— Bronx rap artist Kemba explores the growing weaponization of rap lyrics in the United States criminal justice system and abroad - revealing how law enforcement has quietly used artistic creation as evidence in criminal cases for decades. Nominated for the 2024 Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize.
— Paramount+ Exclusive & Official Sundance 2024 Selection, February, 2024
Hollywood Reporter Interview: ‘As We Speak’ Filmmaker
—Filmmaker J.M. Harper, subject Kemba and co-author of the book Rap on Trial Erik Nielson stop by The Hollywood Reporter’s studio in Park City during the Sundance Film Festival to talk about their documentary As We Speak.
—The Hollywood Reporter, January, 2024
— Law enforcement has a history of surveilling Black Americans and targeting rappers, using lyrics and social media to build cases; hip-hop must harness its political power to combat the criminalization of rap.
— Rap Caviar: Season 1 Episode 6, February 2, 2023
Rap Trap: Hip Hop on Trial
—ABC News Studio & Hulu’s hour long documentary explores the debate around whether or not rap lyrics should be permitted in criminal prosecutions, and the subsequent effects on artist’s free speech rights.
—Hulu, February 23, 2023
— Rapper Mac Phipps shares his thoughts on using rap lyrics in court based on his own experience, what his favorite song off of his new album "Son of the City" is, and why he chose to not be bitter about his past
— The Daily Show, February 2, 2023
CBS Mornings: Rap on Trial
—CBS Mornings presents their segment on the career of former rapper McKinely Phipps being halted when his lyrics were used against him in court.
—Skyler Henry, CBS Mornings, January 9, 2023
— S43, E201: The court cases against rappers Young Thug and Gunna, who are having their lyrics used against them for gang charges, has sparked outrage from other rap artists who say there is a double standard.
— Nightline, October 14, 2022
— Rodney Carmichael and Sidney Madden trace Black music’s criminalized history and lay out the racist implications behind prosecuting hip-hop.
—Louder Than A Riot, NPR Music, March 16, 2021
News Articles
OpEd: Protect Rap Lyrics, Other Creative Expression From Prosecution
— Marlon Amprey & Erik Nielson, The Baltimore Banner, March 2024
Why Are Rap Lyrics Being Put on Trial?
— Adrian Horton, The Guardian, February 2024
Fetty Wap Prosecutors Are Using ‘Trap Queen’ to Ask for a Lengthy Drug Trafficking Sentence
— Jordan Darville, Fader, May 2023
Music Industry Leaders Bring Back ‘Protect Black Art’ Movement to Capitol Hill
— Deena Zaru, ABC News, April 2023
Rap On Trial is Now Mainstream
— Eamon Whalen, Mother Jones, March 2023
Bars Behind Bars: The Use of Rap Lyrics In Court
— Erika D. Smith, The Los Angeles Times, December 2022
Rappers’ Lyrics Are Used Against Them In Court. The Music Industry Wants It To Stop
— Neil Shah, The Wall Street Journal, November 2022
California Makes It Harder To Use Lyrics As Evidence Against Rappers
— Kim Bellware, The Washington Post, October 2022
California Gov. Gavin Newsom Signs Bill Limiting The Use of Rap Lyrics As Evidence In Criminal Proceedings
— Shawna Mizelle, CNN, October 2022
When Rap Lyrics Are Used Against You In Court: ‘They Silenced Me For 21 Years
— Sam Levin, The Guardian, September 2022
America Loves Rap, not Black People. Don’t be Fooled Because This Bill Protects Lyrics
— Erika D. Smith, The Los Angeles Times, August 2022
When Rap Lyrics Become Incriminating Speech
— Kali Holloway, The Nation, August 2022
Rappers Getting Locked Up Over Their Lyrics. Could A New Law Change That?
— Drew Schwartz, Vice, August 2022
What To Know About Young Thug’s Trial And The Controversial Use of Rap Lyrics In Criminal Cases
— Cady Lang, Time, June 2022
This Rap Song Helped Sentence a 17-Year Old to Prison for Life
— Jaeah Lee, The New York Times, March 2022
New York Lawmakers Introducing Bill To Limit Rap Lyrics As Evidence In Criminal Trials
— Nancy Dillon, The Rolling Stone, November 2021