Will and Jada Smith’s Charitable Foundation Reportedly Shutting Down Amidst Oscars’ Slap Fallout

Will and Jada Smith's Charitable Foundation Reportedly Shutting Down Amidst Oscars' Slap Fallout

It’s been two years since the “slap heard round the world,” but the fallout continues for Will Smith– this time as his and wife Jada’s charitable foundation, the Will And Jada Smith Family Foundation, appears to be shutting down due largely to a drastic drop in donations following the 2022 altercation with Chris Rock.

An in-depth report by Variety found that tax records show that the organization’s revenue (which was funded largely by celebrity and corporate donors such as American Airlines and CAA) plummeted from $1,760,000 in 2020 and $2,138,660 in 2021 to $365,870 in 2022. As of 2022, the foundation did not employ any paid staff members. Publicly available financial records also show that the foundation had incurred over $3400 in bank overdraft fees in 2022. (All data was found in a ProPublica report, which is available to the public on their website.)

The foundation’s last social media posts were made on Instagram and Facebook in December of 2022.

The organization had also come under scrutiny for their significant donations to two smaller unknown charitable organizations- Rebecoming and World Rebirth Foundation, neither of which appears to have been an active organization for at least two years. (Other donations went to Big Brothers Big Sisters, the American Film Institute, and other well-known reputable charitable organizations.)

The only two major donors in 2022 came from an entity called “the WJS Trust” for $200,000 and Westbrook Media for $165,870.

As of Tuesday, neither Will nor Jada had made a public comment regarding the situation. Will, however, promoted his upcoming installment in the Bad Boys Franchise series (which is due for release in June).

According to the foundation’s website, “the Will & Jada Smith Family Foundation was founded in 1996 with the goal of making the world “better because we touched it.” Since then, WJSFF has invested millions of dollars and invaluable resources to accelerate the growth of initiatives that focus on deepening individual and collective empowerment.”

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Today in Hip-Hop History: Chi Ali Released His Debut Album ‘The Fabulous Chi-Ali’ 32 Years Ago

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32 years ago today, Chi Ali released his first and only album The Fabulous Chi-Ali. Chi-Ali first appeared on De La Soul’s single “Say No Go” and on Black Sheep’s debut album, A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing featured on “Pass the 40”. Chi Ali at the time was a core member of Native Tongues, a New York City-based hip-hop collective, and also had connections with the Legion family, along with Showbiz and A.G.

In 1992, Chi-Ali released his first solo single, “Age Ain’t Nothing But a #”, which was a moderate hit and reached #6 in the US Hot Rap Singles chart. The song was popular on urban radio stations, and the music video received good rotation on Yo! MTV Raps and Rap City. The album in which the song was featured was released shortly thereafter, which yielded two other singles; “Roadrunner” and “Funky Lemonade,” which were both remixed and re-recorded.

In the late 1990s, Chi-Ali appeared on Dres’s solo album, Sure Shot Redemption, and began featuring with other artists. His most recent collabo was with Jadakiss on a song entitled “G-Check”.

On January 14, 2000, Chi-Ali shot and killed a man during an argument in The Bronx. He was later arrested in 2001 for the death of his girlfriend’s brother, Sean Raymond, after spending a year evading police and even appeared on an episode of America’s Most Wanted. Chi-Ali hid in numerous East Coast cities until he was apprehended on March 5, 2001, in New York City and was subsequently convicted of the killing and served a 12-year bid at Sing Sing Correctional Facility.

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Prodigy of Mobb Deep’s Voice Echoes Through Future’s New Album: A Historic Moment for Hip-Hop Unity

In a groundbreaking move that highlights the rich tapestry of hip-hop’s past and present, Future’s latest album features the iconic voice of Prodigy from Mobb Deep on multiple tracks. The inclusion of Prodigy’s voice not only pays homage to one of hip-hop’s most legendary figures but also promotes unity between different eras of hip-hop and cultural hubs like New York City and Atlanta.

The tracks on Future’s album that utilize Prodigy’s voice – “Claustrophobic,” “Don Juan/Princess Diana,” “Everyday Hussle,” “I’m Fried,” and “Too Obsessed/Rag Out” – serve as a bridge between the raw, gritty sound of Mobb Deep’s era and the modern trap-infused beats of Future’s style. This collaboration underscores the enduring influence of Mobb Deep and the importance of recognizing the contributions of hip-hop pioneers in shaping the genre.

Albert Johnson, better known as Prodigy, was born on November 2, 1974, and rose to prominence as one half of the legendary duo Mobb Deep. Beyond his role as a rapper, Prodigy was also an author and entrepreneur, leaving a lasting impact on both the music industry and literary world.

Prodigy’s catalog boasts an array of influential tracks, including classics like “Shook Ones (Part II),” “Survival of the Fittest,” and “Eye for an Eye (Your Beef Is Mines).” These songs not only showcase Prodigy’s lyrical prowess but also delve into themes of social injustice and the realities of prison life, reflecting his unapologetic stance on pressing issues facing African American communities.

Aside from his musical achievements, Prodigy was a prolific author, penning several books throughout his career. His autobiography, “My Infamous Life: The Autobiography of Mobb Deep’s Prodigy,” offered fans a glimpse into his tumultuous journey through fame and adversity. Additionally, Prodigy’s unexpected foray into culinary arts resulted in the publication of “Commissary Kitchen: My Infamous Prison Cookbook,” showcasing his creativity and resilience even in the face of incarceration.

The release of Prodigy’s debut solo album, “H.N.I.C.,” in November 2000 marked a significant milestone in his career. Produced by industry heavyweights like Havoc, The Alchemist, and Just Blaze, the album showcased Prodigy’s versatility as an artist and solidified his status as a force to be reckoned with in hip-hop.

Future’s decision to incorporate Prodigy’s voice into his album not only pays homage to a rap icon but also serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Mobb Deep and the ongoing evolution of hip-hop culture. As fans eagerly anticipate the release of Future’s album, they can take a trip down memory lane with Prodigy’s timeless classics, ensuring that his voice continues to resonate across generations of hip-hop enthusiasts.

In addition, Prodigy’s influence extends beyond the realm of featured collaborations, as his new posthumous album, The Hegelian Dialectic Volume 2: The Book Of Heroine, released in September 2022 by the Estate of Prodigy, further solidifies his legacy. This album serves as the second chapter of Prodigy’s The Hegelian Dialectic trilogy, following the release of The Hegelian Dialectic (The Book Of Revelation) in 2017 ahead of his death.

Featuring collaborations with DJ Premier, Faith Evans, Big Daddy Kane, Remy Ma, DJ Scratch, Berto Rich, Chinky, and Big Noyd, The Hegelian Dialectic Volume 2: The Book Of Heroine continues Prodigy’s exploration of profound themes and musical innovation. Prodigy’s three-part project, The Hegelian Dialectic, was conceived over the past few years during his lifetime, showcasing his enduring creativity and dedication to pushing the boundaries of hip-hop artistry.

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Bijan Robinson Brags About Still-Perfect March Madness, One Of Just 2100 Remaining

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is one of the few people to still have a perfect men’s March Madness bracket. Only around 2100 perfect brackets remain across the four main bracket challenges – NCAA, ESPN, CBS, and Yahoo. A string of day-one upsets absolutely decimated the runs of many hopefuls. Three 11-seeds in Duquesne, Oregon, and NC State all progressed. However, the major bracket killer was No. 3 Kentucky being stunned by No. 14 Oakland.

Robinson shared his elation on Instagram. “Perfect Bracket day one and they said it was crazy. Yessirski lol,” Robinson wrote over an image of himself with a massive grin. Robinson is backing his alma mater, Texas, to go all the way. Per ESPN, Texas has a 0.1% chance to win the national championship. The seven-seeded Longhorns are only given a 22.1% chance to reach the Sweet 16. To do that, they will have to beat two-seed Tennessee in the second round.

Read More: Long Beach State AD Praises Himself For Inspiring March Madness Run By Firing Coach

Elizabeth Kitley To Miss March Madness, Virginia Tech’s Hopes Of Final Four Repeat Fade

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 08: Bijan Robinson attends the 13th Annual NFL Honors at Resorts World Theatre on February 08, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

Elsewhere, Elizabeth Kitley, the star of Virginia Tech‘s women’s basketball team, will miss March Madness due to a torn ACL. “On March 3rd I suffered a knee injury that is keeping me out of this year’s NCAA tournament. This is not at all how I anticipated ending this year with my team, but I’m so proud of all of our accomplishments, and I’m excited to see my girls continue to compete. Thank you to all of Hokie Nation for being so supportive during this tough time. I’m looking forward to making a strong comeback,” Kitley wrote on Instagram. She is expected to declare for the WNBA Draft after a standout career in Blacksburg.

However, the news is a devastating blow for the four-seed Hokies. Kitley forwent the WNBA Draft last season to play one more year in college. Becoming the all-time ACC leader in rebounds, Kitley catapulted the Hokies to a historic regular-season title. However, she missed the conference tournament due to the aforementioned ACL tear. With Kitley gone, it is unlikely that Virginia Tech will make back-to-back appearances in the Final Four. The Hokies reached that historic benchmark for the first time last year. Virginia Tech’s tournament begins against Marshall. However, the road back to the Final Four is guarded by a matchup against USC as well as the potential threats of UConn and Ohio State.

Read More: Paige Bueckers Forgoes WNBA Draft To Play Another Year At UConn, Basketball World Stunned

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Bianca Censori steps out with Ye Wearing completely see-through bodysuit

Bianca Censori steps out with Ye Wearing completely see through bodysuit

Kanye West‘s wife is turning heads once again based on her choice of outfit (or in this case, lack thereof). On Sunday night, Bianca Censori was photographed baring it all in a sheer black bodysuit which left very little to the imagination.

Papparrazzi captured the pics of the couple as she and Ye stopped by a Raising Cane’s drive-thru in Burbank on Sunday. The sheer bodysuit was all black save for thin clear portions of plastic straps on the top. It appears she also may have had on thigh-high stockings under the bodysuit (or perhaps they were part of the piece itself). While the model had no problem displaying her nipples, she strategically used her cell phone to cover her genital area from the gaggle of press. At one point, an unknown male appears to try to hold up a coat or blanket to block the photogs from taking pics of the couple.

Bianca Censori steps out with Ye Wearing completely see through bodysuit on Sunday in Burbank
Bianca Censori steps out with Ye Wearing completely see through bodysuit on Sunday in Burbank

Ye, on the other hand, wore an all-black ensemble accentuated with Nike gloves (possibly sending a message to Adidas amidst his ongoing beef with the brand).

Kanye just completed his weekend performance at Rolling Loud, which drew criticism from many fans for the performance while there appeared to be a fight that occurred between a transgender individual and others during his performance as well.

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“Fallout” TV Series On Prime Video: What We Know

Gamers are not always thrilled when news of a movie or series based on a great game is announced. Usually, it’s because they worry that this film or show could never do the game justice. However, sometimes expectations are desirably met, and most recently, that happened with HBO’s The Last Of Us. Peacock also recently scored a win with Twisted Metal, and now, Prime Video is adapting Fallout for the TV screen.

The post-apocalyptic action game has been a hit among gamers for years. Since its very first installment was released in 1997, gamers have wholeheartedly immersed themselves in the world of Fallout. Now, with this new series, they have the opportunity to do so again. However, this time, the rest of the world will have the opportunity to experience the game’s harsh world on-screen as well. Admittedly, some fans are skeptical, and will probably remain so until they see the show. Nonetheless, the excitement is palpable, especially with the recent release of the show’s trailer. Here’s all we know about the upcoming Fallout TV series.

Read More: 5 Video Game Adaptations Better Than Their Movies

The Premise Of Fallout

Following the original plot of the game, the Fallout series will tell a post-apocalyptic tale. During a devastating nuclear war in an alternate reality, the Earth is left in terrible shape and almost completely destroyed. However, a number of survivors take refuge in a series of self-contained, technologically enhanced underground shelters known as Vaults. Two centuries later, Lucy, our primary protagonist and a descendant of the original Vault dwellers, emerges from her vault. Subsequently, she ventures into the wasteland, beginning a dangerous and adventurous journey.

Production And Development

The first announcement of a TV adaptation of Fallout was made in July 2020. It was revealed that the series was set to be developed by Westworld creators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy for Amazon Studios. However, fans had no idea how long it would take to get ready or when a release date would be announced. Later, in January 2022, fans received news that Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Graham Wagner had been hired as showrunners. Soon after, actors were cast in roles, and filming began on July 5, 2022. 

Read More: Video Game Characters That Deserve Their Own Movies

The Cast

As aforementioned, casting began in 2022. Walton Goggins was the first to bag his role as The Ghoul / Cooper Howard in February 2022. Soon after, in March, Ella Purnell joined the main cast, set to portray Lucy, the primary protagonist. Aaron Moten is also billed as a member of the main cast, and will be playing the character Maximus. Guest and supporting cast members include Kyle MacLachlan, Sarita Choudhury, Matt Berry, Mike Doyle, and Leslie Uggams, among others. Altogether, these actors have been placed with the responsibility of bringing Fallout to life on TV screens. 

Trailer And Release Date

While fans were initially worried about the treatment of this show, the trailers have significantly taken the edge off. On December 2, 2023, the teaser trailer was released, introducing viewers to the world of Fallout on TV. Subsequently, on March 7, 2024, the official trailer dropped, giving viewers a longer glimpse of what is to come. In less than 24 hours, the trailer amassed over five million views on YouTube. Evidently, fans are excited, and prepared to experience Fallout on TV for the first time. The series is scheduled to premiere on Prime Video on April 11, 2024.

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Burna Boy Brings Out Toni Braxton In Atlanta

Burna Boy surprised fans at his concert in Atlanta with a guest appearance from music legend Toni Braxton. Burna and Braxton proceeded to perform the former’s hit “Last Last” together as the crowd went wild. Furthermore, fans noted that Braxton was seemingly very eager to grind up on Burna. “Guess it’s been on her bucket list for years,” one fan joked.

Of course, “Last Last” samples Braxton’s 2000 hit “He Wasn’t Man Enough”. “Last Last” peaked at No. 44 on the Billboard Hot 100 but topped several genre charts. “He Wasn’t Man Enough” peaked at No. 2 and landed at No. 10 on the Year-End chart for 2000. Burna has never been afraid to sample classic R&B. He included a Brandy sample on his track “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” last year.

Read More: Burna Boy Says He Turned Down $5 Million Booking In Dubai Because He Couldn’t Smoke Weed

Burna Boy Gifts Jada Kingdom A Birkin Bag

Furthermore, it’s clear that Burna has got that rizz. Last year, While remixing “Talibans” with Byron Messia in a video shared online, Burna hijacked a verse that references Kingdom. The original lyric is “Member me born Kingston/ They love party, forget love drink rum/ AK shake like a Jada Kingdom.” Instead, Burna sang “The best pum pum deh a Kingston, so mi buy a Birkin fi Jada Kingdom.” Now of course, this isn’t any throwaway gift – a Birkin can cost anywhere between $10,000 and $40,000.

Furthermore, Kingdom appeared to confirm the gift on TikTok account. However, she has yet to openly confirm whether she and Burna are in fact an item. Despite this, Kingdom has been spotted wearing Burna’s Damini chain as well as touring with him in Europe. Many fans believe that Burna was partying in Jamaica explicitly because of Kingdom. Of course, Burna often makes the headlines for his relationships. Whether it’s his situation with Kingdom or te fallout of his breakup with Stefflon Don, Burna’s music is often secondary to the drama.

Read More: Burna Boy Caught Up In Jada Kingdom & Stefflon Don Beef: Twitter Reacts

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Angel Reese Gets Auburn Revenge, Another Big 10 Top Seed Falls

Maryland stunning Ohio State was just the first of several major storylines to dominate the first Friday of Championship Week in women’s basketball. After losing to Auburn earlier in the season, Angel Reese and LSU beat the Tigers by 30 to progress to the semifinals of the SEC tournament. Reese had 18 points and 11 rebounds while Flau’jae Johnson had a game-high 25 points. However, there was more drama in the Big Ten as Michigan felled tournament three-seed Indiana. Indiana had won five of their last six meetings with the Wolverines. Michigan will now play Caitlin Clark and Iowa for a place in Sunday’s final.

Meanwhile, Stanford reached the Pac-12 final with a comeback win against Oregon State. The Cardinal trailed by as much as nine in the first half. However, they rallied behind superstar senior Cameron Brink to win 66-57. They will face USC and freshman phenom JuJu Watkins on Sunday. Elsewhere, the Atlantic 10’s two-team bid hopes all but died as George Mason, VCU, and Saint Joseph’s all lost.

Read More: Angel Reese Joins Elite LSU Club With 2000th Point

Angel Reese And LSU Stars Name Their All-Time Basketball Starting Lineups

Reese and LSU are hoping to repeat as NCAA champions. That hasn’t happened since the UConn four-peat between 2013 and 2016. Earlier in the season, Reese and several of her LSU teammates namely their all-time basketball starting lineups. Reese kicked things off with a twist. “I’m starting strong with Lisa Leslie,” Reese said before filling her lineup out with Cheryl Miller, Kobe, Shaq, and most surprisingly, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey. Mulkey was a national championship-winning point guard with LA Tech in the early 80s. Sophomore Flau’jae Johnson also named Mulkey to her lineup and also agreed with Reese on Shaq. However, Johnson also picked Dwyane Wade, Tim Duncan, and Allen Iverson.

Meanwhile, new transfer Hailey Van Lith went in a different direction entirely. After naming Kobe and the aforementioned Lisa Leslie, Van Lith also selected Becky Hammon, Kevin Garnett, and Micheal Jordan. “That’s a tough starting five, right there. Mad tough,” Van Lith said of her team. LSU faces Ole Miss in the SEC Tournament semifinals, with either South Carolina or Tennessee waiting in Sunday’s final.

Read More: Angel Reese’s Pep Talk For Hailey Van Lith Draws Draymond Green & Kevin Durant Comparisons

[via]

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[WATCH] MC Shan Claps Back at Dr. Umar Johnson Over Eminem Remarks

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The ongoing debate about Eminem’s place in Hip-Hop history has sparked a fiery exchange between MC Shan and Dr. Umar Johnson, with the legendary MC defending the Detroit rapper against accusations of cultural appropriation.

In an interview with Panda Chop News, MC Shan minced no words as he rejected the notion that Eminem, widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, is a culture vulture. Refusing to entertain any suggestion otherwise, MC Shan passionately defended Eminem’s authenticity within the Hip-Hop community.

“Eminem was in trenches,” MC Shan declared when questioned about the culture vulture label. “F### that! Ain’t nothing else to say about this question. That m########### was in the trenches.”

This defense comes in response to Dr. Umar Johnson’s controversial statement that including Eminem in discussions of the greatest of all time (GOAT) in Hip-Hop constitutes “white supremacy.” However, MC Shan vehemently opposes this viewpoint, pointing to Eminem’s genuine connection to the culture and his respect for Hip-Hop’s roots.

MC Shan’s support for Eminem is further underscored by the rapper’s recent gesture of appreciation. Last December, Eminem shared a photo on social media showcasing three MC Shan cassette tapes he owned, a tribute that resonated deeply with the Hip-Hop pioneer.

“Eminem has three of my m############ [cassettes],” MC Shan exclaimed. “He ain’t just have one. How many people of my m############ culture came back and said, ‘I’ve got this to match Eminem?’ F### y’all n##### talking about? There is no separation or divide, period.”

Continuing his impassioned defense, MC Shan directed his ire towards Dr. Umar Johnson, dismissing the academic’s stance as disconnected from reality. He challenged Dr. Umar’s assertion that Eminem’s race should determine his status in Hip-Hop, emphasizing the importance of authenticity over arbitrary categorization based on skin color.

“And that’s that Dr. Umar m############ message that you don’t deal with reality,” MC Shan declared. “You just look at the color. If I looked at the color, I’d say, ‘F### Eminem. He’s got three tapes, so the f### what? He’s white.’ But no, that’s a Dr. Umar thing … Dr. Umar, I don’t deal on psychological f###### aspect 101. You gotta come up here somewhere. Although I don’t have a doctorate, so what? You tried to make me feel bad. F### you!”

In his fervent defense of Eminem, MC Shan not only challenges the divisive rhetoric surrounding the rapper’s legacy but also underscores the broader importance of recognizing talent and authenticity within the Hip-Hop community, regardless of race. As the debate continues, MC Shan’s impassioned words serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of Eminem’s contributions to Hip-Hop culture.

Watch below.

The post [WATCH] MC Shan Claps Back at Dr. Umar Johnson Over Eminem Remarks first appeared on The Source.

The post [WATCH] MC Shan Claps Back at Dr. Umar Johnson Over Eminem Remarks appeared first on The Source.

Source Exclusive: Rap Artist Kemba Discusses Sundance Documentary, “As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial”

Rap Artist Kemba Discusses Sundance Documentary, “As We Speak Rap Music on Trial

As Young Thug’s trial enters its third week, much of the controversy surrounding his case is the judge’s ruling that his song lyrics can be admitted by prosecutors as evidence in the case on a conditional basis. This has drawn attention to the issue of whether or not the legal system can use an individual’s lyrics and other forms of artistic expression against them in court, the key issue of As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial, a documentary which premiered at Sundance Film Festival in January and is gaining widespread critical acclaim for bringing awareness to the issue.

The film, which is streaming now on Paramount+, follows Bronx rap artist Kemba as he explores the growing weaponization of rap lyrics in the United States criminal-justice system and abroad.

Kemba sat down with The Source to discuss the documentary and what he hopes to achieve with it including policy changes and why all Americans should care about the issue.

Guided by Alexandra Kazarian, a criminal defense lawyer, Kemba takes viewers on a mock journey through the criminal justice system of someone on trial whose rap lyrics are being used as evidence against them while providing the issue in a larger context of freedom of speech and expression and systemic racism..

Throughout the documentary, Kemba interviews a variety of people including famous artists such as Killer Mike, academic, professional, and legal subject matter experts, and artists about their experiences of having their words twisted against them with the stakes being as high as their loss of freedom.

Kemba starts out the documentary by giving a brief history of how Black music has experienced censorship from the time of slavery, when states outlawed the drum, calling it a “symbol of rebellion.” He described how jazz, rock and roll, and eventually rap, all have faced battles with the American political system.

John Hamasaki, Criminal Defense Attorney, summarizes the key racial component in the documentary, stating that “rap is black at its core, at its root, where it originated from.”

Kemba explains that the challenge is that unlike actors, whose role is often seen as separate from their real life, people often expect more authenticity from musical artists, specifically in the genre of hip-hop. This is why a song that includes elements of things like violence, drugs, and crime may seem more like a first person narrative as opposed to art that is simply reflecting the artist’s observations or experiences of their reality.

Erik Nielsen, co-author of “Rap on Trial,” explains the unique challenge that faces many rap artists when it comes to using their words against them, stating that some prosecutors try to argue that “this artistic expression is some form of confession.”

Kemba emphasizes the idea that the problem is that oftentimes within the legal system (police, prosecutors, the courts, etc.) are not able to make that differentiation and not only will they use words or lyrics (often taken very much out of context) to try to tie the individual to the crime, but they may also use it to make a judgment about their character.

Kemba introduces us to Mac Philipps, a rapper signed to Master P’s label in the 1990s, who served almost two decades in jail after being convicted of murder. In court, the prosecutors cobbled together lines from two of his songs to make a complete sentence “murder murder kill kill [lyrics from a song about a battle rap] f*** with me  and I will put a bullet in your brain [another song describing his father’s experience serving in Vietnam]” that would be used to “demonstrate his character,” eventually leading to his conviction despite no weapon, no witness testimony, and a confession from another individual.

In our interview, Kemba explains how prosecutors often use rap lyrics when their case against the defendant is weak. He points to the character portrayal often used by prosecutors, explaining that a prosecutor may not  even use an artist’s words to try to demonstrate a link to a crime, but “just that they’re a bad person.

While the public is largely aware of high-profile cases in which an artist’s words have been used in court, Kemba points out that the high-profile cases are the very small minority of such cases where a person’s written or spoken art (including social media) has been used against them.

In the film, Kemba introduces us to lesser-known artists who have experienced some form of punishment or censorship due to their art and through interviews, shines a light on the alarming culture of surveillance that has increased drastically in the digital era, explaining that the issue of courts using rapper’s lyrics in court against them should very much matter to average people.

While the high-profile cases may be a magnification of what some might see as a slippery slope into both digital surveillance and censorship, Kemba believes that high profile cases are also distractions, stating that [the high-profile cases] “make people think that’s the only thing that has happened that’s happening when when most of the time is happening to people that are not high profile.”

Kazarian takes Kemba on a mock visit to the courtroom, explaining how most people facing charges cannot afford an expensive defense attorney and are often assigned an overworked public defender who does not have the requisite experience to adequately defend their clients. When looking at the possibility of hard jail time, about 99% of defendants take a plea deal for a lesser charge either due to lack of financial resources or lack of faith in the system, which is still a punishment when their only crime may have been their art. 

As for the future, Kemba hopes that Americans and citizens of democratic countries will see his film as a wakeup call for maintaining freedom of speech and artistic expression and reducing racial discrimination within the criminal justice system and push for policies that support these ideals. He cites the California RAP Act, a bill that aims to restrict the use of rap lyrics as evidence by prosecutors in criminal cases, but says there is a lot of work to be done not just with regard to legislation, but also public perception.

“I want to influence some legislation, but also influence the people,” he tells us, arguing that empathy is another element that he feels is important surrounding the issue.

“I want this to connect with people because of empathy, seeing what’s going on with a community of people, especially in a genre [of music] that I’m sure they enjoy at least a little bit or take or take style or dance from ore participate in some manner,” Kemba tells us, summarizing the importance of the issue succinctly. 

“Maybe you’re on a jury, maybe it’s a friend or family member on trial, maybe it’s you.”

The post Source Exclusive: Rap Artist Kemba Discusses Sundance Documentary, “As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial” first appeared on The Source.

The post Source Exclusive: Rap Artist Kemba Discusses Sundance Documentary, “As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial” appeared first on The Source.