UR professor, alum collaborate on Sundance-premiering documentary about the use of rap lyrics in court

A new documentary about the use of rap lyrics in court is getting critical acclaim, and a University of Richmond professor is one of the project’s producers.

Erik Nielson is a leading expert on the use of rap lyrics in court. He’s co-author of the book Rap on Trial and has testified in court about the use of rap lyrics as evidence. The new documentary, As We Speak, was produced by Sam Widdoes, a graduate of the University of Richmond. It’s one of 10 films that were selected from approximately 12,000 submissions across the country.

“When I read about the work Erik was exploring, I immediately knew I wanted to tell this story in film and examine crucial questions about how music is weaponized in court and who the First Amendment protects,” Widdoes said. “The collaboration and consultation with Erik on his research were vital to making As We Speak a reality.”

The film explores the history of rap music and racial bias in music. It includes interviews with legal experts and influential rap artists, including Killer Mike. Nielson has collaborated with Killer Mike on a book and draft legislation that would provide guardrails on the use of artistic expression during trials. Nielson and his colleagues have researched nearly 700 cases where rap lyrics were introduced as evidence.

“It’s insidious, and no other musical genre is treated this way,” Nielson said. “It plays upon racial stereotypes to secure convictions in cases when there might not be much else in the way of evidence.”

The documentary "is a wonderful step in raising awareness to have this topic explored in a way that a broad audience can connect with and understand,” he said.

As We Speak is slated to be widely available for streaming via Paramount at the end of February. Nielson hopes to arrange a screening on campus in the fall.