The RAP Act will ban the use of song lyrics in court. This has been a growing problem over the past few years. Since 2020, rap lyrics have been used in over 500 criminal cases as evidence. It’s another move in a long tradition of policing our music.
For most enslaved people, music was the only means of expression. Negro spirituals were used as a way to communicate. Music released pain, expressed joy, and seeded hope for freedom.
Rap is our greatest modern form of Black expression, making it a big target for policing. Court evidence isn’t even the beginning of our troubles. In fact, some large police departments like the New York Police Department have entire rap surveillance units strictly to target Black musicians.
Now Representatives Hank Johnson and Jamaal Bowman, two congressmen from Georgia and New York, have reintroduced the RAP Act. A version of the Act was passed in California. It’s just a matter of time until it becomes law nationwide.
Throughout American history, our music has been policed, but we shouldn’t back down. Our melodies tell the story of our struggles and triumphs. We can’t let our voices be taken away from us.