Thirty-six years ago, on February 7, 1989, 2 Live Crew dropped their groundbreaking and controversial album As Nasty As They Wanna Be, released through Uncle Luke’s indie imprint Luke Skyywalker Records. The Miami-based rap group, comprised of Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell, Fresh Kid Ice, Brother Marquis, and Mr. Mixx, pushed the boundaries of free speech in music, delivering one of the most explicit albums in hip-hop history.
Fueled by its raunchy lyrics and high-energy Miami bass sound, As Nasty As They Wanna Be became a cultural flashpoint, drawing the ire of politicians and law enforcement while solidifying 2 Live Crew as hip-hop’s ultimate rebels. The album spawned major hits, including “Me So Horny,” “The Fuck Shop,” and “C’mon Babe,” tracks that not only dominated clubs but also sparked nationwide debates over obscenity in music.
Despite, or perhaps because of, the controversy, the album was a massive success. It became the first album with a Parental Advisory sticker to be declared legally obscene by a U.S. court, leading to a high-profile legal battle over First Amendment rights. The case was eventually overturned on appeal, setting a crucial precedent for artistic expression in hip-hop.
Beyond the legal drama, As Nasty As They Wanna Be was a commercial juggernaut, becoming the first Southern hip-hop album to go platinum. The record’s influence on Miami bass music and its unapologetic approach to sexuality paved the way for generations of artists who followed.
Three decades later, As Nasty As They Wanna Be remains a landmark album—not just for its infectious beats and wild party anthems, but for its impact on the music industry and free speech in hip-hop.
