The use of rap lyrics as evidence…

There has recently been a challenge put forward for the use of lyrics (predominantly rap and drill) as evidence in a criminal trial.

Currently prosecutors are able to rely on appearances in music videos, or lyrics that are written by the defendant, as evidence to argue the defendant’s affiliation with gangs, and their involvement in crime.

This argument, primarily pushed by Baroness Shami Chakrabarti, is based on the fact that allowing the use of lyrics as evidence, criminalises creative expression and the individuals source of entertainment, as well as disproportionately targeting young black men. The Baroness went on to say “Does my love of The Godfather trilogy make me a gangster?’… “If not, why should young Black men in particular be stereotyped and criminalised for their taste in music? This amendment will protect freedom of expression and strengthen the integrity of fair trials.”

Alongside the argument, lies an amendment offered to the Victims and Courts Bill 2025, stating there should be statutory provisions around when the material can be admitted as evidence. It should not be relied upon unless it is actually relevant, reliable and probative to the case.

There has been a lot of support for this change, notably from rappers such as Giggs and DJ Semtex, as well as 18 KCs and academics from the University of Oxford, Manchester and London school of Economics.