JAY-Z, Meek Mill, Fat Joe and more have lent their support to a proposed New York bill that would ban rap lyrics from being used in court.
According to Rolling Stone; Hov, Big Sean, Yo Gotti, Killer Mike, Kelly Rowland, Robin Thicke and others signed a letter today (Wed) urging New York lawmakers to pass the “Rap Music on Trial” bill.
The legislation, which was first introduced last November, would limit the admissibility of a defendant’s song lyrics or other “creative expression” as evidence of an alleged crime.
Instead, prosecutors would have to prove that musical lyrics are “literal, rather than figurative or fictional” using “clear and convincing evidence.”
The legislation was passed by the US Senate Codes committee on Tuesday, but still needs to be put to a full vote on the Senate floor.
New York Senators Brad Hoylman and Jamaal Bailey introduced the “Rap Music on Trial” bill last November, saying, “Art is creative expression, not a blueprint of criminal plans.”