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As We Speak: Rap Music On Trial


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Premieres on Paramount+ February 27, 2024

An exploration of the weaponization of rap lyrics in the US criminal justice system, this documentary follows rap artist Kemba as he journeys through meccas of hip-hop, building the case for rap lyrics and black artist protection via intimate conversations with rappers, academics, politicians, legal experts, and music industry executives.
 

 

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(edited)

I had several issues with the style of this documentary - it really dragged in parts - but the substance was good.  I wanted this to be better, but I'm glad it was made; I think a lot of people who are either not fans of any of the rappers caught up in this or aware of this as a constitutional law issue don't know this is rampant.

They interviewed a good selection of legal experts, and included the critical information that the overwhelming majority of cases conclude via plea bargain, never going to trial, so the evidence is never made public -- there are undoubtedly a shit ton more cases in which lyrics are used as evidence than the ones we know of.

I also liked the Shakespeare expert pointing out the similarities between the Bard and rap artists.

I'm not a big fan of rap and only know some old-school artists, so all the artists in this were unknown to me, but I really liked that new song from Sha EK.

Edited by Bastet
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