What makes As Nasty As They Wanna Be by 2 Live Crew notable?

This album became infamous for its explicit content, leading to a landmark obscenity trial that ultimately impacted First Amendment rights related to music. It was also the first album to be deemed legally obscene in the United States, igniting national debates about censorship, artistic expression, and the limits of free speech. As Nasty As They Wanna Be is the second studio album by 2 Live Crew, released in 1989. This project followed their debut, which had already established them as pioneers of Southern hip-hop and set the stage for the group's controversial approach to music and lyrics. At this point in their career, they were gaining significant notoriety, especially following their breakthrough success with the hit single 'Me So Horny.'

How many songs are on As Nasty As They Wanna Be?

As Nasty As They Wanna Be has 18 tracks, running approximately 79 minutes.

As Nasty As They Wanna Be

2 Live Crew · 1989

79 min · 18 tracks · Southern hip-hop

Provocative and unapologetic, this album blends raunchy humor with infectious beats, redefining hip hop's boundaries in the late '80s.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Me So Horny — This track became an anthem of sexual freedom and controversy, showcasing the group's signature blend of humor and provocative themes that defined their style.
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C’mon Babe — With its catchy hook and playful lyrics, this track captures the essence of 2 Live Crew's party-centric ethos while pushing societal boundaries around sexuality.
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Dirty Nursery Rhymes — This track parodies traditional nursery rhymes with explicit twists, exemplifying the group's knack for blending innocent forms with adult themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album's provocative style and legal controversies mark it as a significant moment in hip-hop history.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of bass-heavy beats that drive the rhythm across nearly all tracks.
Each track typically follows a verse-chorus structure, with explicit lyrics that often employ humor and wordplay.
Several tracks include call-and-response elements, engaging listeners directly and creating an interactive feel.
The pacing is maintained with short interludes and skits that break up the flow without losing momentum.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 8/10

Defined its genre or moment. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Me So Horny 4:36
2 Put Her in the Buck 3:57
3 Dick Almighty 4:52
4 C’mon Babe 4:43
5 Dirty Nursery Rhymes 3:07
6 Break It On Down 3:58
7 2 Live Blues 5:14
8 I Ain’t Bullshittin’ 4:26
9 Get Loose Now 4:36
10 The Fuck Shop 3:25
11 If You Believe in Having Sex 3:51
12 My Seven Bizzos 4:18
13 Get the Fuck Out of My House 4:37
14 Reggae Joint 4:14
15 Fraternity Record 4:47
16 Bad Ass Bitch 4:04
17 Mega Mixx III 5:45
18 Coolin’ 5:02

What to play next

Listen next

Live in Concert

1990

Go back to

Move Somethin'

1988

Full 2 Live Crew discography Artists like 2 Live Crew

Southern hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata