2 Live Crew's 'As Nasty As They Wanna Be'

Definition

'As Nasty As They Wanna Be' is an album by the Miami hip-hop group 2 Live Crew, released in 1989, known for its explicit lyrics and provocative themes. This album became a central point of discussion regarding censorship in music, as it challenged societal norms and led to significant legal battles over artistic expression and freedom of speech. The controversy surrounding this album not only highlighted the tensions between artistic freedom and community standards but also sparked broader conversations about the role of music in reflecting and shaping culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'As Nasty As They Wanna Be' was the first album to be deemed legally obscene in the United States, leading to a landmark court case about censorship and artistic expression.
2. The album's explicit lyrics contributed to its commercial success, selling over two million copies and significantly influencing the hip-hop genre.
3. 2 Live Crew faced significant backlash from various groups, including religious organizations and parental advocacy groups, who argued that the content was harmful to youth.
4. The legal battle over the album set a precedent for future cases involving obscenity in music, emphasizing the balance between free speech and community standards.
5. Despite its controversies, 'As Nasty As They Wanna Be' is often credited with pushing boundaries in hip-hop and paving the way for more explicit content in mainstream music.

Review Questions

• How did 'As Nasty As They Wanna Be' challenge societal norms regarding music content?
  • 'As Nasty As They Wanna Be' pushed societal boundaries by openly addressing themes of sexuality and explicit content that were largely considered taboo. Its unapologetic lyrics sparked outrage from various communities who felt it was inappropriate, particularly for younger audiences. This push against conventional standards made the album a focal point for discussions on censorship and the right to free expression in art.
• What impact did the legal controversies surrounding 'As Nasty As They Wanna Be' have on future music censorship cases?
  • The legal issues surrounding 'As Nasty As They Wanna Be' significantly impacted future censorship cases by establishing a legal precedent regarding obscenity and artistic expression. The court rulings emphasized the need to balance free speech rights under the First Amendment with community standards of decency. This case opened doors for artists to explore explicit themes without facing immediate legal repercussions, influencing how future works are received and critiqued.
• Evaluate the cultural significance of 'As Nasty As They Wanna Be' within the broader context of music history and its influence on future generations of artists.
  • 'As Nasty As They Wanna Be' holds cultural significance as a landmark moment in music history, reflecting the evolving landscape of hip-hop and its willingness to tackle controversial subjects. The album's success despite censorship challenges demonstrated that there was a substantial audience for raw and explicit content, encouraging future artists to express themselves freely. It laid groundwork for subsequent generations, who would continue to explore themes of sexuality and identity within their music, ultimately contributing to a more diverse and open musical environment.

Related terms

Censorship: The suppression or prohibition of speech, public communication, or other information deemed objectionable or harmful.

First Amendment: The constitutional amendment that protects freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition, including free speech in music.

Explicit Content: Material that includes graphic language or themes that may be considered inappropriate for certain audiences.