California Governor Gavin Newsom Signs New Bill Restricting The Usage Of Rap Lyrics As Evidence

Written By Aevum Caelum

“Protecting Black Art”

This past Friday, a California bill was signed into law that would regulate how rap lyrics are used as evidence. Artists such as Meek Mill, Tyga, and other notable rappers were in attendance for the signing.

Governor Gavin Newsom
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California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill that would restrict the usage of rap lyrics as evidence by prosecutors. 

The virtual bill signing was attended by well-known rappers Killer Mike, Meek Mill, Too $hort, Tyga, YG, E-40, Ty Dolla $ign, and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr.

In celebration of the new bill, Harvey Mason Jr. said:

“Today we celebrate an important victory for music creators in the state of California. Silencing any genre or form of artistic expression is a violation against all music people. The history that’s been made in California today will help pave the way forward in the fight to protect creative freedom nationwide. We extend our gratitude to Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer for his leadership on this issue and to Governor Newsom for recognizing the importance of protecting artistry and signing the Decriminalizing Artistic Expression Act into law.” 

Protecting Creative Expression In Court

Newsom signed the bill after it gained unanimous approval in both the Senate and Assembly. 

The law requires judges to inquire from prosecutors why they plan on including lyrics as evidence and decide if the inclusion incites “racial bias into the proceedings.”

While there are similarities between this bill and the New York bill, the NY bill never made it past Assembly. 

Despite this, efforts are being made on a federal level to remove rap lyrics from prosecutors. 

The Restoring Artistic Protection Act, aka the RAP Act, was introduced to the House of Representatives to prevent creative expression from being weaponized against artists in a court of law. 

Reggie Jones-Sawyer, the bill’s author, spoke to Pitchfork:

“Under current law, rap artists can feel as though they are being read their Miranda Rights before they even begin to write music.

You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.” 

Jones-Sawyer added:

“We should not stymie the creative expression of artists. Unfortunately, racial biases play a role when talking about musical genres. Rap music lyrics share many similarities to that of other musical categories yet are singled out by the judicial system to characterize an artist. AB 2799 would disallow prosecutors from triggering racial biases or reinforcing racial stereotypes and it gives judges guidance on the use of creative expression in court.” 

Kevin Liles Launches Petition Against The Use Of Rap Lyrics As Evidence

Kevin Liles has launched a petition on Change.org rallying against using rap lyrics as criminal confessions. 

The petition, titled “Rap Music on Trial: Protect Black Art,” mentions how prosecutors have used hip-hop lyrics to gain convictions.

For example, rap lyrics are currently being used against Young Thug, Gunna, and other YSL members in a high-profile RICO case.

The petition urged signatories to help protect Black art and the First Amendment, specifically for Black artists.

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Written by Aevum Caelum

Aevum is a local Georgia creative who writes and draws in their spare time while also enjoying animation, video games, politics, government, etc. Their favorite artists are Amine, Doechii, Whitney Houston, Kota the Friend, Doja Cat, Eminem, Lil Nas X, etc.

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