Should rap songs be protected by the first amendment? Yes, song lyrics are protected under the Constitution. The First Amendment is considered the backbone of American freedom however, it is important you understand that the rights guaranteed in The Bill of Rights are relative, not absolute. That means our guarantees of freedoms (including song lyrics) can be restricted if subjected to clarification by the Supreme Court.
Should people be allowed to say and or write anything they want without recourse? Instead of answering the question the U.S. Supreme Court attempts to maintain a balance between the many viewpoints a free society is subject to. The power of judicial review allows the court to interpret the meaning of the Constitution; therefore 1st Amendment rights are subject to the courts interpretation. Obviously song lyrics have the potential to stir tremendous emotion among listeners, what some view as artistic freedom others view as evil.
In an attempt to maintain a balance in a free society the court has developed several guidelines to which they apply to freedom of speech cases including objectional song lyrics. They include definitions of obscenity, libel, dangerous tendency, clear and present danger, and censorship. In addition, the court has also recognized that 'the thoughts we hate', the language that promotes an alternative sometimes ugly perspective must also be protected. We live in a free society where the freedom to express oneself is as valuable as the air, however our freedoms are liken to a balancing act between majority rule and individual rights. In conclusion rap songs should be protected by the first