What in the World - Should rap lyrics be allowed as evidence in criminal trials?

Download Should rap lyrics be allowed as evidence in criminal trials?

Grammy award-winning rapper Young Thug is currently on trial for gang-related charges in Atlanta, US. Prosecutors claim that the rap label he founded, Young Stoner Life (YSL) Records, is a front for an organised crime syndicate responsible for ‘75-80% of violent crime’ in the city.

His lyrics have been used as part of the evidence against him. But some argue that this raises concerns about freedom of artistic expression and racism.

Benita from the What in the World team explains how Young Thug rose to fame and legal affairs journalist Meghann Cuniff - who went viral recently as ‘Meghann Thee Reporter’ - explains what we’ve heard from the trial so far. She also discusses how the new RAP (Restoring Artistic Protection) Act could restrict how lyrics are used in court in future cases.

Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
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Presenter: William Lee Adams
Producers: Chelsea Coates, Maria Clara Montoya and Benita Barden
Editor: Verity Wilde

Published on Friday, 8th December 2023.

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