Evergreen Copyrights

2 Live Crew

2 Live Crew is one of the seminal groups in rap history.  Synonymous with controversy, they pioneered the Miami Bass sound in the late 80s, using the Roland TR-808 drum machine as a canvas for their sexually explicit lyrics.  Their breakout album, As Nasty As They Wanna Be, sold two million copies on the strength of such singles as Me So Horny, but due to the sexual nature of the lyrics was labeled as "obscene" and subsequently banned in Florida.  After being arrested for performing live, the group was mired in a high profile courtroom drama that ultimately led to their acquittal in 1992.  In the meantime, the group continued to record and perform, releasing the tongue-in-cheek single Banned In the USA as well as the very first live rap album Live In Concert.  After taking a long hiatus, 2 Live Crew is now reformed and currently recording a new album.  Their music remains an important and vital part of American culture.