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Texas Schedules Execution, Rap Lyrics Evidence Sparks Nationwide Reform

4/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Texas set James Broadnax's execution for April 30, using his rap lyrics as evidence.
Attorneys say the all-white jury relied on racial stereotypes linked to the lyrics.
Researchers identified about 700 rap-lyric evidence cases used in courts across over 40 states.
Travis Scott, T.I. and Killer Mike filed Supreme Court briefs urging courts to bar lyrical evidence.
Twenty-seven bills have been introduced in five years, with Maryland passing guard-rail legislation on April 9.

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Story summary

Texas set James Broadnax's execution for April 30, using his rap lyrics as evidence.
Attorneys say the all-white jury relied on racial stereotypes linked to the lyrics.
Researchers identified about 700 rap-lyric evidence cases used in courts across over 40 states.
Travis Scott, T.I. and Killer Mike filed Supreme Court briefs urging courts to bar lyrical evidence.
Twenty-seven bills have been introduced in five years, with Maryland passing guard-rail legislation on April 9.