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 monitor, which described a violent revenge fantasy involving a sawed-off shotgun used to “mud some cops off,” prompted widespread outrage upon its launch.
“Cop Killer” was subsequently eliminated it from later editions of Body Count‘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 as a result of tune’s contentious nature, which led to its eventual elimination. Body Count 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 after they began sending bomb threats to Warner Brothers. I threw the rock; that is my warmth. However when different folks may get harm, that is nerve-racking. However I received information for folks: anyone who thinks controversy is a strategy to become profitable, 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 tune’s reception through the years, Ice-T informed The Washington Post 4 years in the past that he wonders if folks as we speak may perceive “Cop Killer” higher than they did again in 1992. He mentioned, “It was a tune about any individual who, throughout a second like this, received so mad that they went after the cops. We do not need that man. However numerous instances you warn folks by saying this will occur. I by no means killed no cop. I’ve written higher songs which might be extra on level with what I imagine as we speak. I used to be a little bit 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 peak of the “Cop Killer” controversy, Ice-T defined that his choice to tug the monitor was additionally pushed by concern for the security of the employees at Warner Bros. Data and Sire Data. In line with Ice-T, workers had acquired loss of life threats from regulation enforcement attributable to their involvement in distributing the tune. This added strain weighed closely on him and motivated his option to take away the monitor.
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 file.
In line with Billboard, “Cop Killer” stays conspicuously absent from all main streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. The monitor can be unavailable for buy as an iTunes obtain or as a part of the newly pressed CD.
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