Lorde is currently enjoying having a chart topper with her single "Royals," but has sparked some criticism after a blogger cried racism over some of the song's lyrics. Here are just a few other tunes that have have also caused controversy:
Robin Thicke, right, had the song of the summer in 2013 with "Blurred Lines." But the hit was dubbed "rape-y" by some with its lyrics "I know you want it" which critics said promoted sexual assault. The music video also came under fire for its use of nude women and spurred a parody video with scantly-clad men. Not to mention ... well, you know.
It was 1977 and Queen Elizabeth of England was celebrating her silver jubilee when British punk-rock group the Sex Pistols released "God Save the Queen." In response to lyrics like "God Save The Queen/She ain't no human being" the BBC banned the song.
Prince's song "Darling Nikki" was about a young lady who did something ... naughty with a magazine. According to Time Magazine, the song's lyrics inspired wife of then Sen. Al Gore, Tipper Gore, to found the Parents Music Resource Center which led to "Parental Advisory" labels on albums. So thanks for that, Prince.
Michael Jackson's song "They Don't Care About Us" featured the line "Jew me, sue me, everybody do me/ Kick me, kike me, don't you black or white me" and lead to charges of anti-semitism in 1996. The singer apologized and promised that later versions of his single and album would not contain the references.
NWA's 1988 debut studio album "Straight Outta Compton" included the tune "F*** Da Police" which as you can imagine did not go over well with the law enforcement community.
Rapper Rick Ross apologized in April 2013 for what he said was a misinterpretation of the lyrics "Put Molly all in her champagne/ She ain't even know it/ I took her home and I enjoyed that/ She ain't even know it" as advocating date rape in the song "U.O.E.N.O." That didn't stop him from losing an endorsement deal with Reebok over the controversy.
Eminem rapped about murdering his now ex-wife in the 2000 song "Kim."
Guns N' Roses 1988 song "One in a Million" was deemed homophobic and racist. Lead singer Axl Rose later said in an interview that he was "pro-heterosexual."
Before he was an actor, Ice T was a rapper and also performed with the heavy metal band Body Count. In 1992 their collaboration on the song "Cop Killer." It drew criticism from then President George Bush.
Lorde is currently enjoying having a chart topper with her single "Royals," but has sparked some criticism after a blogger cried racism over some of the song's lyrics. Here are just a few other tunes that have have also caused controversy:
Robin Thicke, right, had the song of the summer in 2013 with "Blurred Lines." But the hit was dubbed "rape-y" by some with its lyrics "I know you want it" which critics said promoted sexual assault. The music video also came under fire for its use of nude women and spurred a parody video with scantly-clad men. Not to mention ... well, you know.
It was 1977 and Queen Elizabeth of England was celebrating her silver jubilee when British punk-rock group the Sex Pistols released "God Save the Queen." In response to lyrics like "God Save The Queen/She ain't no human being" the BBC banned the song.
Prince's song "Darling Nikki" was about a young lady who did something ... naughty with a magazine. According to Time Magazine, the song's lyrics inspired wife of then Sen. Al Gore, Tipper Gore, to found the Parents Music Resource Center which led to "Parental Advisory" labels on albums. So thanks for that, Prince.
The Beatles' 1968 hit "Revolution" angered some in its urging of peace and love when so many were protesting the war in Vietnam and calling for rebellion against the establishment.
Michael Jackson's song "They Don't Care About Us" featured the line "Jew me, sue me, everybody do me/ Kick me, kike me, don't you black or white me" and lead to charges of anti-semitism in 1996. The singer apologized and promised that later versions of his single and album would not contain the references.
NWA's 1988 debut studio album "Straight Outta Compton" included the tune "F*** Da Police" which as you can imagine did not go over well with the law enforcement community.
The words "Imagine there's no heaven" was enough for John Lennon to run afoul of religious groups in 1971 when he released the now iconic tune "Imagine."
Rapper Rick Ross apologized in April 2013 for what he said was a misinterpretation of the lyrics "Put Molly all in her champagne/ She ain't even know it/ I took her home and I enjoyed that/ She ain't even know it" as advocating date rape in the song "U.O.E.N.O." That didn't stop him from losing an endorsement deal with Reebok over the controversy.
Blondie's 1981 hit "Rapture" has a line that sounds pretty risque. We will leave you to Google that.
Rapper LL Cool J, left, and country artist Brad Paisley wanted to stir dialogue with their 2013 collaboration "Accidental Racist." Let's just say that did not go as planned.
Eminem rapped about murdering his now ex-wife in the 2000 song "Kim."
Guns N' Roses 1988 song "One in a Million" was deemed homophobic and racist. Lead singer Axl Rose later said in an interview that he was "pro-heterosexual."
The Anti-Bullying Alliance took on rapper J. Cole in July 2013 for his use of the word "retarded" during a guest appearance on fellow rapper Drake's song "Jodeci Freestyle." Both Cole and Drake apologized.
Before he was an actor, Ice T was a rapper and also performed with the heavy metal band Body Count. In 1992 their collaboration on the song "Cop Killer." It drew criticism from then President George Bush.
