A new bill seeking to ban rap lyrics from being used as evidence in court has reached Congress.
On Wednesday, Congressmen Hank Johnson and Jamaal Bowman introduced the RAP Act to the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill, which stands for Restoring Artistic Protection, was proposed following concerns over lyrics being used against artists in criminal cases.
Rep. Bowman says, “Rap, Hip Hop, and every lyrical, musical piece is a beautiful form of art and expression that must be protected. Our judicial system disparately criminalizes Black and brown lives, including Black and brown creativity.”
He continued, “Evidence shows when juries believe lyrics to be rap lyrics, there’s a tendency to presume it’s a confession. Whereas lyrics for other genres of music are understood to be art, not factual reporting. This act would ensure that our evidentiary standards protect the First Amendment right to freedom of expression. We cannot imprison our talented artists for expressing their experiences, nor will we let their creativity be suppressed.”
The RAP Act, which mimics the “Rap Music On Trial” bill, is being supported by various music industry groups. This includes the Grammy Recording Academy, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and Warner Music Group.
The bill comes shortly after Young Thug and Gunna were indicted on racketeering charges. Prosecutors claim that Thug’s YSL label is a criminal street gang behind a string of violent crimes. Some of their lyrics were used as evidence to support the allegations.
Prosecutors claim lyrics like, “It’s all mob business, we know to kill the biggest cats of all kittens” are “an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy.”
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