Judge Orders BG to Submit Rap Lyrics for Approval While on Parole

A federal judge has rejected the United States government’s request for rapper BG to refrain from glorifying gun violence in his music while on parole for a gun charge.

The rapper, whose real name is Christopher Dorsey, is currently on supervised release following convictions for felon in possession of a gun and obstruction of justice, according to court documents obtained by ABC News.

Judge Susie Morgan has ruled that Dorsey, the creator of the song “Bling Bling” and former member of Cash Money Records, will need to submit all new song lyrics to the court and prosecutors before releasing them during his supervised release, as per court records.

“To address the legitimate concerns expressed by the Government, the Court will impose a special condition that the Defendant provide the United States Probation Office with a copy of the lyrics of any song he writes, in advance of his production or promotion of such song,” Judge Morgan stated in her order. “The Government may, if it deems necessary and appropriate, file another motion for leave to file a rule to show cause why the Defendant’s conditions of supervised release should not be modified because the Defendant’s conduct is inconsistent with the goals of rehabilitation.”

David Chesnoff, Dorsey’s lawyer, noted to ABC News that all defendants on supervised release are required to inform their probation officer about their employment. The defense expressed satisfaction with the ruling.

“Mr. Dorsey is pleased that the Honorable Court found he did not violate the terms of his supervision and did not restrict his artistic work by permitting his lyrics to be controlled by the government,” Chesnoff said in a statement to ABC News. “He intends on resuming his career consistent with the court order.”

Prosecutors declined to comment when ABC News requested a statement.

Court decisions involving rap lyrics have sparked a larger national conversation regarding the restriction of free speech that some argue rappers face in courtrooms across the country.

Judge Morgan also ordered that Dorsey refrain from associating with any convicted felons without permission from the federal probation office. Dorsey has performed with rappers Boosie and Gucci Mane, whose real names are Torence Hatch Jr. and Radric Davis, respectively, both of whom have prior felony convictions, according to The Guardian.

“It is understood that in the Defendant’s music career, the Defendant may come into contact with co-workers who are felons and will promptly notify the United States Probation Office in advance before any interaction with such individuals,” Morgan wrote in her ruling. “Further, if the Defendant determines after the fact that someone he associated with is a felon, the Defendant will notify the United States Probation Office immediately.”

Dorsey was sentenced to 10 years in prison and two years of parole due to his firearm and obstruction of justice convictions, according to court documents. His supervised release began on February 1.

Dorsey’s signature single “Bling Bling,” featuring fellow Cash Money Records members Lil’ Wayne, Mannie Fresh, Juvenile, Baby, and Turk, peaked at 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1999.

Source: ABC News, The Guardian