Jenner & Block Secures Appellate Victory for Pro Bono Client in Rap Lyrics Case

Jenner & Block, in partnership with non-profit public defender organization Appellate Advocates, secured a victory on appeal for a pro bono client after he was wrongfully convicted based on his rap lyrics. 

The client was convicted in connection with a 2016 Brooklyn shooting. An appellate court reversed the conviction, finding prosecutors improperly introduced his rap lyrics into evidence through the expert testimony of an unqualified police investigator.  

The New York appellate court recognized that rap music is artistic expression, that lyrics should not always be taken literally, and that the expert’s testimony was improper and inflammatory. The published opinion reinforces important legal boundaries around the use of creative expression as evidence.

Associate Ben Alter briefed and argued the appeal, with support from New York Office Managing Partner Tony Barkow and former associate Adina Hemley-Bronstein. Moot court assistance was provided by Associates Nikita Lalwani, Hilary Ledwell, Andy Osborne, and Anna Windemuth.

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© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.

Jenner & Block Secures Appellate Victory for Pro Bono Client in Rap Lyrics Case

Jenner & Block, in partnership with non-profit public defender organization Appellate Advocates, secured a victory on appeal for a pro bono client after he was wrongfully convicted based on his rap lyrics. 

The client was convicted in connection with a 2016 Brooklyn shooting. An appellate court reversed the conviction, finding prosecutors improperly introduced his rap lyrics into evidence through the expert testimony of an unqualified police investigator.  

The New York appellate court recognized that rap music is artistic expression, that lyrics should not always be taken literally, and that the expert’s testimony was improper and inflammatory. The published opinion reinforces important legal boundaries around the use of creative expression as evidence.

Associate Ben Alter briefed and argued the appeal, with support from New York Office Managing Partner Tony Barkow and former associate Adina Hemley-Bronstein. Moot court assistance was provided by Associates Nikita Lalwani, Hilary Ledwell, Andy Osborne, and Anna Windemuth.

Related Capabilities

Related Locations

© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.

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