RAP Act Bill Proposed on Congress: How Will THIS Benefit Rappers Like Gunna in Jail?

Federal lawmakers are cooking up something on The Hill - a brand new bill seeking to ban the use of music lyrics as evidence in court.

Singers will mainly benefit from this new proposed bill, particularly Black and Brown rappers who are frequently prosecuted using their lyrics.

The move for the federalization of this law came after arrests, indictments, and prosecution among the hip-hop community became apparent in the past few months.

Should this be fully enacted into law, rappers like Gunna and Young Thug would most likely benefit from this bill, as no legislation in Georgia protects them in such.

RAP Bill in Congress

Formally titled as "Restoring Artistic Protection Act (RAP Act)," the bill was recently introduced at the United States House of Representatives yesterday, Jul. 27, 2022.

Thanks to Democratic Congressmen Hank Johnson and Jamaal Bowman of Georgia and New York, the bill might stand a chance to become a full-blown federal law.

The bill aims to amend the current Federal Rules of Evidence laws - which the new bill promises to limit the admissibility of evidence of an accused "creative or artistic expression" against them on a criminal proceeding and for other legal purposes.

"Rap, Hip Hop and every lyrical musical piece is a beautiful form of art and expression that must be protected. Our judicial system disparately criminalizes Black and brown lives, including Black and brown creativity," Bowman highlighted in his statement.

The New York Congressman also reiterated that the proposed law would

keep the nation's evidentiary standards to protect everyone's First Amendment right to freedom of expression. (via HiphopDX)

"We cannot imprison our talented artists for expressing their experiences nor will we let their creativity be suppressed," he furthered.

How Will RAP Act Benefit Rappers like Gunna, Young Thug?

The newly proposed bill came after community pressure on states like New York and Georgia, where there are prominent arrests and prosecutions using music lyrics arise.

Most notably in Georgia, where big-shot rappers like Gunna and Young Thug are indicted and arrested for RICO Charges using their music lyrics as main evidence against them in court.

Calls for Gunna and Young Thug's release have become louder as socialite Kim Kardashian joined the call recently, echoing the community's plea.

Similarly, a State Law in New York - The Rap Music on Trial Bill, which does the same as the RAP Act, is awaiting confirmation.

Should the bill be enacted into law before Gunna and Young Thug's trial in 2023, this might guarantee them freedom immediately.