Beyond the Bars: Mozzy and Ken Oliver on Redemption, Reform, and the Power of Second Chances

In a climate where transparency and authenticity are more valued than ever in hip hop, Mozzy, Sacramento's own Gangland Landlord, reemerges from the studio with a new project titled Intrusive Thoughts. The album not only underscores his lyrical growth but also spotlights a deeper reflection on freedom, legacy, and survival. Appearing on the culturally resonant Effective Immediately podcast, hosted by DJ Head and typically co-hosted by Gina Views, Mozzy sat down for a wide-ranging conversation alongside Ken Oliver, Chief Innovation Officer of the JUMP Foundation. Their dialogue offered an in-depth look at the realities of post-incarceration life, financial literacy, and the pressures of balancing street authenticity with personal evolution.

A Different Kind of Return

"I just be trying to stay out the way," Mozzy explained early in the interview. Known for his consistent yet measured presence in the music scene, Mozzy revealed that his latest effort is a culmination of mental evolution and the desire to expand beyond regional confines. "I feel like I kind of like way boxed myself in," he said. "I want to see what it look like outside of here." After more than a decade of dominating the West Coast rap scene without any public scandal or smut on his name, Mozzy emphasized his intention to stretch his artistry and reach a global audience.

Intrusive Thoughts, which Mozzy touts as his most refined work to date, reflects that desire to elevate. "I put a lot of growth in this one," he said. "I'm trying to take my gangster to the upper echelon." The album title encapsulates the inner conflict he experiences—struggling between street obligations and a desire for personal development. He noted that his environment, past struggles, and current responsibilities all poured into this project.

The Independence Equation

In a notable career shift, Mozzy has returned to the independent label Empire after previously signing with CMG and Interscope. When asked about the reasoning behind the switch, Mozzy explained that the independent route better suits his workflow and desire for quicker releases. "The independent game just worked better for me," he said. "I like to get the music out. I don't really like to contemplate."

Mozzy maintained that the move wasn’t about dissatisfaction but practicality. "I function with Gotti heavy, function with Interscope heavy," he added. "But Empire is just more fast-paced for me." Having originally started with Empire, Mozzy acknowledged the longstanding relationship and the comfort of returning to a system that aligns with his creative rhythm.

Aligning Culture with Purpose

Ken Oliver’s presence in the interview added a layer of depth to the conversation. With 24 years served in prison—including a decade in solitary confinement—Oliver’s transition into a leader in criminal justice reform was both harrowing and inspiring. His involvement with the JUMP Foundation focuses on creating economic opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals.

"Three strikes law is garbage," Oliver declared. He emphasized that many men, particularly Black and brown, were unjustly swept into life sentences for non-violent offenses. "Most of this stuff is rooted in poverty," he explained. By pushing for changes in sentencing laws and advocating for workforce inclusion, Oliver believes it's possible to reframe the way society views rehabilitation and potential.

His connection with Larry Miller, chairman of the Jordan Brand, became a catalyst for change. Together, they’ve been working to open doors in entertainment and sports, helping those with criminal records find meaningful opportunities behind the scenes.

More Than Music: A Message of Integrity

Mozzy's impact isn't limited to his rhymes. His community investment runs deep, particularly with efforts to support those recently released from incarceration. "I built a whole studio in Oak Park," Mozzy shared. "They come home, I move them in there. It's about saving the trenches." He described how friends who lacked options upon release found both shelter and purpose through his support.

On his new track "Role Model," Mozzy voices the internal battle between street loyalty and setting the right example. "I don't want to mislead the youth," he admitted. "I don't want to be the one responsible for that." His growth is evident in the way he now embraces responsibility, not only for his music but for the influence it carries.

Sharing the Stage: Investing in the Underserved

Oliver and Mozzy's partnership speaks to a larger mission: creating systemic change. During NBA All-Star Weekend, Oliver and Empire Records CEO Ghazi Shami began a conversation that led to their collaborative initiative with the JUMP Foundation. Their shared goal is to provide pathways into the entertainment industry for formerly incarcerated individuals.

"Not everyone is going to be Mozzy, Nip, or Future," Oliver said. "But there’s a whole world behind the scenes." Whether it’s marketing, public relations, or management, these roles can keep people connected to the culture while offering sustainable, legitimate income. Organizations like Down North Pizza, which hires only formerly incarcerated people, exemplify how these partnerships can drive meaningful change.

Staying Motivated Inside

Staying focused while incarcerated is no small feat. Oliver shared that a judge once told him he’d die in prison, handing him a sentence of 52 years to life. "I refused to accept that," he said. His way of pushing back was education—staying up on technology, economics, and reading everything he could get his hands on. "Follow the money," he recalled an elder once telling him, a mantra that became his compass.

Mozzy echoed that sentiment. "They living through me," he said of his incarcerated friends. "I'm picking up the phone. I ain't dodging calls." He described how he passes his phone around to his partners when they call and even funds appeal lawyers to help them with their cases. For him, motivation wasn’t as elusive. "I wasn't looking at all day," he admitted. "So the motivation was just getting back to the streets."

Financial Literacy & The Power of Integrity

A central theme that emerged from the interview was the importance of financial literacy. Mozzy is now diving deep into the stock market, embracing a new challenge with the same intensity he brings to his music. "I'm tired of rap," he confessed. "I wake up every day and that's what type of time I'm on."

He attributes his drive to integrity. "That eliminates desperation," Mozzy said. "If you know I'm pure and I'm good for it, you're going to front me that 100,000." Integrity, he argued, is the ultimate currency. Oliver agreed, noting that it’s not about having the highest degree or the fanciest resume, but about being reliable and disciplined. "Put yourself in position," he urged. "When that window cracks, you’re going to go up in there and get everything."

The Bigger Picture

As Mozzy promotes Intrusive Thoughts, he’s simultaneously redefining what it means to be a successful artist. His work with the JUMP Foundation is not a side project—it’s a blueprint for reintegration, empowerment, and legacy building.

"I don't want to inspire you to throw your [expletive] away," he said. Through his music, mentorship, and community outreach, Mozzy is showing that growth doesn't mean forgetting where you came from. It means using that foundation to build something greater.

Intrusive Thoughts is available now on all major platforms. For reentry support, second-chance employment, and community resources, visit the JUMP Foundation or contact Ken Oliver at kenthejustrust.org.