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,” induced 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 tug out of the corporate as a result of track’s contentious nature, which led to its eventual elimination. Physique Depend even confronted threats of arrest in the event that they tried to carry out the track stay.
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 after they began sending bomb threats to Warner Brothers. I threw the rock; that is my warmth. However when different individuals may get damage, that is nerve-racking. However I obtained information for individuals: anyone who thinks controversy is a approach to make cash, it is not. You get numerous buzz, however now you want attorneys. 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 Put up 4 years in the past that he wonders if individuals immediately may perceive “Cop Killer” higher than they did again in 1992. He mentioned, “It was a track about any individual who, throughout a second like this, obtained so mad that they went after the cops. We do not need that man. However numerous occasions you warn individuals by saying this could occur. I by no means killed no cop. I’ve written higher songs which might be extra on level with what I imagine immediately. 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 completely different than now-66-year-old Ice.”
On the peak of the “Cop Killer” controversy, Ice-T defined that his choice to tug the observe was additionally pushed by concern for the protection of the workers at Warner Bros. Information and Sire Information. In line with Ice-T, staff had obtained demise threats from legislation enforcement as a result 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 report.
In line with Billboard, “Cop Killer” stays conspicuously absent from all main streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. The observe can be unavailable for buy as an iTunes obtain or as a part of the newly pressed CD.
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