Image source: Pexels.com

Overview

Are you familiar with Illegal, a hip-hop duo that performed in the early nineties? If not, you’re not by yourself. The Untold Truth, the group’s sole record, was released in 1993, marking the group’s brief existence. The album had some success, but because of its graphic and violent lyrics, it also caused a lot of controversy. Actually, Illegal was among the first rap groups to be sued for their lyrics after multiple people filed lawsuits alleging that the group’s music encouraged violence and defamation. I’ll tell you about Illegal’s history, music, and legal issues in this blog article.

In addition, I’ll talk about the ramifications of utilizing rap lyrics as evidence in court proceedings and how the judicial system frequently misinterprets and discriminates against rap music. This blog post is interesting and instructive if you’re interested in hip-hop culture, rap music, or free speech problems.

Who Did Not Have the Right?

Jamal Phillips and Malik Edwards, who began their rap careers as youngsters, formed the hip-hop duo Illegal. They signed with Dallas Austin, a well-known producer who has collaborated with TLC, Boyz II Men, and Monica, at Rowdy Records. Additionally, Illegal was a member of the Hit Squad, a group of rappers that also featured Redman, EPMD, Das EFX, and K-Solo.

The Style and Influences of Illegal

Hardcore rap acts like N.W.A., Ice-T, and Public Enemy, who used their music as a means of expressing their rage and dissatisfaction at the social and political problems that the African American population in America was facing, were an influence on Illegal’s style. Profanity, insults, and threats abound throughout Illegal’s songs, which frequently single out Da Youngstas and Kris Kross as rivals in the rap game. In addition, Illegal rapped about gangs, drugs, firearms, and crime, projecting a defiant and streetwise persona.

The Debut Album of Illegal

The Untold Truth, Illegal’s debut album, contained 11 tracks, including the hits “Head or Gut” and “We Getz Busy.” It was released in August 1993.

Critics gave the album mixed reviews, noting both the duo’s brilliance and excitement as well as their lack of maturity and innovation. Additionally, the album did not sell particularly well, peaking at No. 19 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums rankings and No. 119 on the Billboard 200.

What Legal Issues Did Illegal Face?

However, the public and authorities also paid close attention to Illegal’s record, taking offense at the lyrics and becoming concerned about the duo’s behavior. Several people sued Illegal, claiming that the songs of the group had hurt or damaged them.

For instance, a woman named Sharon Lyles filed a $10 million lawsuit against the group Illegal, claiming that the song “CrumbSnatcher” defamed her and her son, who belonged to the rival rap group Da Youngstas that Illegal disparaged in the song. Lyles asserted that the song damaged her reputation and psychological health by wrongly accusing her of being a drug addict and prostitute.

James Smith launched a second lawsuit, claiming that an adolescent who had been listening to Illegal’s song “Head or Gut” had shot him. Smith said that the song was to blame for his wounds and medical costs since it promoted violence and murder. Smith filed a $25 million lawsuit against Rowdy Records, Dallas Austin, and Illegal, alleging that they produced and released the song negligently and recklessly.

A man by the name of Robert Earl Barnes sued Illegal as well, claiming that a gang of juvenile Illegal followers had attacked him. Barnes claimed that the youths screamed lyrics from Illegal’s song “Stick ‘Em Up,” which talks about robbing and abusing people, then attacked him with baseball bats. Barnes filed a $9 million lawsuit against Rowdy Records, Illegal, and Dallas Austin, alleging that their song incited hatred and violence. These trials presented significant issues about the interaction between rap music and the law and were among the first instances of rap lyrics being used as evidence in court.

What Consequences Result from Using Rap Lyrics as Proof?

The contentious and intricate practice of using rap lyrics as evidence in court proceedings has significant ramifications for free speech, hip-hop culture, and rap music. On the one hand, some contend that rap songs are factual assertions that represent the reality and identities of the rap artists in addition to being creative expressions. They assert that the intent, knowledge, or involvement of rap artists in illegal activity can all be inferred from their songs.

Additionally, they contend that the messages and behaviors of rap artists can have a detrimental effect on listeners, particularly the young and impressionable ones, who may then mimic or replicate the musicians’ violent and antisocial behavior.

However, some contend that rap lyrics are fictional and allegorical rather than real or autobiographical. They contend that rap lyrics are creative expressions that draw on the imagination, inventiveness, and cultural background of their artists to convey ideas, feelings, or narratives through the use of exaggeration, hyperbole, and symbolism.

Additionally, they contend that rap lyrics should not be restricted or prohibited by the government or the legal system since they are protected by the First Amendment, which upholds the freedom of speech and expression. Furthermore, they contend that listeners, who are able to discriminate between fact and fiction and are not always impacted by the messages and deeds of rap artists, are not directly or causally affected by the lyrics of rap songs.

Thus, there are a lot of issues and problems with the legal system, rap artists, and listeners when it comes to using their lyrics as evidence in court.It also exposes the misconceptions and prejudices that the public has toward rap music and hip-hop culture, particularly those held by the media and the government, who frequently characterize these genres as violent, immoral, and criminal. However, rap music and hip-hop culture are multifaceted and intricate phenomenon with a lot of good and constructive features, such social commentary, artistic expression, cultural identification, and community empowerment. Thus, appreciation and acknowledgment are due to hip-hop culture and rap music, not repression and legal action.

In summary

I’ve given you the tale of the hip-hop group Illegal in this blog post, who in the early 1990s ran into legal issues because of their songs. I’ve also talked about the ramifications of utilizing rap lyrics as evidence in court proceedings and how the judicial system frequently misinterprets and discriminates against hip-hop culture and rap music. This blog post should have taught you something new and fascinating, and I hope you liked reading it as well.

I recommend listening to more rap music and learning more about rap artists and their biographies if you enjoy or are fascinated about hip-hop culture and rap music. You might come across some incredible music and some motivational individuals with a lot to share and offer the world. Additionally, you might gain a deeper awareness and comprehension of hip-hop culture and rap music, as well as their importance and worth in society.

I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog article, and I hope to talk to you soon. Till then, keep on rocking and rapping!

free speech hip-hop culture legal issues rap music

Ghazala Siddique