DESCRIPTION
Ghetto Youths Entertainment is an independent record label based in Panama. The label’s headquarters are seated within a federal prison, nested deeply in a jungle of the Gamboa national reserve.
The Ghetto Youths project was catalyzed in 2004 when one of the 2 members of The AG, Anonymo, was sentenced to eight years in prison for his involvement in an international drug trafficking network. Within the confines of barbed wire and under the watchful eye of armed guards, a legitimate and successful enterprise was established. The company, mainly developed by Frankie Niño (second member of The A.G. aslo known as Genocide) and the professional recording studio built by the inmates themselves, has made history within the penitentiary across Latin America and arround the world. A novel concept was then introduced into the corrections system whereby inmates could artistically express their day-to-day struggle in a proactive manner. The result is an unprecedented glimpse into the raw reality of incarcerated youth.
In 2005, Ghetto Youths built the first library in the penitentiary system of Panama, which ultimately led to the creation of the studio and the registration of the company. This elicited massive media attention and persuaded the most prominent names in Panamanian reggae and hip hop to record in the studio and to perform on national television in support of the project. They have also hosted several international guests, including Ruben Blades, the current Tourism minister of Panama and former member of the Salsa group la Fania; the first lady of Panama who congratulated Anonymo personally for this project; along with renowned artists such as El Rookie; Kafu Banton; Mr. Fox; Danger-man (RIP); Demphra & La Factoria; Mach & Daddy; Toby King; Rasta Jam and several others. The Ghetto Youths have recorded more than half a dozen videos behind bars and have done over a dozen shows from inside, receiving nationwide coverage.
The commercialization of hip hop in North America has left true fans of the genre yearning for an authentic form, free of mainstream hype. Those who still consider themselves hip-hop heads have lamented the depoliticized lyrics bereft of meaning, opinion and truth, dribbled lazily over simplistic and synthesized beats. An overwhelming audience has turned to South America, where the hip hop scene has grown out of proportion due to the violence, political strife and constant struggle that provide ample inspiration for genuine lyrical expression. The Ghetto Youths have seized part of this scene and have already made their mark with mixtapes and online leaks, yet their most anticipated project is still in the works; a hip hop documentary entitled 'El Documental Federal', to be released within the next couple of months. The film captures exclusive, never-before-seen footage inside the prison and documents the development of the project and its remarkable achievements.
In addition to providing a creative outlet for troubled youth, the Ghetto Youth mission also offers an indispensable lesson in all aspects of the music industry. The mission has managed to offer these youths an unlikely networking opportunity and access to essential and powerful contacts from the outside world. The Federal prison has now become a venerable rehabilitation center as opposed to a mere holding cell. The first of its kind, a powerful platform has been generated for individuals who would otherwise go unheard, building a gateway for reintegration into society without conformity or censorship.
After Anonymo's extradition out of Panama, he was honored along with all the other Ghetto Youths with an event in homage to their hard work and the unprecedented achievements. He was released on February 2nd, 2008 from his federal term and is already hard at work along Genocide's dirrection with the Ghetto Youths Project to deliver something never before seen or heard of from a third world country.
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