Hip-hop music has been amongst the highest-grossing genres of American music ever since it achieved commercial success in the late 80s. Nevertheless, the mainstream acceptance has not stopped the feds from probing some of the most successful rappers of all time about their subject matter. Artists such as 2 Live Crew, N.W.A. and Eminem have all been targeted for their lyrical content in the past.
But now it appears as though the biggest names in rap have finally had enough of being blamed for the country's rising crime rates, gang activity, drug abuse, and depreciation of women.
According to reports, Jay-Z, Fat Joe, Yo Gotti, Big Sean, and Meek Mill are amongst a plethora of emcees who have banned together and petitioned to encourage New York lawmakers to pass Senate Bill S752 (aka Rap Music on Trial). If the bill is approved it will stop the courts in the state of New York from using rap lyrics as supporting evidence during the course of a criminal trial.
Apparently, this is such an important issue to Jay-Z that his lawyer, Alex Spiro, co-wrote a letter to Governor, Kathy Hochul in order to echo the sentiment even further.
"This is an issue that's important to (Jay-Z) and all the other artists that have come together to try to bring about this change," Spiro shared. "This is a long time coming. Mr. Carter is from New York, and if he can lend his name and his weight, that's what he wants to do."
In support of this legislation, the letter from Jay-Z's lawyer was even signed by recording artists outside of the realm of hip-hop such as Robin Thicke and Kelly Rowland.
Initially, "Rap Music on Trial" was presented to New York state senators back in November of 2021. But the bill recently started making more progress with new names and statements attached. If Senate Bill S752 is approved the hip-hop community hopes the ruling will encourage other states to enact similar legislation.
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Source: The Source
