In prison, one of the most important things I can do is keep in touch with family. When they come to visit, it’s a reminder that I’m never alone. During times when my future seems bleak, their words fill me with hope. And when my nieces and nephews vent to me about whatever’s important to them, I’m all ears.

Not long ago, I called my youngest niece. When she was in elementary school and used to part her curly hair in two ponytails, her favorite thing to talk about was the “Frozen” movies — Elsa, that talking snowman, and his reindeer friend. Later, it was cheerleading and summer jobs. 

Then, and to my delight, it was hip-hop!

I listened patiently as she raved about rappers Sauce Walka, Freddie Gibbs and Metro Boomin. The only problem: I had no clue who they were. 

“You haven’t heard of Sauce Walka?” she said, with a hint of disappointment in her voice.

Ever since the prison library canceled its subscriptions to hip-hop magazines about 10 years ago, I’ve lost touch with the rap industry. I used to know what new artists had released music, who was touring, and whose album was at the top of the charts. But in that moment with my niece, I was lost. 

I had an idea. Recently, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation provided Android tablets to everyone in state prisons. The tablets are restricted from Internet access, but they do have pre-approved apps. I use mine to make phone calls, email publishers and universities, take self-help courses and view videos and photos. With those options keeping me busy, I had completely neglected the tablet’s entertainment section. Maybe I could learn about my niece’s favorite rappers there?

I logged into the tablet and before long I found tons of new music and apps for music magazines. Over the next week or so, I listened to club bangers, radio singles and entire albums. I practically memorized several articles and viewed dozens of photos. By the end of the week, I knew who was hot, whose album had flopped, and maybe more about Sauce Walka than he knew about himself. 

I quickly called my niece and told her the great news. We talked about Sauce for only five minutes before she raved about someone named A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Ferg and a rock band I hadn’t heard of.

“You don’t know who Falling in Reverse is?” she asked. 

Was she kidding me?

“No,” I sighed. Then a smile spread across my face as I reached for my tablet. “But I’ll find out.”