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You know those annoying struggle rappers that ask “Do you like Hip-Hop?” before trying to sell you their music? Well a bunch of them that ply their trade in Times Square are suing NYPD. 

Said rappers, eight in total, claim that cops violated their rights and have falsely arrested them multiple times.

Reports the New York Daily News:

Eight rappers who claim the NYPD has violated their rights with a campaign of bogus arrests have filed joint lawsuits in Manhattan Federal Court against the city and 17 cops.

“They don’t want us making money out here,” said Andre Jackson, 29, a rapper from the Soundview section of the Bronx.

“I’ve been arrested over 30 times.”

The eye-popping number of busts was confirmed by the NYPD.

“We’re having fun out here,” Jackson said. “We’re doing something we’re allowed to do. I guess they had their dreams that they didn’t fulfill. Now we have our dreams and they want to shut us down.”

The rappers have been booked on charges that include disorderly conduct and aggressive begging. They claim they are protected by the First Amendment and free speech. However, the authorities contend they are only arrested if they act belligerent or block the street. 

I want it to stop,” Bronx rapper Andre Jackson, 29, told the New York Daily News of the harassment he claims to have been subjected to. “They never arrest the spray-paint guys. They never arrest the guys who draw pictures of people. That’s considered art? My music should be considered art, too.”

The eight rappers have filed a joint lawsuit and are seeking unspecified damages. Let us know what you think in the comments.

Photo: WENN.com