Rap lyrics at issue in racketeering trial aimed at rapper Young Thug

New York (AFP) - Opening statements in the long-awaited US gang conspiracy trial targeting rapper Young Thug are due next week -- and the prosecution controversially will be allowed to present rap lyrics as evidence. Critics say the practice that's sparked controversy numerous times over past decades is a constitutional violation of expression that stifles creativity, taking slice-of-life lyrics out of context and criminalizing artists of color. This time around the defense had sought to exclude lyrics from evidence, saying the use of verses could unfairly influence the jury. But Atlanta Judge...