Hip-Hop Artists Rally Behind Texas Death Row Inmate in Rap Lyrics Case

A coalition of prominent hip-hop artists, including Killer Mike, Travis Scott, and T.I., are supporting James Broadnax, a Dallas County man scheduled for execution on April 30, 2026. Their support stems from concerns that Broadnax’s conviction relied heavily on the use of his rap lyrics as evidence, potentially violating his constitutional rights.

The Case of James Broadnax

James Broadnax, 37, was sentenced to death in 2009 for the deaths of Stephen Swan, 26, and Matthew Butler, 28, outside of Zion Gate Records in Garland, Texas, in 2008. Broadnax, who was 19 at the time of the shooting, confessed to robbing and shooting the two Christian music producers according to reports. The robbery yielded only $2 in cash and a 1995 Ford.

Constitutional Concerns and the Supreme Court Brief

Broadnax has consistently argued that his capital murder trial infringed upon his constitutional rights, specifically citing the 14th Amendment’s guarantees of equal protection and due process. He alleges that prosecutors used race as a factor in dismissing potential jurors, resulting in a predominantly white jury. He contests the admission of over 40 pages of his handwritten rap lyrics as evidence.

Dallas appellate attorney Chad Baruch filed an amicus brief with the United States Supreme Court on Monday, March 9, 2026, backing Broadnax’s claims. The brief is supported by more than 30 artists, scholars, and music industry leaders as reported by the New York Times.

The Use of Rap Lyrics as Evidence

Baruch argues that the prosecution improperly urged the jury to interpret Broadnax’s lyrics literally, rather than as metaphorical expressions. He contends that the lyrics were “irrelevant” and lacked a “factual nexus to the case.” The brief asserts that the state used Broadnax’s artistic expression to portray him as a dangerous “young Black super-predator” and to exploit racial and anti-rap biases.

During the trial, jurors requested to review the lyrics multiple times, even shortly before sentencing Broadnax to death. Examples of lyrics presented to the jury included:

“Fade ‘em, Fade’em. Tape ‘em up. I hit ‘em later. I am so high up and cloud proof, like a skyscraper. Hogtie ‘em and body bag ‘em. Send them to the mayor. Then I bombed the whole country. Send the press. The paper.”

And a freestyle written from jail:

“Hold up. Stop and rewind. A little story while I’m in this bitch. Yeah, I hit the lick. I got two murder charges on me. I might just go to the Judge and inform him I’m going to merk him, due to the fact that I’m J.B.”

The prosecutor reportedly characterized these lyrics as evidence of a “psychopathic killer.”

Upcoming Execution Dates in Texas

Broadnax is one of four individuals currently scheduled for execution in Texas in 2026. The other scheduled executions are:

• Cedric Ricks: March 11, 2026 (Tarrant County)
• Edward Busby: May 14, 2026 (Tarrant County)
• John Rubio: November 12, 2026 (Cameron County)

Texas carried out its first execution of the year on January 28, 2026, with the death of Charles Thompson according to a Facebook post.

Those seeking to voice opposition to the executions can contact the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and Governor Greg Abbott through the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (TCADP).