The symphony’s sorrow surmounts me
Runs rivers where tears were once dried
The symphony’s sorrow surmounts me
Runs rivers where tears were once dried
As my lifetime elapses, due sadness collapses I plead for the pain to subside
As my lifetime elapses, due sadness collapses I plead for the pain to subside
Soft lyrics begin to entrance me
A melody glimmers like gold
Soft lyrics begin to entrance me
A melody glimmers like gold
I watch as words waltz through the air,
I watch as words waltz through the air,
And as if I’m not there, I witness my story retold
And as if I’m not there, I witness my story retold
Anger rekindles my Still stone cold heart It rebels like a wildfire’s roar
Fury channels a storm brewing deep in my core
A wrath like that poor woman scorned
The chorus invites me, a soft, soothing friend
The chorus invites me, a soft, soothing friend
A closeness that kisses my soul
A closeness that kisses my soul
Reminiscent refrains seem to echo my pain
Reminiscent refrains seem to echo my pain
The harmony makes me feel whole
The harmony makes me feel whole
A horizon to guide me through heartache
A horizon to guide me through heartache
These feelings that make my head spin
These feelings that make my head spin
The tune holds me dear, my feelings now clear, I let myself fully give in
The tune holds me dear, my feelings now clear, I let myself fully give in
A call to stand taller assures me I have conquered the feelings I feared My truth I reclaim, a balm for my pain, I’m still safe after all of these years
A song is a trusted companion A friend who I know wouldn’t lie Through sorrow and triumph, I remain defiant! The melody keeps my head high
With every crescendo, I shed my old skin Embracing my journey, the battles within In every emotion, I find a release In the symphony's arms, I discover my peace
Rap has been pigeonholed as a violent genre of music since its conception. Despite the connotations of violence riddled in many lyrics, the art form grew in popularity and the writing style became widely adopted among the music industry and consumers of the genre. However, in recent history there has been an in ux of prosecutors using Black rap artist’s lyrics as character witness evidence in the court of law to prevent defendants from obtaining bail. Most notably, Gunna, an alleged YSL member, had his lyrics used as evidence in 2022 supporting that the rapper should be denied bail despite having “no signi cant criminal history.”1 In this brief essay I will express why musical artists deserve the creative liberty to adopt a lyric style that is unique to themselves while remaining characteristic of their genre.
It’s an important distinction to make that alleged YSL rappers were not charged or convicted of the crimes brought to court purely based on these lyrics; prosecutors allegedly have evidence that stands on its own outside of the lyrics as testimony. Rather, these lyrics were used in a court of law as character descriptions in uencing sentencing, bail, and parole. e use of artists’ lyrics in court as evidence is not a new thing, however it’s been unduly used against Black artists. ere are numerous white artists who have sung or rapped about committing violent crimes, yet there is a signi cantly smaller percentage of those who have had their lyrics used in the court of law. One of the most famous musical artists who has spoken about murder and killing in his songs is Eminem. Despite being arrested for two gun charges in 2001, the rapper was released on two year probation without his violent lyrics being brought into the courtroom.2
Music is an art form similar to writing ction. Although lyricists sometimes base their lyrics on their own lives and experiences, it’s not an uncommon practice for musicians to sing in an alter-ego or stage character, and for singers to write songs using aspects of ction to mold this character. For example, Lady Gaga morphed herself into a Jesus-loving Nebraskan for her song “You and I,” despite crafting a clear image for herself as often critical of religion and its use against the LGBT+ community in the United States and in other countries around the world. “You and I” is still considered to be one of Lady Gaga’s most cherished songs despite the fact that even for a moment she abandoned her image and morphed into someone opposite to who she is.
Similarly, it’s common for rappers to morph into hardened men unbothered by gun violence, drug use, and death. e rap industry has favored Drill and Trap-style rap since the mid 2010s. ese styles were initially created for small groups of people in Chicago and Atlanta, respectively, to communicate to rival gangs what ‘moves’ they’ve made against each other.3 Although the initial purpose of the rap style was to communicate information to rivals about crimes committed, as Drill and Trap rap became widespread genres many rappers outside of Chicago and Atlanta across the US have adopted the rap style which includes distinct beats with heavy bass and violent lyrics without having any actual connection to the origins of the subgenre. A major component of Drill rap is mentions of murder and those who have imitated the genre have imitated the lyrics, declaring they’ve committed acts of violence that were not committed in reality.4 Notably, rapper Lil Tecca was trolled online after his 2019 Genius lyric video in which he denied owning guns, cheating on his girlfriend, and knowing how to drive, all to which he sang about in his song “Ransom.” Tecca found success in his trap-inspired lyricism despite his o -stage personality varying greatly from who he sings himself to be in songs.5,6
1Dillon, Nancy. “Gunna’s Lawyers Call Indictment ‘so in as to Be Transparent,’ Slam Use of Rap Lyrics.” Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 12 May 2022, www.rollingstone. com/music/music-news/gunna-indictment-use-of-rap-lyrics-slammed-young-thug-rico-case-1352390/.
2 “Eminem Sentenced to Two Years of Probation ByABC News April 10, 2001, 1:59 PM.” Edited by ABC News, ABC News, ABC News Network, 10 Apr. 2001, abcnews. go.com/Entertainment/story?id=107023&page=1#:~:text=ByABC%20News,were%20given%20jail%20time%20today.
3Askhiphop. “ e Origins of Drill Music.” e Hip Hop Museum, 11 July 2024, history.hiphop/the-origins-of-drill-music/#_ftn2.
4“Guide to Drill Music: History and Characteristics of Drill Music - 2024.” Edited by Master Class, MasterClass, 7 June 2021, www.masterclass.com/articles/drill-music-guide#what-is-drill-music.
5Pointer, Ashley. “Trap Music: Where It Came from and Where It’s Going.” Berklee Online Take Note, 23 Feb. 2024, online.berklee.edu/takenote/trap-music-where-itcame-from-and-where-its-going/.
6Genius. “Lil Tecca ‘Ransom’ O cial Lyrics & Meaning | Veri ed.” Youtube uploaded by Genius, 22 May 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_fXqA5UAbY.
Music is a form of self expression, and when a musical artist sings about an event, it doesn’t mean it’s a personal testimony. Rap speci cally is rich in history and culture important to the Black community, yet has come under further scrutiny as we have now seen Black artists have their lyrics tied to their characters despite being an art form similar to poetry and ction. As exempli ed above, both non-rappers and rappers have creatively expressed themselves as characters they are not without negative consequences or their lyrics being taken verbatim. Despite using a widely accepted and encouraged lyrical style that includes violent imagery, recently alleged YSL members and famous rappers like Lil Baby have had their lyrics used in court as character evidence to deny the rapper’s bail. Trap and Drill in uences have been widely adopted in the rap industry. e lyrics commonly found in the subgenres are used by rappers and other musical artists that have no criminal background, therefore diluting their validity and therefore should not be taken seriously especially when determining someone’s sentencing. Ultimately, an industry standard has been used against rap artists and turned on them in the court of law. We must be wary of how seriously we take stories woven into song, especially within the Trap and Drill styles.
