October 20, 2003
Dead Prez Take the Cops to Court
Here is a press release that just came to the inbox:
HIP HOP ARTISTS TO SUE THE N.Y.P.D.
dead prez files civil suit in response to unlawful physical assault and arrest by police officers.
Hip Hop artist Stic of the acclaimed group dead prez and members of A-Alikes are filing suit against the City of New York as a result of the New York Police Department’s unlawful assault, arrest and detainment of the artists on September 27th, 2003.
While asserting their right to congregate in a public place, dead prez and members of the A-Alikes were taking pictures when approached by two police officers and asked for identification. Refusing to provide a coherent reason when asked by the artists why id was necessary, witnesses say the officers requested back-up and upon it’s arrival, physically attacked the men in broad daylight.
“I was harassed and attacked by the police in my neighborhood,” says Stic of Dead Prez. “There were no complaints and I wasn’t violating any laws,” he explained.
To date, there are no state or federal laws that deem it unlawful for one to question or deny the demand for identification by a law enforcement officer. Attorney Kamau Karl Franklin who will represent the artists in the suit states that “Even if we walk away with monetary compensation…which we’re almost guaranteed given the illegal detention, it’s important to be an example to other victims of police brutality, be they recording artists or everyday people.”
dead prez, along with A-Alikes, the People’s Army and other fellow Hip Hop artists is organizing a call for action amongst New York attorneys, community leaders, political activists, musicians and supporters to help them fight back. “We can’t allow the daily occupation and brutality by the police against our community to go unchecked,” says dead prez artist M1.
On October 29, 2003 at 9:00 am, dead prez will hold a press conference before entering court that day to address the case.
Posted by jsmooth995 at October 20, 2003 12:58 AM
had just posted this on my blog after seeing the story come across the wire. pretty screwed up what happened here. I hope we get a real story not some "filtered" garbage from the police.
Posted by: djspicerack at October 21, 2003 12:38 PM
The only way to fight Law Enforcement in Brooklyn
is with lawsuits via pen and paper.The challenging
of the status quo on record by Dead Prez,Immortal
Technique,Public Enemy,KRS-One and emcees that
speak against Police Brutality should be
noted daily.As long as there is resistance
against the Police State, victory will eventually
belong to the peeps that speak about injustice.
Posted by: Deewarjohn at October 21, 2003 04:20 PM
Posted by: danballs at October 21, 2003 04:37 PM
We support you Dead Prez.
As-Salaam Alaikum (Peace Be Unto You). The prayers of the righteous will always be answered says Allah!
The sole reason why the country is in so much spritual and physical damage is a direct result of the mistreatment of the children of slaves!
For inspiration I recommend the latest speech by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan (the Holy Day of Atonement 2003). You can get it at http://finalcall.com
Posted by: P. Muhamamd at October 21, 2003 09:55 PM
what the hell was Stic of Dead Prez and A-Alikes thinking? standing there, minding their business, exercising there god given*federal*state*and local rights. don't they know that when more than one young male minority congregate they're a gang with intent to perform criminal acts? my suggestion to them: next time wear a nice suit with a tie and you'll be considered suspicious and not suspects. unfortunately after the verdict is handed down those officers will probably still have a job. allowing them to service the public their form of (in)justice.
Posted by: Dialect at October 24, 2003 08:19 AM
The cops were probably disturbed by the fact that Dead Prez raps about racism, federal government corruption and American hypocrisy instead of the usual stuff about "ho's and niggaz." I once saw an article in Village Voice saying that Dead Prez has been prevented from playing a few clubs for these clubs' management found their lyrics "incendiary." The unwritten rule in American society is a black rap group has to do raps that upholds the negative stereotypes of black rap groups.
Posted by: Shade Jefferson Ford at November 23, 2003 10:18 PM
I am sending this form home-South Africa. I never knew that my blood was victimed like this. TV always potrays America as this "free-4-all"society. Before listening to Dead Prez I believed every word of it. They've opened up my eyes. White people think we dont deserve to be on this earth and that's how it's always gonna b. I'm so sorry and angry that M1&Stic were disrespected like this. No matter how bad things get just know that you have a home in Africa. It is your birth right,your kingdom.
Posted by: Nolwazi at November 30, 2003 03:22 AM
DPZ
Ive been listenin to your music for a long time now.I truly feel it. Be strong and dont forget that our ancestors were humble. They believed in life. As you do."The man" is out to get you as well as all of us.We all as a people will stay strong for you when you are weak.For we believe in life as well. Although we must all remember, if we continue to look for revenge; revenge will end up gettin us. What that means is up to whatever the reader wishes to think. Peace is inside......signed 1 half bred(b/w)man,named ForgottenWarrior.
Posted by: FogottenWarrior2111 at December 12, 2003 10:36 PM
DPZ
Ive been listenin to your music for a long time now.I truly feel it. Be strong and dont forget that our ancestors were humble. They believed in life. As you do."The man" is out to get you as well as all of us.We all as a people will stay strong for you when you are weak.For we believe in life as well. Although we must all remember, if we continue to look for revenge; revenge will end up gettin us. What that means is up to whatever the reader wishes to think. Peace is inside......signed 1 half bred(b/w)man,named ForgottenWarrior.
Posted by: FogottenWarrior2111 at December 12, 2003 10:36 PM
My brothers,
I don't know if you will read this although, I hope you do. I chose the name Forgotten Warrior because I am, like you, one of the few but many who realize that we are truly warriors. This constant struggle, civil war, or silent war, or whatever war you wish to call it that,continues every day of every week, needs True Warriors like you to stand up for what is right. I know you will stay strong for us. Although, don't forget that we are here fighting the war with you. We will stay strong for you as well. Peace with you always........signed Forgotten Warrior
Posted by: ForgottenWarrior at December 19, 2003 03:31 AM
The world is a beautiful book for those who can read it.
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