How Fake Rap Lyrics Can Lead To Real Convictions

Posted by Corey L. Scott | Feb 25, 2023 | 0 Comments

The rap genre is akin to storytelling, portraying situations that have happened in real life or are fictional and exaggerated to create a relatable verse. Rap music is often a representation of street culture, with glorified situations of real experiences either of the rappers themselves or somebody they know.

While rap lyrics can be entirely fictional, they still have the tendency of having factual consequences in real life.

Rap Lyrics are Admissible as Evidence

Because rap lyrics are so narrative, law enforcement has an interest in looking into them to uncover pieces of evidence they can use against the accused. Especially if they have a weak case, a seemingly trivial verse or chorus can be used to provide important information about the crime or offense that is charged — especially if the lyrics narrate stark similarities with the facts of the case.

It has happened in the past where a young man was convicted for murder because of rap lyrics he wrote that had eery similarities with his criminal case. Judges have become more open to admitting rap lyrics into evidence and using them against the defendants in a criminal trial.

More and More Courts Using Rap Lyrics in Criminal Cases

While there is such a thing as artistic freedom, artists should still consider how their “fake” lyrics can have factual repercussions. This is especially true if the lyrics portray real-life circumstances that are similar to the facts of their criminal cases.

While this piece of advice should not be construed as hindering artistic expression, it is a warning for artists to be more careful as more and more of these rap lyrics are being admitted into court as evidence for real crimes.

About the Author

Corey L. Scott

Corey L. Scott, was born and raised in East Chicago, Indiana. Upon graduation from East Chicago Central High School, Corey attended Indiana State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology.  Upon graduation, Corey accepted a position with the Marion County Superior Court, Juvenile Division where he served with distinction for the next nine years, eventually being promoted to Director of the Youth Counseling Department. Pursuing his dream of becoming an attorney, Corey attended the Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis.  While in law school, Corey was an Indiana Council on Legal Education Opportunity (ICLEO) fellow and participated in Moot Court competitions.  He also worked in the Marion Superior Court, Criminal Division as a bailiff and research assistant to the Honorable Tanya Walton Pratt, who serves as a Judge on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. Corey also served as an internship law clerk to the Honorable Judge, Margret G. Robb, at the Indiana Court of Appeals. Finally, upon graduation from law school, Corey had the distinct honor and privilege to serve as a law clerk to the Honorable Justice, Robert D. Rucker, who sits on the Indiana Supreme Court. Corey then became an associate with Mike Norris Law Office, where he specialized in bankruptcy law with a main concentration on working to assist families obtain a fresh start through Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  Still a young attorney, Corey then served as a public defender at the Marion County Public Defender Agency.  In this position, Corey gained invaluable trial experience by defending clients in a wide range of matters from misdemeanors to serious felonies on a daily basis.  It was also during this time that Corey discovered his passion for representing and serving "everyday people." An entrepreneur at heart, Corey established the Law Office of Corey L. Scott, P.C.  Since then, he and his staff have served the greater Indianapolis community and surrounding counties in several legal disciplines including: Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense and Family Law.  In keeping with his vision, Corey L. Scott, P.C., is a client focused, results oriented general law practice that endeavors to provide legal solutions for "everyday people" charged with a crime, dealing with financial crisis or going through a difficult divorce. Corey has also been active serving the greater Indianapolis community by participating in pro bono programs such as "Ask a Lawyer," the "Modest Means" panel program which allows individuals to afford legal counsel at a fraction of normal rates, Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic and the Heartland Pro Bono Council program. Corey is a proud member of the Indianapolis Bar Association, Indiana Bar Association, American Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.

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