This is a word, a podcast from Slate. I'm your host, Jason Johnson. Many rappers

pride themselves on delivering lyrics that are close to the streets and that

reflect the reality of young black people, even when that reality includes

crime. But in Georgia, young thug and gunna are just the latest artist to find

that their work is landing them in court. You have individuals who are on this

journey who don't necessarily understand hip-hop culture or may not even like

hip-hop because they don't relate to the lyrics at all. How prosecutors are

using rap lyrics in court coming up on a word with me, Jason Johnson. Stay with us.

Welcome to a word, a podcast about race, in politics, and everything else. I'm your

host, Jason Johnson. For decades, many rappers have talked about real or

imagined experiences with crime and their lyrics. Tell the stories of their lives

or the life of their communities. These songs can express a range of emotions,

sometimes regret, but often, boastful claims aimed at building a

rapper's profile and reputation as authentic voice of the streets. But now, hip-hop

artist young thug and gunna face serious criminal charges in a Georgia court

based in part on rap lyrics. The two, whose real names are Jeffrey Lamar Williams

and Sergio Kitchens, are in custody awaiting trial for allegations of drug

dealing, conspiracy, and even murder. And song lyrics are woven into the 88 page

indictment. Joining us to discuss it further is Stephanie Willis. She's an

attorney legal strategist and a policy strategist for the ACLU of Louisiana.

Stephanie Willis, welcome to a word. Hi Jason, thanks for having me. It's great to be here.

Some of the lyrics being used against young thug include quote,

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