B. Alexis Makes History in Prison Music
B. Alexis, an incarcerated artist serving a 30-year sentence for murder, has released her album 9th & Gasoline, marking what is believed to be the first-ever album by a woman behind bars in the United States. The New York-based nonprofit label Freer Records, known for working with prison-impacted musicians, produced the album.
Her debut single, Black Barbie, showcases her raw storytelling and emotional depth. The album cover features B. Alexis herself, a bold choice given the risks of retaliation from prison authorities.
BL Shirelle, co-executive director of Freer Records, noted, “Both B. Alexis and I were careful because revealing her identity could provoke the facility. But we also knew the importance of her voice reaching the world.”
Turning Personal Trauma Into Art
B. Alexis’ lyrics are deeply rooted in her life experiences. She shot and killed a woman when she was 17 and had previously been forced into sex work at 13. Her son, Ja’Mir, was born shortly before she entered prison and was tragically killed 18 years later.
Songs like I Can’t Lie reflect on watching her son grow from behind bars, while tracks like Fight to Live reveal remorse and self-reflection. B. Alexis challenges listeners to consider the circumstances that shaped her choices.
“She uses everything as a teachable moment and doesn’t feel sorry for herself,” Shirelle said. “Her music teaches, confronts, and humanizes experiences often ignored.”
Challenges of Recording Behind Bars
Recording an album in prison is far from easy. Freer Records has had to improvise soundproof studios using PVC pipe and blankets. B. Alexis’ facility allowed Freer to hold auditions for artists in 2019, providing a rare platform for incarcerated musicians to express themselves.
Despite the risks, B. Alexis remains committed to her art. “Anything I endeavor to do concerning my music is out of integrity, so the risks or consequences don’t bother me,” she told her label.
Prison staff have previously punished other inmates for recording music with unauthorized devices, demonstrating how carefully the project had to be managed. So far, B. Alexis has faced no retaliation.
A Powerful Voice for Women Behind Bars
Black Barbie is a song of hope, self-reflection, and empowerment. In it, B. Alexis comforts a woman who may be struggling with the same hardships she once faced. She explains, “I realized I really wasn’t too different from them. We all were trying to fake it ’til we made it.”
Through her album, B. Alexis gives listeners a glimpse into the life of women impacted by incarceration. She highlights how survival, loss, and resilience intersect in the prison system, challenging societal judgments and sparking conversations about justice and rehabilitation.
Freer Records: Changing the Music Landscape for Incarcerated Artists
Freer Records, formerly known as Die Jim Crow, works exclusively with prison-impacted artists across states like Colorado, California, and others. Their goal is to bring creativity and opportunity to a population often ignored.
B. Alexis’ album stands as a milestone for women in prisons, demonstrating how art can serve as a voice for the voiceless. The success of 9th & Gasoline paves the way for more women behind bars to tell their stories through music.
