Mississauga rapper Avalanche the Architect set to appeal conviction for use of threatening lyrics
Photo from Avalanche the Architect
Since his initial case, there have been further studies surrounding the inclusion of rap lyrics in criminal trials, and the risk of interpreting the rap as truth. All too often judges lack the cultural competency to understand the nature of rap music and its tendency to inflate large personalities, which are often interwoven with street or gang violence.
“Cultural competence, in this context, requires an understanding of the origins and nature of rap music. All too often courts appear willing to construct rap as literal and inculpatory rather than as art,” writes David Tanovich, a professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Windsor in an analysis of rap music used as evidence in criminal trials. “Oftentimes…the only expert testifying about the meaning of the lyrics is a police officer and when accepted, it is done so on the assumption that only the police’s interpretation speaks to the truth of the meaning imbedded in the words.”
Mississauga-based rapper Darren John, aka Avalanche the Architect, argues there are several reasons why his conviction for uttering threats against his former music promoter in connection to the lyrics in one of his songs should be overturned.
After the original trial and conviction gained widespread attention across North America, placing freedom of expression rights and rap culture up against interpretations of the law, John will be back in court this week to convince a judge the initial finding should be turned around.
Published in The Pointer Brampton and The Pointer Mississauga on September 29, 2020
