Rap Lyrics Under Fire in Death-Row Case
TL;DR
Rolling Stone examines James Broadnax’s death-row case, where prosecutors used his rap lyrics as evidence in sentencing; with his cousin Demarius Cummings confessing to the killings, supporters argue the trial was racially biased and that artistic expression should not drive executions. Clemeny petitions and Supreme Court filings—supported by rappers and lawyers—seek to pause or reconsider the case and challenge the practice of using lyrics in court.
- His Rap Lyrics Put Him on Death Row. Could a New Confession Save Him? Rolling Stone
- Rap music on trial: Upcoming Texas execution stirs national debate USA Today
- Execution nears as juror cites new confession in push to stop death row case NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth
- Prosecutors used rap lyrics to help send a man to death row in Texas. It's not an uncommon tactic AP News
- A Looming Execution Raises Questions of Race, Responsibility, and Rap The Texas Observer
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