Lyrics that contain sexually explicit lyrics have constantly been under attack. Marshall Mathers, known better as Eminem, is a rapper who uses lyrics that are homophobic are a direct attack to the gay community. His unique style of rap has been rejected openly by several organizations. The Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, fined a Colorado radio station for airing a “clean” version of one of Eminem’s songs. The FCC ruled that the song contained sexual references that were intended to shock a group of people (Boehlert, 2 para.). They have call for a censorship of his music. When Eminem is questioned about his lyrics he simply states that they are just a joke and some people just do not get the joke (Tyler,7 para.). Eminem’s argument is based on the first amendment. Eminem has also been under attack by Lynne Cheney. In 2000 Cheney went before the Senate to call for censorship of the rapper’s lyrics. Despite her efforts Eminem’s 2000 LP, called The Marshall Mathers LP, had sold over 7 million copies. Michael Green, President and CEO of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, told the Grammy audience, music like Eminem's is "the voice of rebellion." The Grammy‘s had set out to fully censor Eminem. Fortunately the celebrities of the evening did not pay any attention to these censors, and instead showed a great respect for Eminem’s right of free speech. Their support for Eminem should be appreciated by all. Stevie Wonder, Madonna, and Christian rocker Dan Hasseltine cheered for Eminem's rights. Elton John set the best example of all in his show of support for Eminem during this difficult time. Not only did Elton, an openly bisexual man, celebrate Eminem's prohibited lyrics by singing in the rap star's controversial performance, but he also gave the hero a sympathetic hug on stage at the end of the song.

A more recent attempt at censoring hip-hop ended last year. In August of 2002, Pepsi named Def Jam rapper, Ludacris, as its new spokesman to appeal to a more urban audience. The rapper filmed a commercial for the soda makers, but it was soon pulled from the airwaves after hip-hop opponent, Bill O’Reil

Some topics in this essay:
Russell Simmons, Elton John, Vietnam War, Guide Vol, Tupac Shakur, Commission FCC, Trade Commission, O’Reilly Factor, Def Jam, Eminem Fortunately, rap music, violence rap, 2 para, sexually explicit lyrics, sexually explicit, russell simmons, types music, explicit lyrics, lyrics rap, violence rap music, support eminem, music influenced,