What makes a song or artist controversial? Well, there are many reasons why a song or an artist is considered controversial. When rock n roll was born, many people considered it to be controversial. We suppose it had more to do with the revolution of music more than anything else. Some songs are controversial because they are either politically incorrect or the artist is politically incorrect in the eyes of the majority of the population. While we don't really want to delve into a lot of those areas, we figured it would be a great spotlight for our music dedication. If people thought Elvis was controversial in his day, they probably never expected the onslaught of Madonna. So? Sit back and relax. Enjoy part one of our controversial songs. As always, please click on the album cover for the song.
We begin with the King, Elvis Presley. With his gyrating moves on stage and the Baby Boomer's pre-teen and teenage years, his burst onto the music scene would change music forever! While many in Generation X and Y snicker at his music, they forget that without Elvis there would be no MTV today.
Loretta Lynn shocked the country world with a little song called "The Pill". While this may not seem like a big deal today, it was controversial when it came out. This song was banned across country music stations around the country. Yet, Loretta Lynn was resolute about this important song. She was warned about the controversy that would brew from recording this particular song, but she went ahead anyways. 
We could write a million things about Eminem, but you've probably heard all of it plus more. Eminem burst on the scene with crude, raw, and unapologetic bashing of his mother, ex-wife, political figures, and anyone that he didn't agree with. While many adults find his music offensive, many young people found him to be "refreshingly honest". In a music scene, Rap, where whites are few and scarce, he's made his impact with the help of Dr. Dre. (He's below!)
"Sugar and Spice and everything nice" is a catchphrase that most men use when they speak about their daughters. That is NOT the case with Lil Kim. If you have high and moral expectations for your daughter, keep her away from Lil Kim. She's considered a strong vocal force in the Rap community. However, she's never afraid to talk about her favorite subject: herself. 
In 1997, a controversy of religious proportions broke out in the mainstream radio community. The Rev. Kirk Franklin had a hit song called "Stomp" and teenagers were calling their local radio deejays in large numbers to hear the song. While most played the song, it did not go without controversy. There were protests from the ACLU that religious content should be left for "religious radio only". Even with the uproar, the song was still a smash. Gospel music had arrived on the pop scene to the masses. For his part, Rev. Kirk Franklin refused to apologize for making a record praising God. 
When it comes to drama and controversy, Madonna is the Queen. The truth about Madonna is sometimes hard to find in our tabloid world. Madonna is first and foremost a businesswoman. If anyone can sell her image better than Madonna, we'd love to see the proof. She is a megastar because she has refused to live or play by the rules. She lives to wreak havoc. 
Toby Keith sparked controversy last year with his patriotic song "Courtesy Of The Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)". First, Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks came out stating that his song was "ignorant". Second, Canadian born Peter Jennings, ABC anchor, refused to allow Keith to play that song at the Fourth Of July concert that ABC was staging. To the leftist elites, they were stunned that Toby Keith refused to apologize or back down. This song was seen as controversial, but most Americans saw right through the media's lies. 
MoJo has tossed around whether or not to play this song, but it is important to understand that we are talking about controversial artists and songs. During the Afghanistan War, we all became familiar with John Walker Lindh "The American Taliban". While most people were utterly disgusted and believe he should be put to death, Steve Earle wrote a sympathetic song about him. While MoJo and the rest of America will never forget what happened on September 11th, it should be a reminder that we have people among us that really don't care. United We Stand! If you are too disgusted by him, please go back to Toby above. 
Speaking of country controversy, we couldn't possibly leave out the Dixie Blimps. Oops..Chicks! Anyways, we figured that if anyone deserved to be vilified and have their music listened to without paying for it--It's Them!
These ladies were "ashamed of President Bush" during the Iraq War. Join the Canteen Deejays and offer our own disgust that they are "Americans". 
Darryl Worley went to visit our brave heroes last December. When he came home he wrote "Have You Forgotten". It was an instant smash. Unfortunately, his song got the Anti-War protesters in a tizzy. Hating America is okay, but to have an artist encourage Americans to remember that fateful September 11th day was just too much for these paid Anti-American protesters. 
Wanna know who really started the "Gangsta Rap" genre? Look no further than Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, DJ Yella, and Eazy E's group--N.W.A. (We won't go into what the initials stand for!) While there were many artists discussing the streets in their records, N.W.A really brought this genre to the mainstream radio station playlists. Their impact is still being felt today.
Doug E. Fresh hit the Rap scene in the 1980s. He was pioneer of writing rap lyrics that got Tipper Gore's attention. From that moment, the fight began to have Parental Advisory's put on albums. 
White Rappers? In the early 80s, the Beastie Boys burst onto the Rap scene rapping about White Castle's, partying, girls, girls, and more girls. They helped bring Rap music to Suburban America. (Aren't we lucky? NOT!) 
According to MoJo's grandma, the Beatles are the reason American drug use went up. Yep! MoJo's grandma never believed that American teenagers or anyone else in this country would have done it without the Beatles. They are considered by many to be the ending of rock n roll's "wholesome" image. (Don't forget these are the same people that were ranting about Elvis gyrating!) 
Van Halen's video "Hot For Teacher" got a lot of attention. (As usual, more than it deserved to have!) It was controversial because it had strippers playing "teachers" in the classroom. The uproar and the dynamics of the band led the album to 12 million copies being sold. That is it for this week. Join us for part 2 next week. Also, keep in mind that you can always request music from the Canteen Deejays today? (Yes! MoJo will be around even though her Buckeyes play on TV at 12PM.) Or you can visit the left hand side for more variety. Enjoy the music! |
