Young Thug: Should a Rapper’s Lyrics Be Used in a Court of Law?

Should a rapper’s lyrics be used in a court of law? The jury is still out on that, but Rapper Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, recently landed in jail with his lyrics allegedly supporting his arrest. Williams was named in a 56-count indictment on Monday in Georgia. Charges include conspiring to violate the RICO Act, murder, armed robbery, and participation in criminal street gang activity. Federal prosecutors appear ready to paint Young Thug as a key figure in a sprawling criminal operation, and they are relying heavily on his music to do so.

Critics argue lyrics are just music, and playing rap songs or reading the musician’s lyrics in trials unfairly causes a jury to become prejudiced. They maintain that it is just a musical art form and should not be used as evidence against the artist. Law enforcement and much of the judicial system …  Click HERE to continue reading