In a latest 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,” prompted 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 stress. Shareholders threatened to drag out of the corporate as a result of 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 folks might get harm, that is nerve-racking. However I obtained information for folks: anyone who thinks controversy is a strategy to earn money, it is not. You get loads 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 track’s reception over time, Ice-T advised The Washington Publish 4 years in the past that he wonders if folks at the moment would possibly perceive “Cop Killer” higher than they did again in 1992. He stated, “It was a track about anyone who, throughout a second like this, obtained so mad that they went after the cops. We do not need that man. However loads of instances you warn folks by saying this could occur. I by no means killed no cop. I’ve written higher songs which can be extra on level with what I consider at the moment. I used to be a 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 top of the “Cop Killer” controversy, Ice-T defined that his resolution to drag the observe was additionally pushed by concern for the security of the workers at Warner Bros. Information and Sire Information. In line with Ice-T, staff had acquired demise threats from legislation enforcement because of their involvement in distributing the track. This added stress 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 file.
In line 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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