NMU (01/13/2005): Rap lyrics ruled 'rhetorical hyperbole,' not defamatory Crude rap lyrics that conveyed no verifiable facts about the plaintiff do not defame, U.S. Court of Appeals rules. Judge Alan E. Norris wrote for the three-judge panel. "For instance, the statement that 'Armen' is 'disgrace to the species,' represents the kind of puerile taunt that, for better or for worse, is typical of rap music."