Busta Rhymes’ Song Controversy is Nothing New
Busta Rhymes’ Song Controversy is Nothing New
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Lately, much discontentment and scrutiny has surrounded Busta Rhymes and his new song, “Arab Money.” The song has upset many people in the Middle Eastern community with its mispronunciation of the word Arab (“Ay-rab” as it is sung) as well as the misuse of a prayer from the Holy Quran.
But this isn’t the first time an artist has been under fire because of song lyrics by a long shot. Negative publicity has shaken hands with many artists across all genres. Though the saying goes, “any publicity is good publicity,” the following artists are only a few of many who have experienced a spate of opposing attention.
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1. Buju Banton, “Boom Bye Bye” Released: 1992 The openly anti-gay song created a huge outcry within many gay and lesbian groups across various communities worldwide. Banton had become the target of many campaigns aimed at having his song banned from radio stations and performed during live performances. Buju stood by his song, never denouncing it and stating that his Rastafarian beliefs did not condone homosexuality. |
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2. Public Enemy, “911 is a Joke” Released: 1989 With lyrics like “…I dialed 911 a long time ago / don’t you see how late they’re reactin’? / They only come and they come when they wanna…”many people couldn’t comprehend this considerably “new” ideology presented by socially-conscious rap group, PE. The track was introduced at a time when America wasn’t accustomed to such strong black-nationalist ideas. In 1989, Milli Vanilli and Tone Loc were on the Billboard charts; mainstream America did not include the inner cities of America. |
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3. Ice-T, “Cop Killer” Released: 1992 Ice T’s “Cop Killer” stirred up a large uproar with everyone from cops to politicians. Then-vice president Dan Quayle labeled it as “a record that is suggesting it’s all right to kill cops.” Rapper Ice-T created this song in conjunction with his band Body Count in 1992. In defense, Ice-T stated that he was only inciting the mind of psychopath. “Cop Killer” was later removed from the album, causing protesters and police supporters to finally back off. |
4. Nelly, “Tip Drill” Artists and musicians will continue to exercise their right to free speech. With so many differences in society, the cycle will continue. Words will continue to be spoken and feelings will continue to be hurt. -Wesley Brown |
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