In a current dialog with The Guardian, hip-hop icon, actor, and director Ice-T mirrored on the aftermath of the band’s protest tune “Cop Killer,” launched again in 1992. The observe, which described a violent revenge fantasy involving a sawed-off shotgun used to “mud some cops off,” induced widespread outrage upon its launch.
“Cop Killer” was subsequently eliminated it from later editions of Physique Depend‘s self-titled album, a call that was reportedly made at Ice-T‘s request after Warner Brothers confronted immense strain. Shareholders threatened to tug out of the corporate because of the tune’s contentious nature, which led to its eventual removing. Physique Depend even confronted threats of arrest in the event that they tried to carry out the tune dwell.
When requested if he ever second-guessed the choice to launch such a provocative tune amidst the uproar, Ice-T responded: “I by no means actually questioned myself, however the warmth got here once they began sending bomb threats to Warner Brothers. I threw the rock; that is my warmth. However when different individuals may get harm, that is nerve-racking. However I received information for individuals: anyone who thinks controversy is a strategy to generate income, it isn’t. You get a variety of buzz, however now you want legal professionals. So do not simply say one thing silly after which backpedal. If you are going to say one thing, stand on it.”
Reflecting on the tune’s reception over time, Ice-T informed The Washington Publish 4 years in the past that he wonders if individuals immediately would possibly perceive “Cop Killer” higher than they did again in 1992. He stated, “It was a tune about anyone who, throughout a second like this, received so mad that they went after the cops. We do not need that man. However a variety of instances you warn individuals by saying this will occur. I by no means killed no cop. I’ve written higher songs which are extra on level with what I consider immediately. I used to be somewhat extra radical again then. ‘No Lives Matter’ addresses my emotions at this second. You bought to recollect, 32-years-ago Ice is totally different than now-66-year-old Ice.”
On the top of the “Cop Killer” controversy, Ice-T defined that his resolution to tug the observe was additionally pushed by concern for the protection of the employees at Warner Bros. Information and Sire Information. In line with Ice-T, staff had acquired loss of life threats from legislation enforcement on account of their involvement in distributing the tune. This added strain weighed closely on him and motivated his option to take away the observe.
As a part of the association to take “Cop Killer” off future variations of the Physique Depend album, Warner Brothers handed over the masters of the album to Ice-T, giving him full possession of the document.
In line with Billboard, “Cop Killer” stays conspicuously absent from all main streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. The observe can be unavailable for buy as an iTunes obtain or as a part of the newly pressed CD.
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