Rap on Trial

Erik Nielson is a leading expert on the intersection of rap music and the law who specifically researches the use of rap lyrics as evidence in court. He is the co-author of Rap on Trial: Race, Lyrics, and Guilt in America and served as a consulting producer on the documentary As We Speak, which explores the history of rap music and racial bias in music. 

Nielson is frequently quoted by national media, including being featured on Nightline, CBS This Morning, and Good Morning America. He also serves as an expert witness in court cases, including most recently for the Young Thug RICO case in Atlanta.

Nielson teaches classes at the undergraduate and graduate level through UR’s School of Professional & Continuing Studies. He is a professor and program chair of liberal arts.

Contact Sunni Brown at sbrown5@richmond.edu to connect with Nielson.