Ice Cube, Rapper Too Short And More React To Gavin Newsom’s Rap Lyrics Law Protecting Artists’ Creative Freedom In Criminal Cases

etcanada.com:

Friday marked a big win for artists in California. The state Governor Gavin Newsom signed The Decriminalizing Artistic Expression Act, a new law that will restrict California courts from using rap lyrics as evidence in criminal cases.

The landmark lesiglastion comes after the Calif. Senate and Assembly unanimously approved the bill AB 2799 in August. “Artists of all kinds should be able to create without the fear of unfair and prejudicial prosecution,” Newsom said of the move. “California’s culture and entertainment industry set trends around the world and it’s fitting that our state is taking a nation-leading role to protect creative expression and ensure that artists are not criminalized under biased policies.” READ MORE: A$AP Rocky Pleads Not Guilty To Assault Charges, Protective Order Issued Against Rapper The Democratic lawmaker signed the bill during a virtual ceremony on Zoom.

Online participants included members of the Black Music Action Coalition and Songwriters of North America, plus industry leaders such as the Recording Academy’s CEO Harvey Mason Jr., REFORM Alliance’s Jessica Jackson and former president of Def Jam Records, Kevin Liles.

A number of rappers also joined the signing ceremony like Meek Mill, Tyga, Killer Mike, YG, Ty Dolla Sign, Too Short, and E-40.