Rapper X-Raided Says CA Rap Lyrics Bill Would’ve Prevented 26-Year Prison Term

Rappers, like X Raided, will no longer have to walk on eggshells regarding their line of rhymes. 

California’s Gov. Gavin Newsom is passing an unprecedented rap lyrics bill that will block prosecutors from using artists’ work as evidence in a case. However, this legislation came a bit too late regarding rapper X Raided. Before bill AB-7299 was a thing, the Strange Music artist spent 26 years in prison on 1st-degree murder charges, with 95% contributing to his lyrics. He continues telling TMZ Hip Hop that the new bill wouldn’t allow what prosecutors used to convict him.

Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer said in a statement,

“Under current law, rap artists can feel as though they are being read their Miranda Rights before they even begin to write music: ‘You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law,'” 

He continues: 

“We should not stymie the creative expression of artists. But unfortunately, racial biases play a role when talking about musical genres. For example, rap music lyrics share many similarities to other musical categories. Yet are singled out by the judicial system to characterize an artist. AB 2799 would disallow prosecutors from triggering racial biases or reinforcing racial stereotypes, and it guides judges on using creative expression in court.”

X Raided, and other rappers were charged for a community activist’s murder inside her own home. However, prosecutors never found a murder weapon in his case.

Rather than have concrete proof, they used his artwork from Pyscho Active as evidence for the crime. The photo shows X Raided pointing a gun next to his head. During his time away, he recorded several albums before being paroled in 2018. After his release, he linked up with Tech N9ne for their second tour together. Despite the misfortunes, the rapper wants to move forward and leave the past behind him. 

Photo Cred: Hip Hop DX

Bill AB-7299 is only passed in the sunny state. Although New York’s community and A-listers like Fat Joe, Jay-Z, and Meek Mill have tried pushing this bill, it’s been denied. X-Raided believes that “the progressive politics of Newsom made the difference.” 

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