Yichong Qiu
After the indictment of Young Thug and Gunna on RICO charges, Killer Mike joined the movement in protecting Black art. He also expressed his opinion on using lyrics as evidence in court and advocated respect for the black community.
Rap Lyrics Are Not Evidence In Court
Atlanta-based rapper Michael Santiago Render, known as Killer Mike, shared his views on the YSL RICO indictment case. Last month, the court used Young Thug and Gunna’s song lyrics as evidence; which are said to be describing their criminal activities.
Moreover, in the interview conducted by ABC News, published on Saturday (June 18), Killer Mike stated that the lyrics is simply art.
It is essential to remember that Hip-Hop is just entertainment, and artists are performers who play characters.
“These lyrics are no more than braggadocio rap lyrics,” said Killer Mike.
“Young Thug — that’s a character that Jeffrey Williams created … but Jeffrey Williams is a father. He’s a human being that’s capable of love, care, and compassion.”
The Grammy winner also emphasized his trust and appreciation toward the alleged Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffrey Williams.
Speak For The Black Community
Killer Mike also raised the issue of Black rights. He noted that such things that happened in the court were likely targeting Black arts, which revealed the dehumanization of Black people in America.
“Hip-hop is not respected as an art because Black people in this country are not recognized as full human beings,” he said.
According to ABC News, one liberal arts professor at the University of Richmond, Nielsen, suggested that hip-hop music is the only genre targeted in courtrooms in this manner, which is a form of racism as if that rap music is denied the status of art.
