In a current dialog with The Guardian, hip-hop icon, actor, and director Ice-T mirrored on the aftermath of the band’s protest track “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,” brought about widespread outrage upon its launch.
“Cop Killer” was subsequently eliminated it from later editions of Physique Depend‘s self-titled album, a choice 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 track’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 track reside.
When requested if he ever second-guessed the choice to launch such a provocative track 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 bought information for individuals: anyone who thinks controversy is a solution to generate profits, it isn’t. You get numerous 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 track’s reception through the years, Ice-T instructed The Washington Submit 4 years in the past that he wonders if individuals at present may perceive “Cop Killer” higher than they did again in 1992. He stated, “It was a track about any individual who, throughout a second like this, bought so mad that they went after the cops. We do not need that man. However numerous occasions you warn individuals by saying this may occur. I by no means killed no cop. I’ve written higher songs which are extra on level with what I consider at present. I used to be a bit of extra radical again then. ‘No Lives Matter’ addresses my emotions at this second. You bought to recollect, 32-years-ago Ice is completely different than now-66-year-old Ice.”
On the peak of the “Cop Killer” controversy, Ice-T defined that his resolution to tug the observe was additionally pushed by concern for the security of the employees at Warner Bros. Information and Sire Information. In accordance with Ice-T, workers had obtained dying threats from regulation enforcement as a consequence of their involvement in distributing the track. 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 report.
In accordance with Billboard, “Cop Killer” stays conspicuously absent from all main streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. The observe can also be unavailable for buy as an iTunes obtain or as a part of the newly pressed CD.
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