Jay-Z and Others Want Rap Lyrics , To Stop Being Used As Criminal Evidence.<br />'The Guardian' reports music artists are pleading with officials to alter a New York state law to prevent lyrics in rap songs from being used as criminal evidence.<br />The legislation, 'Rap Music on Trial,' was proposed to prevent prosecutors from using lyrics as damning evidence.<br />It aims to prevent citing lyrics unless there is "clear and convincing proof" of a correlation between the lyrics and a crime.<br />The right to free speech is enshrined in our federal and state constitutions. , Jamaal Bailey, New York Senator, via 'The Guardian'.<br />The admission of art as criminal evidence only serves to erode this fundamental right, , Jamaal Bailey, New York Senator, via 'The Guardian'.<br />... and the use of rap and hip-hop lyrics in particular is emblematic of the systemic racism that permeates our <br />criminal justice system. , Jamaal Bailey, New York Senator, via 'The Guardian'.<br />The prospective legislation has received support from Jay-Z, Kelly Rowland, Killer Mike and more.<br />The prospective legislation has received support from Jay-Z, Kelly Rowland, Killer Mike and more.<br />The prospective legislation has received support from Jay-Z, Kelly Rowland, Killer Mike and more.<br />This is a long <br />time coming. , Alex Spiro, attorney for Jay-Z, via 'Rolling Stone'.<br />By changing the law here, you do a lot of good for the cases that it affects, Alex Spiro, attorney for Jay-Z, via 'Rolling Stone'.<br />... but you also send a message that progress is coming. , Alex Spiro, attorney for Jay-Z, via 'Rolling Stone'
