rap lyrics

He's one of the most popular rappers in America: Young Thug is facing up to 120 years in prison for allegedly being the head of a violent criminal gang. State prosecutors in Georgia are using lyrics from his songs as 'proof' of acts they say he was involved in, including the murder of a rival. But with this line of courtroom argument, is artistic freedom of speech under threat? 

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Guest: Keiran Southern, West Coast correspondent, The Times.

Host: Luke Jones.

Get in touch: storiesofourtimes@thetimes.co.uk

Clips: 11Alive, CNN.

Music excerpts:

Camilla Cabello ft Young Thug - Havana (Epic/Syco)

Young Thug - Stoner (Atlantic Records)

Young Thug - Anybody (YSL/300/Atlantic Records)

Young Thug - Slime Shit (300/Atlantic Records)

Young Thug - Just How It Is (YSL/300/Atlantic Records)

Lil Durk - Ahhh Ha (Alamo)

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Should rap lyrics be allowed to be used by prosecutors as evidence in court? D.L. Hughley breaks it down in a new Long Story Short. 

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Olutosin Oduwole was an aspiring rapper and college student when he was arrested in 2007. He was charged with "attempting to make a terrorist threat." Prosecutors used his writings — which he maintains were rap lyrics — to build their case against him. The week, we revisit our June 2017 story about Oduwole, and explore how public perceptions of rap music may have played a role in his prosecution.

Olutosin Oduwole was an aspiring rapper and college student when he was arrested in 2007. He was given an unusual charge: "attempting to make a terrorist threat." Prosecutors used his writings — which he maintains were rap lyrics — to build their case against him. This week on Hidden Brain, we revisit Oduwole's story, and how public perceptions of rap music may have played a role.