As We Speak
As We Speak
6.687%73%
Bronx rap artist Kemba explores the growing weaponization of rap lyrics in the United States criminal justice system and abroad - revealing how law enforcement has quietly used artistic creation as evidence in criminal cases for decades.
Kevin Ward reviewedJuly 2, 2025
An examination of how rap has been used extensively in our criminal justice system and weaponized against criminal defendants. Lyrics and prose created out of artistic expression are frequently taken as evidentiary of criminal intent or motive. The film really effectively demonstrates the inherent bias juries have when rap music is presented as evidence. Prosecutors can then leverage exorbitant costs of fighting convictions into guilty pleas. An illuminating doc worth checking out.