Art Not Evidence: A Campaign Against Rap Lyrics in UK Courts

Preventing the indiscriminate use of creative expression as evidence in court.

The Guardian: MPs oppose rap lyrics being used as evidence in UK trials.

Rolling Stone UK: MPs and DJs back campaign to oppose rap lyrics being used as evidence in criminal trials.

NME: IDLES, Annie Mac and more back campaign for ban on rap lyrics being used in court.

DAZED: How Black British rappers are being censored by the police.

The Times: Concern over use of drill music in court.

Young Black men are being sent to prison because prosecutors are using their rap lyrics as evidence against them, treating artistic expression as criminal confession. Art Not Evidence is fighting this injustice by challenging how the legal system treats creative work in courtrooms.

When art becomes ammunition

With increasing frequency, courtrooms and prosecutors across the country have put lyrics, music videos, and audio recordings in front of juries to mislead towards criminal convictions. With over 100 cases in the UK since 2005, young Black men and boys are dragged into criminal charges, often under sweeping definitions of "gang" activity, affecting under-resourced, marginalised communities. Despite being known for its storytelling, symbolism and figurative language, police and prosecutors invite judge and jury to take rap music literally, as direct evidence of criminal intent or behaviour.

Fighting back with clarity

Art Not Evidence aims to prevent the institutional racism and discrimination seen in such cases. The branding and concept around redaction, expresses the severity of the issue through statements with double meanings. With this messaging, we aim to highlight and showcase how information can be skewed and misleading towards a particular narrative. One that clearly doesn't benefit those affected communities. With Art Not Evidence, we aim to raise awareness and acknowledge the need for urgency, action and rallying support from judges, solicitors and affected community members.