Rap Music on Trial: Is Hip Hop a Target of Law Enforcement? Kemba and J.M. Harper from "As We Speak"
Manny FacesMarch 05, 202400:30:47

Rap Music on Trial: Is Hip Hop a Target of Law Enforcement? Kemba and J.M. Harper from "As We Speak"

"As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial" is a documentary / dramatization currently airing on Paramount+. On this excerpt from the "Hip-Hop Can Save America!" Livestream Show, host Manny Faces delves deep into the intersection of hip hop, activism, and social justice with the film's director, J.M. Harper, and Bronx, NY-based rapper Kemba, who is the face of the documentary. This timely conversation underscores the genre's capacity to challenge stereotypes and address critical issues within the criminal justice system.

J.M. Harper and Kemba bring to light the misuse of rap lyrics in courtrooms, shining a spotlight on the dangerous precedent it sets for artistic freedom. In a riveting dialogue, the trio explores the history of lyrical expression in Black music, its role in reflecting societal conditions, and the importance of context in the content of Hip Hop. With Kemba's latest track "Hear No Evil" lining up with more music to come, this episode not only celebrates his ongoing contributions to the genre but also hints at the future of Hip Hop as a tool for change.

Diving into the cultural and legal intricacies surrounding Hip Hop, the episode is a must-watch for anyone passionate about music's influence on society. From the legacy of African American musical expression to the troubling fascination with violence in entertainment, this in-depth discussion examines how Hip Hop has been both vilified and valorized through the ages. Watch as these Hip Hop advocates articulate a powerful vision: that music, especially Hip Hop, holds the potential not just to reflect America's story, but to shape its narrative and drive progressive change.

GUEST LINKS:

"As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial" - https://www.paramountplus.com/movies/video/9U_dxaJfRRUDdqsF9z0Q3fHN42XMUMoM/

Director J.M. Harper - https://www.jmharper.com/

Kemba - https://kembaland.bandcamp.com/track/hear-no-evil

#rapmusic #criminaljustice #documentary #podcast #interview

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The "Hip-Hop Can Save America! with Manny Faces" podcast and livestream show are productions of Manny Faces Media, in association with The Center for Hip-Hop Advocacy.

We stream live here on YouTube Mondays, 9pm ET.

Links and resources:

SHOW WEBSITE: https://www.hiphopcansaveamerica.com

MANNY FACES: https://www.mannyfaces.com

NEWSLETTER (free!): https://mannyfaces.substack.com

SUPPORT QUALITY INDIE HIP HOP JOURNALISM: https://www.patreon.com/mannyfaces

Manny Faces Media (podcast production company): https://www.mannyfacesmedia.com

The Center for Hip-Hop Advocacy: https://www.hiphopadvocacy.org
hip hop, paramount plus, documentary, Kemba, J.M. Harper, Manny Faces, doc,