Jay-Z And Other Rappers Want To Prevent Rap Lyrics From Being Used In Court

A group of rappers is trying to help bring in a new law in the US that would prevent their lyrics from coming back to bite them in a courtroom.

Depending on the style of rap that you like, the words within the songs can be pretty violent and threatening.

Whether they're talking about a feud with another artist, acts that happen in their relationship, or a deadly anecdote, there's no shortage of violence to be found in rap.

(I'd like to caveat that there's also a lot of beauty, light and fun in the rap game.)

But people like Jay-Z believe artists could have their bars turned against them if they're charged with a crime.

The 'Izzo' hitmaker is leading a group that includes the likes of Fat Joe, Big Sean, Yo Gotti, Kelly Rowland, Killer Mike, Robin Thicke, and others who are calling for a change.

They're asking New York lawmakers to consider a proposed bill named "Rap Music on Trial" (S.7527/A.8681).

A statement from Jay-Z's lawyer, Alex Spiro, said: "This is an issue that's important to [Jay-Z] and all the other artists that have come together to try to bring about this change.

"This is a long time coming. Mr. Carter is from New York, and if he can lend his name and his weight, that's what he wants to do."

Fat Joe explained to Rolling Stone: "Our lyrics are a creative form of self-expression and entertainment - just like any other genre.

"We want our words to be recognised as art rather than being weaponised to get convictions in court.

"I hope the governor and all the lawmakers in New York take our letter into consideration, protect our artistic rights and make the right decision to pass this bill."

The bill was first put forward by New York state senators Brad Hoylman and Jamaal Bailey.

They hope the proposed legislation will stop prosecutors citing lyrics in the courtroom, unless there was 'clear and convincing proof' of a link between lyrics and a crime.

Senator Bailey believes rappers should be entitled to their right to free speech and including their art as criminal evidence 'only serves to erode this fundamental right'.

"The use of rap and hip-hop lyrics in particular is emblematic of the systemic racism that permeates our criminal justice system," he said.