On Tuesday, Nov 1, 2022, entertainment company Warner Music Group WMG) addressed the controversy of using Rap/Hip Hop lyrics in court cases.
WMG put out an open letter calling for prosecutors to end using rap lyrics as evidence of court cases.
The letter referred to the use of the First Amendment Right, or, in short, freedom of speech and expression, and recognition of rap as an art form.
"Beyond the obvious disregard for free speech and creative expression protected by the First Amendment," the letter read. "This racially targeted practice punishes already marginalized communities and their stories of family, struggle, survival, and triumph."
The letter mentions the recent case against Jeffery Lamar Williams, better known as Young Thug, and claims prosecutors have presented solely based on lyrics from the artist's music.
The open letter is supported by notable Hip Hop artists like Drake, Megan The Stallion, Quavo (Migos), and the recently departed Takeoff (Migos).
WMG and all supporting entities are pushing for a closer look at creative expression against the accused at the legislative level to increase awareness of Black expression.
"We urge prosecutors to voluntarily end this practice in their jurisdictions. In the meantime, we encourage legislators at the state and federal level to explicitly limit how creative expression can be used against defendants on trial."
States like California and New Yorkare making efforts to support the movement.
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