Rap is expression, it is literature, it is poetry. But at its core it is freedom of speech. Rappers are the journalists of their communities — taking on the role of storytellers to illustrate the truths of their lives, culture, struggles, and triumphs.
For decades, freedom of speech has been the backbone of forms of art and cultural expression. But we’ve recently ushered in a new era where that creative expression can now be interpreted, analyzed, and used against you in court as an artist.
That’s why I am proud to be partnering with Rep. Hank Johnson in introducing the Restoring Artistic Protection (RAP) Act which is designed to prevent prosecutors from using rappers' lyrics and artistic expression as evidence in civil and criminal cases.
Since 2020, prosecutors in over 500 criminal cases have used artists’ lyrics as evidence against the artist in court, and the subjects of these cases have been primarily Black and Latino men and boys.
Singers and songwriters have historically been prosecuted for their art and all too often, systemic racism plays a large part in these prosecutions as white artists do not face the same legal scrutiny as Black artists. From lyrics and music videos to social media posts — all of these facets have been used against major artists in attempts to rack up evidence against them in the legal system.
Young Thug, Olutosi Oduwole, and many other established Black rappers have found themselves in court having to battle against their own art to protect their freedom.
This is clearly a legal tactic, and a part of an ongoing effort to criminalize Black art. We need a national standard to protect the legitimacy and legal safety of these artists.
John, it’s time we set the standard and protect artists across the country and our collective freedom of speech and expression. Please stand with us and add your name in support of the RAP Act today.
Peace, love, and Wu-Tang forever.
Jamaal Bowman
