Young Thug and rap lyrics on trial
A U.S. grand jury indictment accuses Atlanta rapper Young Thug and 27 others of being members of a criminal street gang, with prosecutors citing his and other artists' lyrics to bolster the case. Today, a discussion on why prosecutors use hip hop lyrics as evidence.
Atlanta rappers Young Thug and Gunna are among 28 people accused by a U.S. grand jury indictment of being part of a criminal street gang.
The alleged members of the Young Slime Life gang are charged under Georgia's racketeering law known as RICO, which is similar to federal laws introduced in the 1970s to combat the mafia. The 56-count indictment includes allegations of murder and attempted armed robbery.
Some of the evidence of gang activity cited by prosecutors are lyrics from artists like Young Thug. Today, journalist and commentator Jacques Morel discusses why prosecutors are bringing lyrics into courtrooms, and why the practice seems to target Black men and hip hop artists.