In yet another case of the systematic weaponization of lyrics against rap artists, New Orleans’ B.G. was recently presented with an alarming parole requirement: submitting all his songs to a judge before they can be produced or promoted. If the lyrics don’t align with his rehabilitation goals, prosecutors could restrict his parole terms.
Because prosecutors disproportionately target Black artists by bringing their lyrics into the courtroom, this new trend is criminalizing Blackness itself. Our culture is replicated, co-opted, and consumed. Rap is the most listened-to genre of music in the U.S. But though any artist can perpetuate violence, and art itself is not an exact science, at least 700 cases so far have criminalized rappers using lyrics.
This news came alongside the misconduct and indefinite pause of Young Thug’s YSL RICO trial. It also came at a time of nationwide RAP Act proposals, which would ban the use of song lyrics as evidence in court. The criminalization of Blackness is not limited to one element of culture, though - or even one country.
Only 4% of the U.K. is Black, for example. But Black drill artists are under attack, too. Hundreds of people have had charges filed against them for their music, 66% of them Black.
Violence prevention and intervention is critical - but the criminal legal system hasn’t accomplished that by demonizing rap. Our safety can’t be achieved by criminalizing Black culture.