Sundance 2024

As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial is a thought-provoking documentary offering a deep dive into the troubling trend of using rap lyrics as evidence in criminal cases. At the forefront of this exploration is Bronx rapper Kemba, who uses his personal experiences and insights to anchor a broader examination of how rap music has been systematically weaponized in the U.S. criminal justice system and beyond.

The film lays bare a disturbing reality wherein, for decades, law enforcement has quietly used rap lyrics as evidence, framing artistic expression as a confession or a declaration of intent. While other forms of artistic creation — like prose, poetry, or even film — are largely immune from such scrutiny, rap lyrics are frequently singled out and presented as damning evidence of criminal intent or motive. This inherent bias against rap music, rooted in racial and cultural stereotyping, is at the heart of the film’s analysis. The documentary demonstrates how juries can be swayed simply by hearing these lyrics, often interpreted literally, even when the songs were created purely for artistic expression or storytelling.

The film also highlights the dangerous cycle that emerges from this practice. Defendants in cases where rap lyrics are used often face overwhelming legal battles, where the mere cost of fighting these charges can push individuals toward plea deals, regardless of actual guilt or innocence.  Kemba notes that this creates a system where the deck is stacked against artists, forcing them to choose between exorbitant legal costs and potentially longer sentences.

One of the film’s most impactful moments is its presentation of several real-life cases in which rap lyrics were used as evidence. The documentary doesn’t just focus on the U.S., either — it touches on similar practices abroad, revealing the global reach of this troubling trend. In doing so, As We Speak forces viewers to confront the inherent biases that underlie these legal strategies, shining a light on the ways in which rap, as an art form, has been unfairly criminalized.

Overall, As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial is an illuminating and eye-opening documentary that tackles a crucial issue at the intersection of race, art, and justice. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in how the criminal justice system disproportionately affects specific communities and how something as subjective as art can be twisted into something prosecutable.

— 3.5 / 5 ⭐