Rap on Trial

Hidden Brain : Rap on Trial Image
Hidden Brain : Rap on Trial Image

Rap on Trial

WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the stories that matter.
Olutosin Oduwole was an aspiring rapper and college student when he was arrested in 2007. He was given an unusual charge: “attempting to make a terrorist threat.” Prosecutors used his writings — which he maintains were rap lyrics — to build their case against him. This week on Hidden Brain, we revisit Oduwole’s story, and how public perceptions of rap music may have played a role.