Aevum Caelum
Kevin Liles has launched a petition on Change.org, calling on fans to help protect hip-hop and lyrics in law courts. So far, the petition has gained over 3,000 signatures.
A Call To Action
Kevin Liles has launched a petition on Change.org rallying against the use of 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.
“In the indictment, Fulton County prosecutors argue that lyrics like ‘ready for war like I’m Russia’ is a confession of criminal intent.
“Weaponizing creative expression against artists is obviously wrong. But what gets us so upset is what’s happening to Young Thug, Gunna, and YSL is just the most high-profile case,” said Liles and Greenwald in a joint statement.
“In courtrooms across America, Black creativity and artistry is being criminalized. With increasing and troubling frequency, prosecutors are attempting to use rap lyrics as confessions, just like they’re doing in this case.”
The Baltimore-born record executive mentioned that the state of New York passed a “Rap Music on Trial” bill. The bill proposed a limit on the usage of song lyrics as evidence in court. The statement called for continued efforts to get the bill across the finish line.
“We need to urge the prompt adoption of legislation at the Federal and State level that would limit how prosecutors can use creative and artistic expression as evidence against defendants in criminal trials. We hope that it and similar Bills will become law across America to end this attack on our First Amendment freedoms that disproportionately harms Black and other minority artists.”
So far, the petition has 3,145 signatures out of 5,000.
Kevin Liles Teary-Eyed Testimony For Young Thug’s Freedom
On June 2, Young Thug had his bond hearing before a judge at the Fulton County court. Testimony was given by a stellar lineup of witnesses, including music executive Kevin Liles. He offered a teary testimony in which he confronted rap lyrics being used to convict artists.
Liles testified to why Thug should be freed on bond.
Young Thug’s lawyer, Brian Steel, called on Liles to give testimony to the rapper’s character, real name Jeffrey Williams. Liles took the stand wearing a gray suit and proceeded to speak as his eyes welled up with tears.
