In the spring of 2017, Atlanta-based Grammy-winner Speech, from the hip-hop crew Arrested Development, travelled to Virginia with the goal of recording an album behind bars. Speech was invited to the Richmond Jail by Sheriff C.T. Woody Jr., who was implementing a rehabilitation program that included job training, substance abuse treatment, group therapy and a makeshift recording studio.

In a small concrete room on the jail's 6th floor, Speech met with four men in the REAL program Teddy, Anthony, Devonte and Garland listened to their stories and collaborated with them on original compositions and lyrics. The process, captured by Brooklyn-based filmmakers at Resonant Pictures, became the documentary film 16 Bars. These recordings were captured in one jail, in one city, over the course of just a few weeks. And yet, the struggle, perspective and inspiration these four men express in their lyrics expose a much larger picture.

This music is capturing this moment in time in our country, says Speech. We have the largest prison population on planet Earth. In some states, one in four black males are gonna spend time in prison. That's a lot. And I know we don't necessarily have all the solutions, but we're also not asking the guys on the inside why they re actually there. They have things that they need to be able to say to all of us.

Speech Thomas is widely considered one of the godfathers of conscious hip-hop. His band Arrested Development's 1993 debut album 3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days in the Life of... went quadruple platinum and achieved what few thought was possible at the time, establishing an Afrocentric alternative to gangster rap that was commercially viable. 25 years later, Speech continues to tour the world with his band and seek out opportunities to use music to address issues of social and racial justice.

Important Update on Royal Mail 2nd Class Delivery Service

Recent changes to the Royal Mail 2nd Class service have altered the delivery schedule, impacting how and when parcels and letters reach their destinations. Understanding these adjustments is essential for planning your postage and managing expectations around delivery times.

Revised Delivery Schedule

Royal Mail now delivers 2nd Class items on a variable weekly timetable: deliveries occur only two days in one week, followed by three days the next week, alternating continuously. This new pattern means that delivery days are not consistent each week, which can affect when your items are received.

Extended Delivery Times

Due to this staggered schedule, 2nd Class items can take up to 10 working days for delivery, excluding Saturdays and Sundays. This represents a significant increase compared to previous expectations and requires customers to allow more time for their mail to arrive.

Options for Faster Delivery

If you require your items to reach their destination more quickly, faster postage options are available. These can be selected from the drop-down postage menu when sending your parcel or letter. Choosing a quicker service ensures more predictable delivery times and reduces waiting periods.

Conclusion

While the Royal Mail 2nd Class service remains an economical choice, its new delivery pattern and extended times necessitate careful consideration. For urgent or time-sensitive items, opting for expedited services is advisable to meet your delivery needs efficiently.