2 Live Crew is an American hip-hop group that was formed in Miami, Florida, in 1984. The group gained notoriety in the late 1980s and early 1990s for their sexually explicit and controversial lyrics. The original members of 2 Live Crew were Luke Campbell (also known as Uncle Luke), Fresh Kid Ice (Christopher Wong Won), and Brother Marquis (Mark Ross).
2 Live Crew’s music often featured explicit and humorous lyrics that focused on themes of sex, partying, and explicit language. Their debut album, “The 2 Live Crew Is What We Are,” was released in 1986 and included the popular single “Throw the D.” However, it was their second album, “As Nasty As They Wanna Be,” released in 1989, that catapulted them to national attention.
“As Nasty As They Wanna Be” sparked significant controversy and legal battles due to its explicit content. The album was the first to be labeled legally obscene by the United States government, and its sale was restricted in some areas. The controversy surrounding the album brought attention to issues of censorship and freedom of speech.
Despite the controversy, 2 Live Crew continued to release albums and tours throughout the 1990s. However, they faced numerous legal challenges and lineup changes. Fresh Kid Ice left the group in 1990 but returned in 1994, and Luke Campbell departed in 1996 to pursue a solo career. Over the years, 2 Live Crew’s influence on hip-hop and popular culture has been recognized. They are often credited with pushing the boundaries of explicit lyrics and contributing to the acceptance of explicit content in music.
Today, 2 Live Crew’s music remains a part of hip-hop history, and its impact on the genre and the freedom of expression in music continues to be discussed and debated.