As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial — Official Trailer

added: Wed, Jan 24th '24

Check out the official trailer for "As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial," an investigative documentary that delves into the recent history of the American criminal justice system, where rap music and its lyrics have been weaponized and employed as evidence against individuals facing legal charges. At the core of this examination is Kemba, an underground rap artist from the Bronx, who serves as a guide throughout the film. The documentary poses the critical question of whether rap lyrics, seen as an expression of freedom of speech, can be used as grounds for convicting individuals, regardless of their innocence.

The documentary had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival this past week and is helmed and produced by J.M. Harper, known for his previous work on the Netflix docuseries "Jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy."

"As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial" is scheduled to make its debut on the streaming service, Paramount Plus, on February 27th.

synopsis:
An exploration of the weaponization of rap lyrics in the US criminal justice system. The documentary follows Bronx rap artist Kemba as he explores the growing weaponization of rap lyrics in the United States criminal-justice system and abroad. His exploration reveals how law enforcement has quietly used artistic creation as evidence in criminal cases for decades. Since the 1990s, more than 700 criminal court cases have used rap lyrics as evidence against defendants, and with the recent criminal trial of rapper Young Thug, this issue has become more mainstream and in the public eye. The film doesn't ask whether someone is innocent or guilty; it asks whether lyrics can be used for conviction.

directed by J.M. Harper

release date February 27, 2024 (on Paramount Plus)