The Crime of Rhyme: Hip Hop History, Systemic Racism, and a Discussion of “Rap On Trial”
Explore the story of opportunistic prosecutors who have looked at rap and hip hop lyrics as justifications for perpetuating the criminalization and incarceration of men of color in this discussion. Authors Erik Nielson and Andrea Dennis place case studies of rappers in which their lyrics have become evidence against them within the greater context of hip hop history in their book “Rap on Trial: Race, Lyrics, and Guilt in America.” Join them for a conversation of this injustice, the stakes of persecuting artists, and more with Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival founder Wes Jackson.
Recorded June 16, 2020.
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