Rap Trap: Hip Hop on trial

Winner: 2024 News and Documentary Emmy for Outstanding Arts, Culture or Entertainment Coverage

Synopsis: This thought provoking documentary explores the use of song lyrics as evidence in criminal cases and if this practice violates freedom of speech. The story centers on McKinley “Mac” Phipps Jr., a rising star in the early 90s hip hop world who spent 20 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Now out of jail he details how his own lyrics were a key piece used to put him behind bars. With Mac’s story as the backdrop the documentary also delves into the ongoing Atlanta racketeering case against Young Thug (Jeffery Williams) and Gunna (Sergio Kitchens) in which lyrics have played a part in the prosecutions argument. Legendary hip hop artists such as Fat Joe, Will.I.Am and Killer Mike, along with historians and family members and friends close to Young Thug and Gunna weigh in and give context for this debate. For some, the lyrics are evidence of wrongdoing but for others, it highlights a trend of criminalizing Black art that goes back decades.

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