Former Bad Boy artist, Loon, has been released from prison a year earlier than expected. In 2012 he was arrested for trafficking heroin in 2012. Loon, who officially changed his name to Amir Junaid Muhadith, pleaded guilty in 2013 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and was sentenced to 14 years in prison. District Judge Terrence Boyle granted Loon his release on July 26. He will be monitored for four years as a condition of his early release.
Loon’s most notable songs are featured verses on Diddy’s “I Need A Girl” part one and two. Both songs were in the top 5 when they hit the Billboard Hot 100. He would go on to release a self-titled solo project in 2003. The album featured guest appearances from Missy Elliott, Kelis, Trina, production credits from Akon, Scott Storch, and Bink!. “Loon” managed to peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200.
Artists like Faith Evans, Damon Das, Snoop Dogg, Mary J Blige, and Freeway and more signed a letter asking for Loon’s release. Other hip hop influences came from former Source magazine co-owner Benzino, Napoleon of 2Pac’s Outlawz collective, Stevie J, Baby Bash, Steve Lobel also signed. Weldon Angelos was the most influential part of the movement to get Loon released. Weldon who himself found himself sentenced to 55 years in prison in 2004 for selling $300 worth of marijuana and possessing a firearm when he was a juvenile. He served twelve years out of the 55 before being released from prison in 2016. People like Alicia Keys, brothers David and Charles Koch United States Senators Mike Lee of Utah, and Corey Booker of New Jersey helped Angelos gain his freedom. Soon after his release, he began to return the favor with his own advocacy, leading him to help Loon, who finally got his freedom.
