#Socialites, get into this! It is being reported that the RAP Act, which is a bill banning the use of rap lyrics as court evidence, has been reintroduced to Congress.
RELATED: RAP Act Introduced In Congress Would Ban The Use Of Lyrics As Evidence In Court Proceedings
RAP Act, The Bill Banning Use Of Rap Lyrics As Court Evidence, Is Reintroduced To Congress
The RAP Act, fully known as the Restoring Artistic Protection Act, was first introduced in July 2022, with the objective of protecting artists from the wrongful use of their lyrics being used against them in criminal and civil cases.
Last year, the RAP Act was introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressmen Hank Johnson (GA-04) and Jamaal Bowman (NY-16). Again, the RAP Act “limits the admissibility of evidence of a defendant’s creative or artistic expression against the defendant in a federal criminal case.”
As of this week, the Act has been reintroduced to Congress via the same two Democratic congressmen Johnson and Bowman. It is reported that the two congressmen participated in a livestream hosted by the Recording Academy, featuring several other First Amendment advocates fighting alongside them for free speech.
These other representatives were representing the following organizations: Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC); SAG-AFTRA; the Black Music Collective; and more.
Prior to the reintroduction of the RAP Act, several cases have been tried with lyrics used as evidence: the most prominent example is with Atlanta rappers Young Thug, Gunna, and the Young Stoner Life label/crew facing RICO charges.
As for what the future of Hip-Hop politics could look like after the passing of the RAP Act, it is noted that rapper’s lyrics would be preserved as art rather than evidence.
The passing of the RAP Act would also allow for the current generation of rappers to show the next generations that they do not have to be artistically limited with their words and content, because there will no longer be any microscopes on them; they will not be under constant investigation and end up behind bars of their lyrical bars.
This particular note also directly correlates with the fight against Black incarceration and decreasing the numbers behind it. The RAP Act would directly help to lower the number of rappers charged and convicted. Per a study conducted at the University of Richmond, at least 500 cases from 2009 to 2019 used rap lyrics in criminal trials.
If you recall, back in January 2022, JAY-Z, Meek Mill, Fat Joe and several more rappers and public figures took a stand and supported the New York bill Rap Music on Trial, which was passed by the State Senate in May 2022.
Other rappers like Megan Thee Stallion and Drake also demanded for justice in Hip-Hop and the movement eventually made its way to California, who passed a bill banning the use of rap lyrics as evidence in September 2022. The bill was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom.
RELATED: Gov. Gavin Newsom Signs Bill Prohibiting Prosecutors From Using Rap Lyrics As Evidence In California
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