However, lyrics from group member Sadat X that were homophobic cast a lowlight over the song’s success and would be a stain on the rapper’s reputation in the wake of its release. On their first release following the departure of lead rapper Grand Puba, Brand Nubian returned in a big way with their 1992 single “Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down,” which was a considerable hit, peaking at No. Ice-T on Body Count’s “Cop Killer” Ĭontroversial Line: “Though I can freak, fly, flow, fuck up a f*gg0t/Don’t understand their ways, I ain’t down with gays” However, the lyrics would remain uncensored or edited, earning its place in the pantheon of sociopolitical protest music.Ģ. The song, which included lyrics about looting Korean-owned stores and causing bodily injury to their employees, was vehemently opposed by members of the Korean-American community, who spoke out against Cube’s rhetoric. Their anger and sentiments would be channeled later that year by rapper Ice Cube on his song “Black Korea,” from his sophomore solo album Death Certificate. In LA, African-Americans lashed out over their poor treatment they received while patronizing Korean-owned stores in prominently Black neighborhoods. In 1991, the death of 15-year-old Los Angeles resident LaTasha Harlins, at the hands of Korean store employee Soon Ja Du, caused an uproar. The bars (“Yeah, and if I ever lack, I’m goin’ out with my chopper, it be another Kobe”) led to Vanessa Bryant, the late NBA legend’s wife, to scold Meek for his lack of tact and distasteful choice of words, leading the Dreamchaser to issue an apology for his actions.Ĭontroversial Line: “So don’t follow me up and down your market/ Or your little chop-suey ass will be a target/ Of the nationwide boycott/ Juice with the people, that’s what the boy got/So pay respect to the Black fist/ Or we`ll burn your store right down to a crisp/ And then we`ll see ya/ Cause you can’t turn the ghetto into Black Korea.” Another recent instance where a rapper was accused of toeing over the line was when lyrics from “Don’t Worry (RIP Kobe),” Meek Mill’s leaked collaboration with Lil Baby, saw the Philly-bred rapper referencing the tragic helicopter crash that took the lives of NBA champion Kobe Bryant, his daughter, Gianna Bryant, and seven others on Jan. Following pushback from YouTube staffers, the song was pulled from the platform and other streaming services before being added back a couple of days later, albeit with edits to the lyrics in question. One of the most recent examples of this is rapper YG, who’s song “ Meet the Flockers,” from his 2014 debut My Krazy Life, came under fire due to lyrics deemed offensive to the Asian community. In some cases, the backlash was so overwhelming that it forced the hands of the artists or their record labels to either edit or remove offensive lyrics entirely, a reminder that there is always the possibility of consequences and repercussions for speaking your mind, even in a genre that celebrates “keeping it real.” district court judge to rule their 1989 album, As Nasty as They Wanna Be, as obscene and illegal to sell in the state of Florida - the lines between what’s acceptable and what’s not in regards to rap lyrics have been debated for years.Īnd while legal action or memos from federal agencies aren’t always a part of the scenario, there have been a number of instances in which rap artists have been taken to task for their lyrical content, by political pundits, special interest groups, and even their own fans.

in response to the group ripping law enforcement a new one with their Straight Outta Comptontrack “ Fuck tha Police” or 2 Live Crew - who’s music and live performances prompted a U.S. Whether it be acts like N.W.A., who infamously received a letter from the F.B.I. Numerous figures within hip-hop having put their careers on the line to ensure their ability to speak their mind without fear of censorship. Trigger warning: This story contains mentions of rape, homophobia, and racism.įreedom of speech has been a right that rap artists have been fighting for as long hip-hop has been around. These are occasions in which a rapper’s lyrics crossed the line or evoked a public outcry. Photo Credit: Paul Natkin/Getty Images We look back on 15 controversial rap lyrics over the last 35 years. The song, which includes lyrics about looting Korean-owned stores, was vehemently opposed by members of the Korean-American community.

Ice Cube's 'Black Korea' is one of the most contersersal rap songs ever.

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