300 Entertainment and Atlantic Records are taking a stand against using rap lyrics as evidence in criminal cases. 300’s Kevin Liles and Atlantic’s COO Julie Greenwald launched a petition on Thursday (June 9) dubbed “Rap Music on Trial: Protect Black Art,” which focuses on how prosecutors have continuously attempted to use rap lyrics in a courtroom.

The petition details explicitly how Young Thug, Gunna, and their Young Stoner Life (YSL) collective have fallen victim to this prosecutorial tactic during their ongoing RICO case.

“In the indictment, Fulton County prosecutors argue that lyrics like ‘ready for war like I’m Russia’ are a confession of criminal intent,” it states in the petition.

Liles and Greenwald added in a joint statement, “Weaponizing creative expression against artists is obviously wrong. But what gets us so upset is what’s happening to Young Thug, Gunna, and YSL is just the most high-profile case.”

Kevin Liles spoke to his relationship with Young Thug, his character, and the relevance of his rap lyrics to the RICO gang case during Thug’s bond hearing

FULL: https://t.co/98Qtl8BknB pic.twitter.com/WpdvJjoQd6

— Glock Topickz (@Glock_Topickz) June 2, 2022

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