Hip Hop on Trial: Professor breaks down how the law and rap lyrics collide

April 12, 2021

Spider Talks

Erik Nielson, a liberal arts professor in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies, is an expert in hip hop culture. He specializes in the intersection of rap lyrics and the law and is a sought-after expert witness for court trials. He is frequently quoted in national media related to the use of rap lyrics as part of the prosecution.

“Everybody at the University has been incredibly supportive of this work,” Nielson said. “This is not a traditional area of study. From day one, administrators, fellow faculty, students — everybody pushed me to keep this work going, to take it further and encouraged me to find new ways to reach students with it.”