James Broadnax, 37, has been on death row in Texas for over 16 years after being convicted of murdering two white men in 2009. His execution is scheduled for 30 April, and prosecutors used his rap lyrics as key evidence to argue he posed a threat of 'future dangerousness'. Broadnax, who was 19 at the time of the murders, had no prior criminal record aside from a non-violent marijuana conviction.
During the sentencing phase, prosecutors presented 40 pages of Broadnax's notebooks, selectively highlighting violent lyrics while ignoring those about redemption and love. They claimed the lyrics demonstrated a 'gang mentality' and labelled him a 'psychopathic killer'. The jury requested to see the notebooks twice before sentencing him to death.
Broadnax's defence argued that he had an abusive childhood and that his lyrics were artistic expression, not literal plans. However, the prosecution's use of rap lyrics and racial undertones—including the initial exclusion of all Black jurors—overshadowed mitigating evidence.
Kevin Liles, a music executive and founder of the non-profit Free Our Art, condemned the use of rap lyrics in court. 'My creativity shouldn't be a crime, my art shouldn't be used as evidence,' he said. The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of rap lyrics being used disproportionately against Black artists in the US justice system.
