Hey John,

Did you see this?? This headline is just the latest example of prosecutors weaponizing rap lyrics against artists – and it’s got to stop.

That’s why I introduced the Restoring Artistic Protection (RAP) Act. Sign on to help me protect our constitutional right to free speech! ✊🏿

SIGN ON

As of 2020, prosecutors in more than 500 criminal cases have used artists’ lyrics as evidence against the artist. But it’s not just any lyrics – they’re specifically weaponizing rap.

It’s been proven: When juries believe lyrics to be rap, they interpret the lyrics as a confession. Meanwhile, they understand lyrics for other genres of music to be art, not factual reporting.

Tell me why there’s been no confusion about these classic lyrics ...

• Freddy Mercury did not confess to having “just killed a man” by putting “a gun against his head” and “pulling the trigger.”
• Bob Marley did not confess to having “shot the sheriff.”
• Johnny Cash did not confess to shooting “a man in Reno, just to watch him die.”

... and yet prosecutors are so eager to take rap lyrics – like Young Thug rapping “I’m a boss, I call the shots” – literally.

Rap – and all lyrical music – is personal, beautiful, and protected under the Constitution. We need the RAP Act to make sure all artists are protected equally. Sign your name now.👇🏿

SIGN ON

Peace and love,

Jamaal