Music Exec Kevin Liles Petitions For A Federal Ban Against Prosecutors Using Rap Lyrics As Evidence Prompted by Young Thug/YSL RICO Indictment

Music Exec Kevin Liles Petitions For A Federal Ban Against Prosecutors Using Rap Lyrics As Evidence Following Young Thug/YSL RICO Indictment

Music mogul Kevin Liles is joining forces with other powers that be to push against U.S. prosecutors using rap lyrics as evidence in trails and investigations against said rappers. He has partnered with Atlantic Records’ COO Julie Greenwald to launch “Rap Music on Trial: Protect Black Art”. The petition listed on Change.com requests for federal legislation to prohibit the use of rap lyrics as evidence in court and in investigations. The petition comes after rap artists Young Thug, Gunna, and other YSL associates were indicted on RICO charges where prosecutors have shown the rappers lyrics as evidence. The petition reads: “Today 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, This practice isn’t just a violation of First Amendment protections for speech and creative expression….This shameful and un-American practice must end. “ prosecutors in the Jefferey ‘Young Thug’ Williams case, submitted lyrics from the musician’s entire catalog into evidence to be used in the court proceedings. Prosecutors claimed YSL “gang” members recorded these lyrics that are “overt evidence of conspiracy.” and argue that the lyricsare a confession of crimes and criminal intent.  pic.twitter.com/vCrvwJ9Hlt Kevin Liles, appeared in court last week and was very emotional as he delivered his testimony on behalf of Young Thug who ultimately was still denied bond, due to the judge’s concern over flight risk and witness intimidation. Kevin says the fight is not over. he recently procalimed in an interview discussing the new petition for reform, he’ll also be backing New York’s recent “Rap Music On Trial” bill.  Just last month a bill was passed that, the law limits the use of song lyrics as evidence in court. The legislation was supported by seriously influencial people in the industry like Jay-Z, Meek Mill, Kelly Rowland, and many more. Efforts continue to be made to fight to protect Black art and artists alike, however, the new bill will focus on trying to see federal change. The change.org petition notes: “We need to step up, support these efforts, and get this 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.”