4 episodes

As four men are held in a Virginia jail, they record an album to chronicle their efforts to break free from an oppressive cycle of addiction and incarceration. In each music-infused episode of this documentary series, host and trailblazing hip-hop artist Speech Thomas meets a musician at a crossroads in their uphill struggle for freedom, learns what brought them to this inflection point, and helps them record a song that captures this critical moment in their life. From soulful country to fiery hip-hop and haunting R&B, this music affirms the lives of people who are written off by society. And amidst a re-entry crisis afflicting millions of Americans every year, these intimate stories from behind the walls of a local jail ask: What does it take to rebuild a life after incarceration?

Track Change NPR

    • Society & Culture

As four men are held in a Virginia jail, they record an album to chronicle their efforts to break free from an oppressive cycle of addiction and incarceration. In each music-infused episode of this documentary series, host and trailblazing hip-hop artist Speech Thomas meets a musician at a crossroads in their uphill struggle for freedom, learns what brought them to this inflection point, and helps them record a song that captures this critical moment in their life. From soulful country to fiery hip-hop and haunting R&B, this music affirms the lives of people who are written off by society. And amidst a re-entry crisis afflicting millions of Americans every year, these intimate stories from behind the walls of a local jail ask: What does it take to rebuild a life after incarceration?

    01. I Wrote This to Inspire

    01. I Wrote This to Inspire

    Recently freed from a state prison, rap prodigy Teddy navigates the enormity of landing a job, healing from childhood trauma, and staying sober all at the same time.

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    • 30 min
    02. I Know I'm Getting Stronger

    02. I Know I'm Getting Stronger

    While awaiting his court date, country singer-songwriter Garland reckons with his own choices and tries to lay down a stronger foundation with his girlfriend, Kelly.

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    • 29 min
    Intro: Welcome to Track Change

    Intro: Welcome to Track Change

    From a studio inside the walls of Richmond City Jail in Virginia, hear the soundtrack to rebuilding a life after incarceration.

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    • 2 min
    03. I'm Tired of Recidivism

    03. I'm Tired of Recidivism

    Struggling to keep up with his rehabilitation program, amateur rapper Anthony confronts the damage done by an entire life spent fighting for survival.

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    • 26 min

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