Rapper Tiny Doo facing long prison sentence over lyrics

CNN ^ | 01/23/2015 | Emma Lacey-Bordeaux

[Responsibility2nd]

Song lyrics that glorify violence are hardly uncommon. But a prosecutor in California says one rapper's violent lyrics go beyond creative license to conspiracy.

San Diego-based rapper Tiny Doo has already spent eight months in prison, and faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted under a little-known California statute that makes it illegal to benefit from gang activities.

The statute in question is California Penal Code 182.5. The code makes it a felony for anyone to participate in a criminal street gang, have knowledge that a street gang has engaged in criminal activity, or benefit from that activity.

It's that last part -- benefiting from criminal activity -- that prosecutors are going after the rapper for.

Tiny Doo, whose real name is Brandon Duncan, faces nine counts of criminal street gang conspiracy because prosecutors allege he and 14 other alleged gang members increased their stature and respect following a rash of shootings in the city in 2013.

[Lazamataz]

Sentencing someone for lyrics is going to take you down a very slippery slope.

We've fully become the Soviet Union. This sort of stuff is to be expected.

[Lazamataz]

This can’t possibly stand 1st amendment muster.

Of course it can. If the government is actively killing people they don't like, what makes you think they are going to let a silly little amendment slow them down?

[AppyPappy]

“C’mon man. I need street cred. Can’t you get me for something? By the way, here’s a little something for your campaign”.....Tiny Doo

[SZonian]

“doo”...another word for cRAP.

[therapsida]

Often it appears...these new affronts to liberty....are introduced....in a very logical...manner....This guy is a pos....so this action must be .....ok.

oh well

[dfwgator]

Je Suis Tiny Doo.

[MeshugeMikey]

[BenLurkin]

Je suis Tiny Doo

Well, wait a minute...that doesn't sound right.

[BenLurkin]

What kind a gangsta name is Brandon?

It’s got prep school written all over it.

[ßuddaßudd]

LOL,,, that little shiit . .

[Balding_Eagle]

We've fully become the Soviet Union.

I'd guess that people who have actually lived in the USSR would vehemently disagree with you.

[Responsibility2nd]

lolol.

That’s why Ron Artest changed his name to Metta World Peace.

Ron Artest might be a fine name for a white accountant in Plano, Texas.

But for a NBA thug?

[TBP]

Well, on that basis, you could shut down the entire rap industry — which would help slow the coarsening of our culture.

[TBP]

Tiny Doo? As in Little S—t?

[potlatch]

No - that’s two “Doo’s”
hehe

[UCANSEE2]

We've fully become the Soviet Union.

I disagree.

First, we aren't 'fully' like the Soviet Union (yet).

Second, when it is fulfilled, we will be like the Soviet Union if it was run by Muslims.

[Max in Utah]

...or a Shit-zu?

Or a Shit-Zulu.

[a fool in paradise]

Snoopy Dogg Person and Tiny Doo should do do a concert togetha!

[a fool in paradise]

Is Tiny Doo going to fill Diaperman’s slot in Parliament Funkadelic?

[a fool in paradise]

His street crud is firmly established.