Essex Sims's lyrics express deep remorse for hurting others and humbly ask for forgiveness. Sims, a former member of the Neighborhood Crips in Wichita, is serving time for murder at the Lansing Correctional Facility in Lansing.
Published on May 8, 2005
In his cell, which most inmates refer to as their "house," Essex Sims reads in the notebook in which he write lyrics and collects news clippings that influence his writing. Sims said his musical influences include Ice Cube, Scarface, and various other contemporary artists that "have something to say." Sims' cellmate sleeps above him on the bunk bed.
Published on May 8, 2005
Under the looming presence of the prison watchtower, Essex Sims paces the yard at the Lansing Correctional Facility. Sims, serving a life sentence for a gang-related murder in Wichita, uses rap music to express his remorse for his past wrong doings.
Published on May 8, 2005
Essex Sims' fellow inmates frequently walk up to him to tell him how much his songs influence them. Sims included references to crimes other than his own after realizing other inmates were wrestling with similar emotions.
Published on May 8, 2005
Prison is a form of death, according to Essex Sims, pictured at the outdoor weight lifting area. "It's like you don't exist anymore," Sims said. "You're dead."
Published on May 8, 2005
With his inmate number painted on the back of his sweatshirt, Essex Sims strives to be more than just a number at the Lansing Correctional Facility. Sims lifts weights daily to stay fit and to clear his mind.
Published on May 8, 2005
Essex Sims maintains contact with his two 11-year-old daughters, pictured above, his brothers, sisters and parents. "We did everything we could to keep him away from gangs," said his mother, Mary Sims. "He was raised in a Christian home, but it wasn't enough."
Published on May 8, 2005
"We don't think about the pain until the pain is ours - We don't think about life until it's life behind bars - I never gave death a thought until I was dead to the world," Essex Sims raps at Lansing Correctional Facility. Sims' music has become an anthem of sorts for inmates locked up at the prison.
Published on May 8, 2005
Inmate Essex Sims raps, "I wish I never hurt you," which he wrote, during a Stop Violence meeting in mid-January. Essex, incarcerated for first-degree murder, is part of a prison rap group called Mystery Ridaz. Essex performed solo on Wednesday during the weekly meeting at the Lansing Correctional Facility in Lansing.
Published on May 8, 2005
Essex Sims
Published on May 8, 2005
