Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has come under fire for using rap lyrics to indict members of the YSL crew, including Atlanta rappers Young Thug and Gunna.
In a press conference on Monday, she defended her actions.
“I think if you decide to admit your crimes over a beat, I’m gonna use it. You do not get to commit crimes in my county and then decide to brag on it, which you do that for a form of intimidation and to further the gang, and not be held responsible,” she told reporters.
She then used an example of lyrics used in court:
“Just one of the lyrics used in this indictment is: ‘Me and my crew striking out, striking in all black / Send me the drop, we’ll kick in the house / If we steal a car, we’re gonna take off the tags.’ Well, they’re kicking in doors, committing home invasions and now I’m using those lyrics that they’re admitting to doing that.”
She added: “I’m going to continue to do that, people can continue to be angry about it. I have some legal advice: don’t confess to crimes on rap lyrics if you do not want them used — or at least get out of my county.”
There is currently a petition to stop rap lyrics from being used as evidence against rappers. Is it time for artists to stop putting their crimes on wax?
