abuse that the inmates face. Elijah, who is determined to turn his life around, finds comfort in a seasoned prisoner named Cain (Q-Tip) and takes up writing rap lyrics as a way to cope with his surroundings. With Cain's guidance, Elijah gains a newfound sense of purpose and hope for the future.

At the detention center, we see firsthand how the justice system fails to rehabilitate those who have been incarcerated. The prisoners are subjected to arbitrary rules and are often punished for minor infractions. Meanwhile, Elijah's mother and sister are forced to navigate life alone, and the viewer is shown the sobering reality of how poverty perpetuates a cycle of despair and hopelessness.

The movie features several musical performances that add to the emotional resonance of the story. Elvis Costello makes a cameo appearance as a music producer, and the legendary Mary J. Blige plays a key role as a teacher who inspires Elijah to pursue his dreams.

Prison Song is a complex and nuanced drama that tackles a broad range of themes with sensitivity and intelligence. The movie offers a searing critique of the American justice system and the societal structures that perpetuate poverty and inequality. At its core, however, Prison Song is a story of hope and redemption, and the power of art to transform lives.

Prison Song is a 2001 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.