GNLN - EXCLUSIVE: From Trump's Weed Pardons To Biden's Policy Hip-Hop Producer Weldon Angelos Has Had A Big Impact On Legislation | Benzinga
In 2016, after serving 13 years in prison, Weldon Angelos, who once worked with artists like Snoop Dogg and 2Pac, was released following President Obama's commutation, supported by Senators Cory Booker, Mike Lee, Rand Paul, prison reform advocate Alice Johnson and Charles Koch.
This milestone led to a complete turnaround in 2020 with President Trump's pardon, concluding his legal battles. Post-release, Angelos founded in Los Angeles The Weldon Project for nonviolent drug offenders. Companies like Kush Co. (OTC: GNLN), Cresco (OTC: CRLBF) and others support his advocacy work today.
In an exclusive interview with Benzinga Cannabis, Angelos talked about the War on Drugs, its impact on families and younger generations, the Project Mission Green, and the Weldon Project.
"The investigation into my activities was based largely on my involvement in the so-called 'gangsta rap' music scene at the height of the 'hip-hop police' era when state and federal authorities were aggressively targeting rappers and rap moguls,” Angelos told Benzinga.
Hip-Hop, Race, And The War On Drugs
The targeting of Angelos was deeply intertwined with the era's attitudes towards hip-hop and race. His case reflects a broader narrative where authorities perceived rap music and artists as inherently linked to violence and crime. "Prosecutors decided to make an example out of me and spent the trial scaring the jury about rap music,” Angelos said.
"I started out working with Snoop Dogg’s Dogg Pound group and 2Pac’s rap group the Outlawz' along with Bay Area legend Mac Dre. I eventually ended up in Snoop’s ...