Ep 012 | Rappers Beware - 99 Problems and the 1st Amendment is One of Them
In this episode, I discuss a First Amendment case out of Pennsylvania involving a rapper, Jamal Knox (aka Mayhem Mal), and a song he and a friend recorded entitled "F*ck the Police." Jamal was charged with making terroristic threats although this song isn't the first of its kind.
Recently, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld his conviction. Numerous rappers filed an amicus brief with the United States Supreme Court to provide historical context of this song and rap music in general. On this episode, I discuss what a true threat is and how PA's highest court fell short in giving this song its proper context.
UPDATE: Two days ago, the Supreme Court declined to review this case. For more info: https://www.thefader.com/2019/04/15/jamal-knox-supreme-court-case-mayhem-mal-update-pittsburgh
Sources:
https://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/knox-v-pennsylvania/