Rap Lyrics Under Fire in Death-Row Case
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.