Caucus Members, led by Assemblymember Catalina Cruz, and Senator Jamaal Bailey, were joined by recording artist Papoose among other industry advocates to promote the passage of "Rap on Trial" legislation, which would prevent the use of an artist's lyrics from being used against them in criminal proceedings.
"Why should we take a tool out of the artist's tool box to express what they are saying? Especially when it comes to Hip Hop, especially when it comes to art made by Black or Brown folks. It seems to be a different litmus test." said Senator Jamaal Bailey.
"It is not hyperbole to say we are the Mecca of Hip Hop and Rap. New York is also unfortunately the Mecca of where we've seen people's lyrics and artistic expressions used against them." said Assemblymember Kenny Burgos.
"This is a legislature where many of us grew up on Hip Hop knowing this state is where it was from. We would be nothing if we weren't defending our values." said Assemblymember Jonathan Rivera.
"The bottom line is Hip Hop saved our lives. Hip Hop is how we communicate... We are here to save our culture & we are here to save our artists, because we know they saved us."
"New York is a hub that has provided a haven for free speech & artistic expression.... This legislation will ensure that creative expression is protected" said Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia.
"If you want to demonize the lyrics, you have to demonize those who created the lifestyle that we have to live where we see gun violence, where we've seen what has happened to our communities." said Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman.