Bun B speaks on rap lyrics being used in courtrooms, says he will not be running for mayor

With the help of the internet, freedom of speech and self-incrimination have become almost synonymous. Many rappers use their lyrics and videos to exercise their right of free speech and this form of creative expression often times focuses on the crime and struggle of the inner-city.

Taking that into consideration, do you think it would be fair for rap lyrics to be allowed into the courtroom? Legendary Houston rapper Bun B says no.

Bun B, who teaches a religious studies course at Rice University, recently made an appearance on MSNBC to discuss the use of rap lyrics and videos as evidence in the courtroom.

During his interview, Bun B spoke on freedom of speech and how certain rappers express what's going on in their neighborhood in their lyrics. In his opinion, they have the right to do so. Bun B also noted that hip-hop should not be singled out as the only genre to do so.

The conversation came to be after the New York Times published an article titled "Seeking Clues to Gangs and Crime, Detectives Monitor Internet Rap Videos." In the article, Joseph Goldstein and J. David Goodman discuss police's new and growing interest in rap lyrics as a way of decoding gang rivalries and shootings.

Wrapping up his interview, Bun B discussed rumors of him running for mayor of Houston.

The rapper had this to say of running for office:

"I don't think I'm going be able to run in 2015. It's just not practical," he said. "I haven't had any real experience in the political world. I will probably, you know, if I would look to run for mayor, I'd probably want to start somewhere in city council, get the feel of local politics...dip my feet in the water and get a feel for it."

Are rap lyrics acceptable as lyrics? Check out Bun B's interview and let us know your thoughts below.