DRILL MUSIC is increasingly being used as evidence in trials, it has been reported.

Some experts are concerned this means young Black men cannot receive fair trials.

Figures given to the BBC show that London’s Metropolitan police have made referrals for almost 600 pieces of content to be taken down from social media platforms.

Of those referrals that were made, 522 pieces of content were taken down – mainly from YouTube.

In specific cases, officers from London’s Metropolitan police force now have the power to check lyrics and videos before they are put on social media.

The force’s violence intervention unit has already applied for over 100 criminal behaviour orders against offenders aged between 14 and 25, the Evening Standard reported.

The unit, which was formed in March last year is supposed to support prison leavers.

In some cases, officers take what they term a more holistic approach.

However, in other circumstances where they say drill artists are involved in violent crime, criminal behaviour orders and gang injunctions are used.

These effectively give the police powers of censorship.

Many believe it would be better to address the root causes of crime, such as poverty and deprivation, rather than policing aspiring musicians.

It is not the first time the over-policing of Black music has been called into question.

Digga D, real name Rhys Herbert is one of the first musicians in British history that was given a police criminal behaviour order, which controlled his creative output.

He is not allowed to release any music without telling the police. If his music encourages or incites violence, police have the power to take it down or arrest him.

The rapper can talk about violence in general, but he cannot discuss specific attacks or people he has disputes with.

Black music venues also face significant challenges in the capital.

A small minority on social media support the force’s powers to police drill music.