Fat Joe stated, “I’ve been rapping professionally for 30 years — I’ve lied in almost 95 percent of my songs. Gayle King and Charles Barkley’s new CNN show “King Charles,” the host discussed the controversial use of rap lyrics as evidence in criminal trials. The show invited Laura Coates, CNN’s chief legal correspondent, and rapper Fat Joe to share their thoughts on the matter. Specifically, the case of Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist Young Thug was highlighted. Young Thug is currently facing racketeering and gang conspiracy charges, and prosecutors have submitted his song lyrics as
Fat Joe, who has enjoyed a decades-long rap career, expressed his disbelief and frustration at these types of prosecutions. He argued that most rap lyrics are fictional and used for creative purposes, and should not be held against the artist.