Rappers have used violent and provocative lyrics to clearly depict street life for years, and in one recent case, a Southern California rapper may have to pay the price, as his lyrics are being used against him in court.
San Diego-based rapper Tiny Doo has already severed eight months in prison and is currently facing 25 years to life if convicted under a statute that makes it illegal to benefit from gang activities in California. Tiny's prosecutor is accusing the rapper of doing just that, as he faces nine counts of criminal street gang conspiracy because they believe Tiny and 14 other alleged gang members increased their street fame and respect following several shootings that took place in San Diego back in 2013.
Tiny Doo, real name Brandon Duncan, is having lyrics from his album, "No Safety" used against him. The prosecutors pointed out that the line, "Ain't no safety on this pistol I'm holding" is an example of a "direct correlation to what the gang has been doing." Meanwhile, no one is suggesting that he pulled the trigger in any of the shootings, and Duncan also has no criminal record to speak of. Duncan told CNN's Don Lemon that he's "painting a picture of urban street life" with his lyrics and isn't telling anyone to "go out and kill somebody."
The entire experience is even deterring Duncan from picking up a mic again, with the Cali rapper saying, "I would love to continue to rap, but these people have you scared to do anything around here."
Prosecutors claim lyrics aren't their only evidence, as they claim to have social media posts that confirm Duncan is a gang member.
See more pics of Tiny Doo in the gallery.
Source: CNN
