“The Real Slim Shady” by Eminem
Colorado Springs radio station KKMG was fined $7,000 for playing Eminem’s “The Real Slim Shady” in 2000 after a listener complained to the FCC. Never mind that it was a radio edit and one of the rapper’s tamest songs on his just released album. According to updated FCC guidelines issued just two months ago, innuendo without expletives might be considered obscenity under the law. The agency claimed “unmistakable offensive references,” which included the lyrics above and several other lines. Later, the FCC restored the fine, noting that the song was “not patently offensive under contemporary community standards.” A Wisconsin radio station was also fined for airing an unedited version of “Slim Shady.” They paid the fine without filing an appeal.
“Cop Killer” by Body Count
In response to the condemnation, Ice-T said, “I’ve become the hero of the people, and the more they attack me, the stronger I’ll get.” However, in response to the condemnation, Ice-T removed the song from the album. Reflecting, he found free speech means we can say what we want, “but you have to be prepared for the ramifications of what you say.” Song fact: Ice-T was inspired to write “Cop Killer” while singing the Talking Heads’ song “Psycho Killer.”