20 Hit Albums from the Early 2000s That Wouldn’t Pass Modern Censorship Laws
The early 2000s were a wild time for music. It was a period marked by boundary-pushing lyrics, controversial album covers, and themes that made parents nervous with horror. Today, many of these albums might not see the light of day thanks to stricter censorship laws and a more sensitive social climate. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit 20 hit albums from that era that would undoubtedly face backlash if released today.
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Eminem – “The Marshall Mathers LP” (2000)
Eminem’s third studio album was a masterclass in controversy. Tracks like “The Real Slim Shady,” “Stan,” and “The Way I Am,” directed by Philip G. Atwell and Dr. Dre, featured Eminem in various comedic scenarios, critiquing pop culture. From lyrics discussing violence, drug use, and misogyny to offensive slurs and homophobic remarks, this album would be a censorship nightmare today. Songs like “Kim” and “Stan” significantly push the boundaries of acceptable content, making Eminem the poster child for parental advisory stickers.
Ludacris – “Back for the First Time” (2000)
Ludacris’s debut major label album brought crunk and dirty South rap to the mainstream. Notable tracks of the album, like “What’s Your Fantasy” and “Southern Hospitality,” became club anthems back then, but these same tracks, like “What’s Your Fantasy,” would be flagged for explicit sexual content today. Ludacris’s irreverent and often explicit lyrics would have the censors working overtime.
Britney Spears – “Oops!… I Did It Again” (2000)
The 2000s music scene is incomplete without mentioning Britney Spears. The music video by Britney Spears, released in 2000, features an iconic space theme directed by Nigel Dick. Dressed in a red latex jumpsuit, Britney performs choreographed dance routines on a Mars-like set. The storyline includes an astronaut who gifts her a heart-shaped necklace, referencing the “Titanic” film. While not explicit in lyrics, Britney’s image and music videos promoted a hyper-sexualized image of the young pop star. The provocative schoolgirl outfits and suggestive dance moves would likely draw criticism in today’s more cautious pop culture landscape.
Kid Rock – “The History of Rock” (2000)
This album is a compilation by Kid Rock, featuring remixed and re-recorded versions of songs from his earlier albums and a few new tracks. Notably, the album includes “American Bad Ass,” which samples Metallica’s “Sad but True.” The music video for “American Bad Ass” features Kid Rock riding a motorcycle and performing with his band, highlighting his rebellious persona. Kid Rock’s blend of rap, rock, and country often included references to drug use, partying, and explicit language. These tracks would face scrutiny for their aggressive tone and explicit lyrics.
OutKast – “Stankonia” (2000)
OutKast’s fourth studio album was revolutionary, blending various genres and pushing lyrical boundaries. Songs like “Ms. Jackson” and “BOB,” directed by F. Gary Gray, featured surreal visuals, including a stormy, dilapidated house and interactions with various animals, symbolizing the tumultuous relationship described in the song. While iconic, tracks like “We Luv Deez Hoez” were undoubtedly misogynistic.
Marilyn Manson – “Holy Wood (In the Shadow of the Valley of Death)” (2000)
This concept album explored themes of fame, violence, and the American Dream. It completed a trilogy with “Antichrist Superstar” and “Mechanical Animals. Marilyn Manson’s provocative persona and disturbing lyrical content made him a target for censorship even in 2000. This album’s themes of violence, anti-religion, and rebellion would likely be too much for today’s censors, too.
Limp Bizkit – “Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water” (2000)
Fred Durst and the company’s third album was a vulgar exploration of nu-metal, with profanity-laden tracks like “Hot Dog” and “Rollin.” Filmed atop the World Trade Center, it ended up winning the Best Rock Video at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards. Despite the accolades, the album would be heavily censored today, especially given its casual use of explicit language and themes of aggression.
Nelly – “Country Grammar” (2000)
Nelly’s debut album was known for its iconic hip-hop track and catchy chorus with a unique blend of country and rap elements. The song’s lyrics depict Nelly’s upbringing in St. Louis, Missouri, and the urban lifestyle of the Midwest. It reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received widespread acclaim for its innovative sound. But hold and behold, songs like “Ride with Me” and “EI” were filled with references to drug use and explicit content. His playful yet suggestive lyrics would likely be toned down under stricter guidelines.
DMX – “The Great Depression” (2001)
DMX’s fourth album continued his raw, unfiltered rap trend, featuring powerful imagery reflecting social issues and personal struggles. Joseph Kahn directed the song’s video and also used rapid cuts and intense visuals to match DMX’s raw, emotional delivery. It portrayed scenes of urban decay, prison life, and societal oppression, highlighting themes of resilience and defiance. In the modern scenario, however, the album’s fate would be met with defiance.
Jay-Z – “The Blueprint” (2001)
The album featured lyrical prowess, masterful production, and insightful storytelling. The track list includes iconic songs like “Takeover,” “Izzo (HOVA),” and “Song Cry.” Produced primarily by Kanye West, Just Blaze, and Timbaland, it revolutionized the genre with its soulful samples and innovative beats. While “The Blueprint” is celebrated as a hip-hop classic, tracks like “Girls, Girls, Girls” and “Renegade” (featuring Eminem) included themes and language that might be considered inappropriate due to their explicit content and themes.
Missy Elliott – “Miss E… So Addictive” (2001)
Missy Elliott pushed musical boundaries with her unique style and innovative beats. The “Get Ur Freak On” video directed by Dave Meyers was iconic for its surreal visuals and intricate choreography. It showcased Missy’s eccentric style with scenes like her hanging from a chandelier and interacting with bizarre characters. Songs like “One Minute Man” also featured cameos from Ludacris and Trina. But these tracks now would raise eyebrows for their suggestive lyrics and sexual innuendo.
D12 – “Devil’s Night” (2001)
Eminem’s group project with D12 was just as controversial as his solo work. The video showcased the group’s six members: Eminem, Proof, Bizarre, Kuniva, Kon Artis, and Swifty McVay. Set in a chaotic urban environment, the song included dark, surreal imagery reflecting the song’s themes of rebellion and mayhem. Tracks like “Purple Pills” glorified drug use, and the album was rife with explicit language and themes of violence, making it a prime candidate for censorship.
Ja Rule – “Pain Is Love” (2001)
Directed by Dave Meyers, the album’s songs showcased themes of romance and heartache, aligning with the album’s overall tone. Ja Rule’s third album featured hits like “Livin’ It Up” and “Always on Time,” but it also included explicit content about sex, drugs, and violence. Today’s censors would likely have a field day with the lyrical content.
System of a Down – “Toxicity” (2001)
System of a Down’s politically charged second album tackled the band performing the song in a dark, industrial setting. Interspersed with the performance were rapid-fire scenes of Los Angeles, highlighting its chaotic and diverse urban life, including heavy themes like drug addiction, violence, and social injustice. Songs like “Chop Suey!” and “Prison Song” contained lyrics that might be considered too explicit or provocative meaning.
50 Cent – “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” (2003)
50 Cent’s debut album was a gritty depiction of street life, and unsurprisingly, they were filled with references to violence, drugs, and sex. Although Tracks like “In da Club” and “PIMP” helped cement 50 Cent’s image in hip-hop. Today, it would undoubtedly face censorship for its explicit content and glorification of a criminal lifestyle.
Christina Aguilera – “Stripped” (2002)
Christina Aguilera’s transformation from pop princess to a more mature, sexual persona on “Stripped” included provocative songs like “Dirrty” and “Beautiful.” Its bold visuals, including a scene of Aguilera drenched in black paint, were a testament to her artistic evolution. “Stripped” became a cultural phenomenon, solidifying Aguilera’s status as a boundary-pushing artist unafraid to defy expectations. However, the explicit nature of her lyrics and the themes of sexual liberation would likely draw scrutiny today.
NERD – “In Search Of…” (2001)
Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo’s band NERD combined rock, funk, and hip-hop with eclectic music, and the videos also captivated audiences. Directed by Diane Martel and Paul Hunter, album singles “Lapdance” and “Rock Star” showcased the band’s dynamic energy and rebellious spirit. “Lapdance” notably featured political imagery and provocative visuals, challenging societal norms. Needless to add, these tracks, for their overtly sexual lyrics and political undertones, would face challenges in today’s more regulated music industry.
Lil’ Kim – “La Bella Mafia” (2003)
Lil’ Kim’s third album continued her trend of explicit lyrics and provocative themes. Tracks like “The Jump Off” and “Magic Stick” and the title track, “La Bella Mafia,” featured lyrics that delved into themes of sexuality and the rapper’s lavish lifestyle. Collaborations with artists like Missy Elliott and Twista added depth to the album’s sound. The video, directed by Chris Robinson, showcased Kim’s commanding presence amidst lavish settings and flashy visuals. These tracks were so rich with sexual content that would likely be censored or edited for modern audiences.
Blink-182 – “Take Off Your Pants and Jacket” (2001)
It had comedic elements, with Mark Hoppus dressed as a janitor and Travis Barker as a PE coach. The song’s playful tone resonated with the band’s youthful fanbase and contributed to the album’s commercial success. But like every other album on the list, this pop-punk album was also known for its juvenile humor and explicit content. Songs like “Happy Holidays, You B******” and “Anthem Part Two” included explicit language and themes that would be too much for today’s people.
The Strokes – “Is This It” (2001)
The Strokes’ debut album was a critical success, especially with its black-and-white cinematography and gritty atmosphere. The lyrics, written by lead singer Julian Casablanca, offered a blend of existential questioning and youthful rebellion. Songs like “New York City Cops” (which was replaced in the US version post-9/11) and “Barely Legal” would surely be scrutinized today for their suggestive lyrical content.
