In her 14-page order, Brooklyn Federal Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall traced the evolution of hip-hop over five decades, referencing tracks from over a dozen artists before ultimately finding the lyrics inadmissible. “From the genre’s nascence as an oral tradition, rap artists have played the part of storytellers, providing a lens into their lives and those in their communities,” Hall wrote. The use of rap lyrics in criminal prosecutions has become a contentious subject in several high-profile cases, including the ongoing racketeering trial of Young Thug. Defense lawyers have claimed the government dragged its feet in indicting Washington and Jordan, making it harder for them to defend themselves. Both men have pleaded not guilty, as has a third defendant who was charged this past May and will be tried separately.

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Persons: Jay can’t, Karl Jordan Jr, gunning, Jay, Jason Mizell, LaShann, ”, Prosecutors, Jordan, Hall, Nas, Vince Staples, Joe, Queen Latifah, Jason Aldean, Young, Ronald Washington, Mizell Organizations: Brooklyn Federal Locations: York, Brooklyn, indicting Washington, Jordan