Law versus lyrics: Rapper BG must have all future songs reviewed by U.S. government

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As a fan of hip hop music and someone who has always admired the raw talent and creativity that rappers bring to the table, I find it disheartening to see the constant scrutiny and challenges faced by artists like BG in their quest for artistic expression and rehabilitation.

As a devoted film buff, I’d put it this way: I’m an avid rap fan and following his recent release from prison, artist BG finds himself under close scrutiny. Now, not just in the federal system, but his rhymes are being monitored too.

According to a report in The Guardian published on Tuesday, the rapper known as “Bling Bling” is required by the federal government to share copies of his new songs prior to production or promotion. If the content of these lyrics goes against his rehabilitation plan, prosecutors have the authority to modify the conditions of his supervised release.

Christopher Dorsey, also known as Baby Gangsta or BG, came close to facing more rigorous examination but managed to escape it. Judge Susie Morgan of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana denied the prosecution’s proposal to restrict BG from advocating and celebrating future gun violence or murder in his music while under supervision. The judge expressed concerns over free speech rights, according to reports.

In 2009, during a routine traffic stop, the New Orleans rapper (previously of Hot Boys with Lil Wayne, Juvenile, and Turk) was taken into custody. The officer discovered three firearms in the vehicle, two of which were reported stolen. BG attempted to make those traveling with him assume responsibility for the weapons. However, the truth emerged, leading BG to eventually admit guilt.

In 2012, Baby Gangsta received a sentence of 14 years in prison for two charges related to carrying firearms and one charge for conspiring to obstruct justice. He served eleven of those years and was freed last September. Now, he is subjected to three more years of supervision by the federal authorities.

When he resumed rapping, supervision became a problem for him, especially after the concert they held in Las Vegas in February with Boosie Badazz. People under supervised release typically need to avoid contact with convicted felons. BG was taken into custody due to accusations of not obtaining approval before collaborating with Boosie.

Prosecutors argued that the songs rapped by BG, along with his collaborations with Gucci Mane on BG’s 2020 album (who is also a convicted felon), raised doubts about BG’s dedication to reform. While it was later discovered that BG had obtained approval for working with Boosie, the lyrics were considered significant enough to influence last Friday’s decision.

The contentious verdict contributes to a debated past, where musicians, predominantly Black, have been charged with criminal offenses based on their song lyrics.

I’ve come across statistics stating that over 700 court cases have involved lyrics being used as proof of wrongdoing or gang involvement, or portraying a violent persona. Notable instances include the trials against Snoop Dogg in the ’90s and Takashi 6ix9ine in 2019, as well as Yung Thug’s ongoing RICO trial.

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2024-07-18 20:54