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Yesterday, two Florida House representatives got into an argument while discussing an amendment to the Florida Evidence Code regarding allowing certain types of hearsay as evidence. The argument was over which House rep. quoted Jay Z’s rap lyrics correctly.

As other lawmakers stared blankly at them, Rep. Alan B. Williams (a Democrat) and Speaker Dean Cannon (a Republican) debated the lyrics to Jay-Z’s “99 Problems”.

Calling Jay Z a “wise businessman,” Williams said, “He even said he knows his rights.” Williams then quoted the lyrics to the rap song, “I know my rights and you’re going to need a warrant for that/Aren’t you sharp as a tack, are you a lawyer or something?”

Williams added: “Members.. If you support Jay-Z, support this amendment. Thank you.”

But Speaker Cannon corrected Williams’ misquote of Jigga’s lyrics:

“In the song, it was the officer who said, “Aren’t you sharp as a tack?” or something. “You should try for lawyer or something,” so I got you on that. It’s an unspoken rule, if you’re going to invoke Jay-Z, you must get the lyrics correct. I’m not sure Jay-Z would support this amendment.”

But both men misquoted Jay Z, according to Freebeacon.com:

    COP: Do you mind if I look round the car a little bit?

    JAY-Z: Well, my glove compartment is locked, so is the trunk in the back,
    And I know my rights so you gonna need a warrant for that.

    COP: Aren’t you sharp as a tack? You some type of lawyer or something,
    Somebody important or something?

    JAY-Z: I ain’t passed the bar but I know a little bit.
    Enough to know you won’t illegally search my shit.

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