A profanity charge against rapper Raymond “Boots” Riley has been dismissed by a court judge, AllHipHop.com has learned.
The charge stemmed from Riley’s appearance at the Bayou Boogaloo and Cajun Food festival Town Point Park in Norfolk, Virginia in June.
The rapper, who is best known as a member of the Oakland California rap group The Coup, was accused of using obscenity when he performed a song that included the phrase “What the F***? in the chorus.
Riley’s profanity charge originated from a law that had never been applied to a performer.
Riley’s case marked the first time the law had been enforced in 26 years, sources revealed, although it was ultimately ruled that the statute Riley was charged under was unconstitutional because of the First Amendment.
Riley, who was not present in court on Wednesday, maintained that festival sponsors, FestEvents, knew about the song beforehand.
In addition, the rapper said profanity is often part of his performances and that he was never warned not to curse.
