It follows the recent indictments of US rappers Young Thug and Gunna, whose lyrics were specifically cited against them in an ongoing court proceeding.
California has presented a measure that bans the admissibility of rap lyrics as courtroom evidence.
It follows the recent indictments of US rappers Young Thug and Gunna, whose lyrics were specifically cited against them in an ongoing court proceeding.
Young Thug has been accused of co-founding a gang and carrying stolen firearms and drugs; nine of his songs’ lyrics were cited in the indictment.
One of them was “I did the robbing, I did the jacking, and now I’m fully rapping.”
A renowned music attorney termed this as “unprecedented racism,” as reported by Variety.
Both rappers have been denied bond and will stay in jail until January 2023, when their trials will begin. They refuted the accusations made against them.
The purpose of the Decriminalizing Artistic Expression Act is to defend the First Amendment rights of artists, which ensure free expression.
It will prevent the use of a musician’s compositions in criminal and civil procedures.
The Black Music Action Coalition referred to the measure as a “crucial step in the right way” to eliminate racial bias from court proceedings.
California is the first state in the United States to enact such legislation; hereafter, lyrics may only be used against musicians in court after judicial scrutiny.
Killer Mike, Meek Mill, and Tyga were there as the bill was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Meek Mill posted on Twitter, “I RESPECT YOU. Thank you very much. I recognize the magnitude of your actions. We need system assistance!”
Harvey Mason Jr., the chief executive officer of the Recording Academy, told Variety, “Today we celebrate a major victory for music artists in the state of California.
Silencing any artistic genre or expression is a violation against all musicians.
