A little-known Californian law is being used to attempt legal history by convicting rapper Tiny Doo for releasing an album allegedly made using the proceeds of crime.
Doo, whose real name is Brandon Duncan, is alleged to be connected with gang activities in San Diegoand raps about violence and gang life on his album No Safety. He has also worked with hugely popular rap star Lil Wayne.
At present, 14 gang members who are known associates of his are facing charges in a San Diego court relating to gang shootings dating back to April 2013.
The state law being used to try to convict Duncan outlaws anyone benefiting from crimes committed by fellow gang members - although Duncan has not actually been tied to the alleged shootings.
"We're not just talking about a CD of anything, of love songs. We're talking about a CD [cover depicting] a revolver with bullets," Deputy District Attorney Anthony Campagna said.
American television station ABC channel 10, which reported the case, estimated one in three crimes in San Diego was gang related.
Brian Watkins, Duncan's attorney, called the charges "shocking".
"He has no criminal record. Nothing in his lyrics say, 'Go out and commit a crime'.
"Nothing in his lyrics reference these shootings, yet they are holding him liable for conspiracy. There are huge constitutional issues."
Freedom of speech could be used as a defence, according to Thomas Jefferson School of Law professor Alex Kreit, who suggested the case could open a can of worms.
"Where does that end if that's the definition of criminal liability? Is Martin Scorsese going to be prosecuted if he meets with mafia members for his next film?" said Kreit.
"The Constitution says it can't be a crime to simply make gangster rap songs and hang out with people that are committing crimes. You have to have more involvement than that."
The hearing resumes on Monday (US time), but the case has already attracted criticism on social media, including that it is racially motivated and targets black men.
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