Erik Nielson

Erik Nielson is Associate Professor of Liberal Arts at the University of Richmond, where he teaches African American literature, composition, Latin American literature in translation, rap music, and Shakespeare. He is a leading scholar on hip hop culture and its intersection with law, race, and free speech.

• B.A., University of Virginia (1998), Echols Interdisciplinary Major
• M.A., University College London, University of London (2001), English
• Ph.D., University of Sheffield (2011), English

His research centers on African American literature and hip hop, with a strong focus on how rap lyrics are misused in criminal trials. He frequently serves as an expert witness and has contributed to landmark legal briefs, including in Elonis v. U.S. and the Taylor Bell case. His work explores how racial bias influences the interpretation of artistic expression in courtrooms.

The 15 most recent publications reflect a consistent engagement with law, race, and music. They span legal analysis, cultural criticism, and interdisciplinary scholarship, often co-authored with legal experts and artists. The dominant themes include the criminalization of Black art, free speech protections, and the socio-political role of hip hop in America.

Erik Nielson has received no formal scientific awards listed in the text, but his work has been endorsed by prominent scholars and activists such as Michelle Alexander, Michael Eric Dyson, and Killer Mike.

He has advised several undergraduate research teams, including students Lisa Cheney, Tracy Ellerman, Zach Grossfeld, Dean Liverman, and Laini Marshall, who contributed to data collection on rap prosecution cases. He has secured research support through university programs and collaborates with scholars like Andrea Dennis and Travis Gosa. His projects often involve public engagement, op-eds, and media appearances to broaden impact.

Nielson co-founded and leads a student research initiative on rap and the legal system, and he co-taught a course with Richmond hip hop artist Mad Skillz as part of the Artist-in-Residence program at the School of Professional and Continuing Studies.