The 1990s were a great time for controversial tunes in rock, hip-hop, and beyond. While this list is far from exhaustive, we think these four songs from the 1990s were controversial for pretty interesting reasons. Let’s dive in!
1. “Sexy MF” by Prince & The New Power Generation
This 1992 song from Prince was a big deal at the time of its release, though Prince had reportedly removed it from his live setlist later on in his career as he opted for a more religious lifestyle. The track had to be heavily edited in order to hit the radio airwaves, as was the music video for the song. Prince was no stranger to “questionable” songs, but “Sexy MF” was one of his most explicitly sexual. Still a great song, though.
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2. “Killing In The Name” by Rage Against The Machine
We’ve covered this track quite a bit on our lists of controversial songs. This 1992 song from Rage Against The Machine was considered very controversial when it was first released because of its notoriously explicit lyrics about police brutality and anti-black racism in the United States. It’s still a staple protest song today; and sadly, also very relevant today.
3. “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails
Like Prince’s “Sexy MF”, this 1994 song from Trent Reznor was one of the most controversial songs of the 1990s. It’s extremely sexual in nature, with lyrics so explicit that it had to be edited for radio play. Even though some listeners were unhappy with the song’s existence, it’s still considered one of Nine Inch Nails’ most well-known and recognizable songs years later.
4. “Cop Killer” by Body Count
While many might know Ice-T as the loveable investigator from Law & Order: SVU, his real call to fame came from fronting the rap metal outfit Body Count. Back in 1992, the band’s song “Cop Killer” was considered extremely controversial. Its explicit lyrics and eyebrow-raising title ruffled a few feathers, though the song itself is a protest song about police brutality. Censorship activists tried to wipe the song from the airwaves, but they were unsuccessful. The internet is great for keeping music alive, whether someone likes it or not.
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