Jay-Z (Shawn Carter) places his “Rap Music On Trial” cause front and center. Truly, nobody pushes forward justice like individuals with a purpose! Jay-Z and also a group of elite Hip Hop and R&B artists are combining their voices to put an end to weaponizing rap lyrics.
Today headlines read, the Empire State of Mind artist has amassed an elite force of artists to push forth legislation bill called “Rap Music On Trial.” Meek Mill, Big Sean, Fat Joe, Yo Gotti, Killer Mike, Kelly Rowland, and Robin Thicke are a few artists teaming up for this effort.
Weaponizing Rap Lyrics
Using artists’ rap lyrics as admissible evidence, in court proceedings have gained traction over the years. Bobby Shmurda, YNW Melly, Tay-K, and Drakeo, The Ruler are a few who have fallen prey to the weaponization of rap. Of note,
“Countless artists have had their rhymes used against them in court, with prosecutors arguing their music is a lyrical confession of their alleged crimes.”
Jay-Z (Carter) and his associates are also saying enough is enough! And so they are pushing the “Rap Music On Trial” bill for legislation.
Jay-Z’s (Shawn Carter’s) “Rap Music On Trial” Cause
Jay-Z’s lawyer Spiro and University educator Erik Nielson drafted a letter on Jay-Z and his cohort’s behalf. According to Spiro
“This is an issue that’s important to (JAY-Z) and all the other artists that have come together to bring about this change!”
The plan effectively went into action. Reports state the “Rap Music on Trial” bill put to the Senate Codes Committee passed on Tuesday. Now the probability of having the bill come before the Senate for a vote looks more promising. ‘One tick for small victories. However, in the push for justice, there are no small triumphs!
Jay-Z (Carter) And The Hip-hop Superheroes
While Jay-Z is leading the “Rap Music On Trial” charge, his collaborators also vocalize their dissent on exploiting the Hip-hop art form. Fat Joe was one to declare his opinion brazenly,
“Our lyrics are a creative form of self-expression and entertainment–just like any other genre, we want our words to be recognized as art rather than being weaponized to get convictions in court.”
Such is a compelling statement then supported by well-established proof.
McKinley (Mac) Phipp’s, The Proof Of Need For “Rap Music On Trial” Bill
The proof of the harmful nature of exploiting rap lyrics to fulfill an agenda is not hidden. Mac Phipps, hip hop artist, is living, breathing, proof. Reportedly Phipp’s spent 21 years in lockup because of the improper use of his lyrics to secure his conviction. In brief, this is how the prosecution took Mac down,
“They misquoted lyrics, splicing lines from two separate songs to say “Murder murder, kill, kill, you f— with me you get a bullet in your brain!“
These lyrics were tools employed to then convince the jury of Phipp’s guilt, which is absolutely absurd. The need for the “Rap Music On Trial” bill seems very clear.
In Phipps words,
“He [prosecutor] had me on trial, and even though I didn’t have a criminal history or anything, he managed to convince these jurors that I was a monster.”
Now that’s unjust!
So, kudos to this group of hip-hop superheroes for standing up for justice. In the words of the late MLK, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” So, may these artists continue to find empowerment to push through until they experience a breakthrough!
Explore what else is going on in the life of Jay-Z in FM Hip Hop’s retrospective articles!
Written by Renae Richardson
