Artist: 2 Live Crew Album: As Nasty as They Wanna Be

Year: 1989
Duration: 0:0-1

A of the Album: As Nasty as They Wanna Be by 2 Live Crew

In 1989, 2 Live Crew released their controversial album, As Nasty as They Wanna Be, which shook up the music industry and became the first album in history to be deemed legally obscene by a federal court. But beyond its notoriety, the album is a pivotal piece in the history of rap, as it represents the growing sub-genre of booty rap, which focuses on explicit and provocative lyrics centered around women’s bodies. Let’s take a closer look at the album and 2 Live Crew's legacy.

A Brief History of 2 Live Crew

2 Live Crew is an American hip-hop group from Miami, Florida. The group formed in 1985 and consists of Fresh Kid Ice, Brother Marquis, and Mr. Mixx. They were known for their raunchy lyrics and sexually charged performances, which often brought about controversy. They released several albums before As Nasty as They Wanna Be, but it was this album that brought them mainstream attention.

The Music Genre of the Album

As Nasty as They Wanna Be is a prime example of booty rap, a sub-genre of hip-hop that originated in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The genre is characterized by its sexually explicit lyrics that objectify and degrade women. It is often criticized for promoting misogyny and sexism within the music industry.

The Best Songs of the Album

The album’s most famous track is Me So Horny, which features a sample from the movie Full Metal Jacket. It became the subject of a lawsuit filed by the parents of a 13-year-old girl who claimed that the song had caused her emotional distress. Other standout tracks include Put Her in the Buck, Dick Almighty, and C'mon Babe, all of which are sexually explicit and overtly graphic.

The Most Innovative Parts of the Album

In terms of innovation, As Nasty as They Wanna Be was the first album to contain parental advisory warnings. This was a direct response to the controversy surrounding the album and its legal battles. Additionally, the album featured a sample of Scarface actor Al Pacino's voice, which was considered revolutionary at the time.

A Critic to the Album

While As Nasty as They Wanna Be is a significant part of hip-hop history, it is also heavily criticized for its sexist and misogynistic content. The album showcases the worst aspects of the genre, and its lyrics objectify and degrade women in a way that is unacceptable today. It is a reminder of the rap music of the past and how far we have come in terms of challenging harmful lyrics and promoting equality.
While As Nasty as They Wanna Be is a significant part of hip-hop history, it is also heavily criticized for its sexist and misogynistic content. The album showcases the worst aspects of the genre, and its lyrics objectify and degrade women in a way that is unacceptable today. It is a reminder of the rap music of the past and how far we have come in terms of challenging harmful lyrics and promoting equality.
2 Live Crew's As Nasty as They Wanna Be is undoubtedly one of the most notorious albums in hip-hop history. It represents the growing sub-genre of booty rap and the controversy that often surrounds explicit and provocative lyrics centered around women’s bodies. While it was a significant part of rap history, it is also a cautionary tale about the dangers of promoting harmful content in the music industry. Whether you love or hate it, As Nasty as They Wanna Be remains a pivotal piece in the evolution of hip-hop and a significant cultural artifact of the 80s and 90s.