On Sunday, Feb. 1, Kendrick Lamar took home the Grammy for Record of the Year for his stunning duet with SZA, “Luther.”
During his acceptance speech, Kendrick revealed an interesting tidbit: in order to get the song cleared, he had to agree not to include any curses on the record—something he ultimately agreed to.
This is a common practice in rap music. When sampling a record, rappers often have to accept certain stipulations from the original rights holders. One of the most common? No profanity. Sometimes that results in lyrics being beeped out. Kendrick, however, chose a different route—he didn’t curse at all, a clear form of self-censorship.
This is a mild case of censorship in hip-hop. There have been more extreme examples that goes back years. Eminem is perhaps the most notorious example; several of his lyrics—references to child murder and even threats directed at the President—have been removed from official releases. The Notorious B.I.G. also had lines deemed too raw for wax, while Jay-Z has reportedly edited entire songs to appease sampled artists who found his profanity offensive.
And these instances extend well beyond just the biggest names. From Juelz Santana to Jadakiss, far more rap lyrics have been censored than you might expect. Continue reading for a history of rappers being forced to censor their lyrics.
This story was updated on Feb. 2, 2026.
Rakim on Eric B. & Rakim’s "My Melody" (1987)
Lyrics Censored: "I wouldn't have come to say my name and run the same weak [shit], putting blurs and slurs and words that don't fit in a rhyme."
Given the line immediately following "shit," this lyric was likely self-censored as a means of showing that Rakim found profane raps unnecessary.
KRS-One on Boogie Down Productions' "My Philosophy" (1988)
Lyrics Censored: "How many MC's must get dissed, before somebody says, 'Don't [fuck] with Kris.'"
Likely censored so "My Philosophy" could be pushed as a single. Kris is back to saying "fuck" by By All Means Necessary's next track, "Ya Slippin'."
Big Daddy Kane on "Just Rhymin' With Biz" (1988)
Lyrics Censored: "Aw, [fuck] it. The Kane is invincible."
It's likely that at least one of the sampled artists—Melvin Bliss, James Brown, and the Jimmy Castor Bunch—required censorship before clearance. (And couldn't understand Biz Markie saying "motherfuckin'" at the beginning.)
Public Enemy on "Fight The Power" (1989)
Lyrics Censored: "Elvis was a hero to most, but he never meant [shit] to me, you see. Straight up racist that sucker was simple and plain, [motherfuck] him and John Wayne."
"Fight The Power" samples 14 different songs. It's likely that one of the sampled artists had a problem with profanity.
Willie D on Geto Boys' "No Sellout" (1989)
Lyrics Censored: "And who was that clown from Washington? The son of a [bitch] who triple-crossed 'em."
Probably self-censored to avoid hyprocrisy stemming from Willie D announcing the song as a "clean cut" earlier in his verse.
Kool G Rap on Kool G Rap and DJ Polo’s "Money in the Bank" (1990)
Lyrics Censored: Entire Song
It's unclear as to the exact motive for censoring this song. It wasn't released as a single nor did it contain a sample.
Q-Tip on A Tribe Called Quest's "Excursions" (1991)
Lyrics Censored: "That continually, I pop my Zulu [shit]...but if your sis is a [bitch], brother is a jerk."
It's likely that at least one of sampled artists—the Last Poets, Shades of Brown, or Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers—required censorship before clearance.
Phife Dawg on A Tribe Called Quest's "Buggin' Out" (1991)
Lyrics Censored: "Mess around with this you catch a size eight up [your ass]."
The same story for "Excursion" goes for "Buggin Out," which samples songs by Jack DeJohnette, Lonnie Liston Smith, and Michał Urbaniak.
Phife Dawg on A Tribe Called Quest's "The Infamous Date Rape" (1991)
Lyrics Censored: Now tell me what the [fuck] are you supposed to do."
The same story for "Excursion" and "Buggin Out" goes for "The Infamous Date Rape," which samples songs by Jackie Jackson, Cannonball Adderley, and Les McCann.
Public Enemy on "1 Million Bottlebags" (1991)
Lyrics Censored: Entire Song
"1 Million Bottlebags" samples five different songs. One of the sampled artists most likely had a problem with profanity.
Public Enemy on "Get the Fuck Outta Dodge" (1991)
Lyrics Censored: Entire Song
Sly and the Family Stone wouldn't clear the "Sing a Simple Song" sample with the promise of censorship.
Wu-Tang Clan on "Protect Ya Neck" (1992)
Lyrics Censored: Entire Song
The legend goes that Loud Records wanted to push "Protect Ya Neck" as a radio single and thought it would make a better impression with less profanity.
Pete Rock & CL Smooth on "Skinz" (1992)
Lyrics Censored: Entire Song
"Skinz" samples songs by The Coasters, James Brown, and the Three Degrees. It's likely that at least one of the artists wouldn't clear without censorship.
King Tee on "Tha Great" (1993)
Lyrics Censored: "Sitting on the roof [shooting] at the fucking cops."
You can't threaten to kill police officers.
Sadat X on "Punks Jump Up to Get Beat Down" (1993)
Lyrics Censored: "Though I can freak, fly, flow, [fuck up a f****t. I don't understand their ways, I ain't down with gays]."
Only censored on some versions, including the one on The Very Best of Brand Nubian, because of backlash from the homophobic content.
The Notorious B.I.G. on "Gimme The Loot" (1994)
Lyrics Censored: "I wouldn't give a fuck if you're [pregnant], give me the baby rings and the "#1 Mom" pendant...bitches get [strangled] for their earrings and bangles."
Someone, rumored to be Puff Daddy, thought it was it too offensive.
The Notorious B.I.G. on "Machine Gun Funk" (1994)
Lyrics Censored: "For the jackers, the jealous ass crackers in the [blue suits], I'll make you prove that it's bulletproof."
Once again, you can't threaten to kill cops.
Pimp C on UGK's "Protect and Serve" (1994)
Lyrics Censored: "So call [unknown] and tell him what I said...and I'll be God damned if I don't get [unknown]."
The exact censored words haven't been revealed, but like the rest of the song, seem to involve threats directed at police.
Mobb Deep on "Shook Ones Part II" (1995)
Lyrics Censored: "To all the killers and a hundred dollar billas. For real [niggas] who ain't got no feelings."
Have you ever noticed that Prodigy and Havoc don't curse at all on "Shook Ones Part II"? Apparently, someone wanted to keep it that way—probably with the motive of radio play in mind—and the N-word was censored on both occasions it's mentioned in the song. Even on the final dirty version of the album.
Smif-N-Wessun on "Let's Git It On" (1995)
Lyrics Censored: "When beef gets thick, I stick with my Boot, Mr. Rippa, Mr. Fix, the awesome [real shit]."
There's no profanity on "Let's Git It On," and since it was packaged as a single, it was kept that way with a self-censor on the one curse word.
Method Man on 2Pac's "Got My Mind Made Up" (1996)
Lyrics Censored: "Like Hitler, sticking up [Jews] with German [Lugers]."
The Holocaust is sensitive stuff. The references were cut.
Prodigy on LL Cool J's "I Shot Ya (Remix)" (1996)
Lyrics Censored: "Some [Def] kids feeling guilty bout the [space shit]."
When the "I Shot Ya" remix was recorded, Keith Murray thought his beef with Prodigy was over.
Prodigy didn't and proceeded to diss Murray on the remix, on which Murray was also featured. Ballsy move. The line was censored, most likely in an effort,to ease tensions.
Prodigy on Mobb Deep's "In The Long Run" (1996)
Lyrics Censored: "Fuck a [f****t nigga] Keith Murray and his whole clique."
Likely another attempt by the label to ease tensions between the two artists.
Jadakiss on Puff Daddy's "It's All About The Benjamins" (1997)
Lyrics Censored: "You should do what we do, stack chips like [Hebrews]"
Was deemed too insensitive.
The Notorious B.I.G. on Puff Daddy's "Victory" (1997)
Lyrics Censored: "The son of [Satan], they say my killing's too blatant."
Was deemed too blasphemous. Labels don't like to mess with religion.
Jay-Z on "Streets Is Watching" (1997)
Lyrics Censored: Entire Song
British musician Labi Siffre wouldn't clear the "I Got The" sample without the promise of censorship.
Tragedy Khadafi on Capone-N-Noreaga's "Parole Violators" (1997)
Lyrics Censored: "Duct taping her, gag her mouth so she can't scream. Start [raping her]."
Was deemed too offensive.
2Pac on "God Bless The Dead" (1998)
Lyrics Censored: "I'm old enough to know that ain't no justice, [fuck the police] and all the courts, same way they fucked us."
Police threats get censored all the time.
DMX on "Slippin'" (1998)
Lyrics Censored: Entire Song
Grover Washington, Jr. wouldn't clear the "Moonstreams" sample without the promise of censorship.
Big Pun on "Still Not A Player" (1998)
Lyrics Censored: "I regulate every shade of the [ass], long as you show class and pass my test, fat [ass] and breasts."
A fully uncensored version has since surfaced, but it was never included on Capital Punishment.
Eminem on "My Name Is" (1999)
Lyrics Censored: "My English teacher wanted to [have sex] in junior high. [The only problem was, my English teacher was a guy]...extraterrestrial, [killing] pedestrians, [raping lesbians] while they screaming at me. 'Let's just be friends!'"
British musician Labi Siffre wouldn't clear the "I Got The" sample without the promise of censorship. The lyrics were changed on all versions of the album, including explicit copies.
Eminem on "I Just Don't Give A Fuck" (1999)
Lyrics Censored: "Went to gym in eight grade, [raped] the women's swim team."
Was deemed too offensive.
Dice Raw on The Roots' "Ain't Sayin' Nothin' New" (1999)
Lyrics Censored: "I just backslap [that ass] like Shaq did Ostertag."
The song doesn't have a sample. It just seems like the Roots like to keep their music free of profanity.
Eminem on Missy Elliott's "Busa Rhyme" (1999)
Lyrics Censored: "Hit a fucking [pregnant bitch] in her [stomach] with luggage."
Hitting pregnant women in the stomach isn't cool. Elektra didn't let it fly.
Eminem on Sway & King Tech's "Get You Mad" (1999)
Lyrics Censored: "I'll rip [Mystikal's] voice box out and scream in his ear."
The mixtape was released on Interscope, a Universal company. At the time, Mystikal was on Jive, a Sony company. So because there's no label conflict, it has to be because Sway and Tech really liked Mystikal. Eminem sarcastically disses plenty of other people on the track.
Mos Def on "Ms. Fat Booty" (1999)
Lyrics Censored: "Designer fabrics, shoes and accesories, chinky eyes, sweet voice is [fucking] on me mentally."
Aretha Franklin wouldn't clear the "One Step Ahead" sample without the promise of censorship.
Eminem on "Marshall Mathers" (2000)
Lyrics Censored: "Which is it bitch, Mrs. Briggs or Ms. Mathers? It doesn't matter [your attorney Fred Gibson's a] f****t."
Threat of lawsuit from the lawyer in Debbie Mathers' $10 million defamation suit.
Eminem on "I'm Back" (2000)
Lyrics Censored: "I take seven [kids] from [Columbine], stand 'em all in line...and that's a whole school of bullies shot up all at one time."
Making light of the Columbine High School shooting was deemed too offensive in the wake of the tragedy.
Eminem on "Kim" (2000)
Lyrics Censored: "There's a [four-year] old little [boy] laying dead with a slit throat, in your living room."
The topic of any other child murder was also deemed too offensive in the wake of the Columbine High School massacre.
Jadakiss on The LOX's "Blood Pressure" (2000)
Lyrics Censored: "When you see me, don't ask me nothing about us. And don't definately ask me nothing about [Puff]."
Likely pulled by Puff himself, who, at the time, still owned The LOX's publishing.
Mad Skillz on "Ghostwriter" (2000)
Lyrics Censored: Entire Song
Skillz namedropped a ton of he artists he claims to have ghostwritten for, but the names were edited out by his label. Through live performances, Diddy, Foxy Brown, Mase, Will Smith, and Jermaine Dupri have been identified as rappers he mentions in the first verse.
Canibus on "Chaos" (2000)
Lyrics Censored: "Flatter than the knife [Jigga] stabbed Un with."
Released under Universal, there was no country for implicating guilt on behalf of the guy who was finding tons of success at their label, Def Jam.
Canibus on "Horsementality" (2000)
Lyrics Censored: "Put a crown of thorns on whoever the king of rap is. If he's a [Catholic] I nail him to a crucifix."
Record companies really dislike religious threats.
Eminem on "I Remember" (2001)
Lyrics Censored: "But you're a homosexual, white rapping Irish [Muslim]. Man, I wish I was Irish, I could be a [Muslim], too."
It's likely that someone in power thought the religious jabs took the Everlast beef too far.
Pastor Troy on "Vica Versa" (2001)
Lyrics Censored: "God I'm confused, the feuds of all these motherfuckers, makin' me sick. [Virgin Mary never fucked nobody, but she suck dick]."
Was deemed too offensive for its highly blasphemous nature.
2Pac on "My Closest RoadDogz" (2001)
Lyrics Censored: "Labeled a Capo in the mob as big as the globe. To live and die as a millionaire, on [Death Row]."
The posthumous release was likely edited as to not raise any tensions years after 2Pac's death.
Eminem on D12's "Shit Can Happen" (2001)
Lyrics Censored: "Barricaded in a motel with 12 shotguns, so when the [cops] come knocking each hand's got one."
Seriously, record labels won't let you threaten cops.
J Dilla on "Fuck The Police" (2001)
Lyrics Censored: "Yeah, fuck 'em. Applaud any nigga [snuffin' em]."
Once again, another threat to harm cops getting cut.
UGK on "Ain't That A Bitch" (2001)
Lyrics Censored: Entire Song
B.B. King wouldn't clear the "Chains and Things" sample without the promise of censorship.
Cam'ron on "Dead or Alive" (2002)
Lyrics Censored: "The way I been treated in this industry? Not nicely. Little f****t motherfucker like [Mike Lighty]."
Mike Lighty's brother, famed A&R Chris Lighty, got wind of the lyric and pushed to get it censored to make nice.
Eminem on "White America" (2002)
Lyrics Censored: "Burn the [flag] and replace it with a Parental Advisory sticker."
Interscope was probably like, "Let's chill on the anti-American themes less than a year after 9/11, man."
Eminem on "Hailie's Song" (2002)
Lyrics Censored: "God, I'm a daddy. I'm so glad that her mom didn't [want her]."
The song wasn't originally recorded for public release, so when Dr. Dre encouraged its inclusion on The Eminem Show, the particularly insensitive lyric was edited.
Napoleon on 2Pac's "This Life I Lead" (2002)
Lyrics Censored: "[Bin Laden] on the phone and that nigga talkin crazy. I don't know who to blame, him or [Bush] for killing babies."
Was deemed insensitive after the September 11 attacks.
Missy Elliott on "Work It" (2002)
Lyrics Censored: "If you got a big [dick], let me search ya."
Likely censored and replaced with the elephant sound for an artistic touch. Missy says "pussy" on the song, so it's not like she or her label thinks "dick" is that big of a deal.
Eminem on "Love Me" (2002)
Lyrics Censored: "I'm the equivalent of what would happen if [Suge] rapped."
Likely censored out of respect for Dr. Dre's sensitive relationship with Suge Knight.
Eminem on D12’s "Rap Game" (2002)
Lyrics Censored: "I pipe down, when the [White House] gets wiped out. When I see that little [Cheney] dyke get sniped out."
You can't threaten the White House.
The Notorious B.I.G. on Jay-Z's "A Dream" (2002)
Lyrics Censored: "Time to get paid, blow up like the [World Trade]."
Originally uncensored when it was used a reference to the 1993 WTC bombing on Biggie's debut single "Juicy," the line was later edited when re-used on Jay-Z's 2002 song, in the wake of the September 11 attacks.
Tech N9ne on Absolute Power's "Intro" (2002)
Lyrics Censored: "Never have I said 'Hail Satan' in any of my music, dog. Maybe if I did, [JCOR] wouldn't have went bankrupt."
JCOR was most likely mentioned after mishandling Tech's previous album, Anghellic.
Juelz Santana on The Diplomats' "I Love You" (2003)
Lyrics Censored: "I worship the late prophet, the great Muhammad [Omar Atta for his courage behind the wheel of the plane, reminds me when I was dealing the 'caine]."
Worshipping Muhammad Atta and rapping about it wasn't something you could get away with 18 months after September 11.
DJ Paul on Three 6 Mafia's "Dangerous Posse" (2003)
Lyrics Censored: "Who we got in here: Juicy J, Lil Wyte, Frayser Boy, Crunchy Black, Lord Infamous, [La Chat], and me DJ Paul."
La Chat was no longer down with Hypnotize Minds by the time this record was released. Subsequently, her name was masked.
Juelz Santana on "Okay Okay" (2003)
Lyrics Censored: "A young [Muhammad Atta], no plane lessons, cocaine lessons."
Again, making light of the September 11 attacks was deemed too offensive in the wake of the tragedy.
Kanye West on "School Spirit" (2004)
Lyrics Censored: Entire Song
Aretha Franklin wouldn't clear the "Spirit in the Dark" sample without the promise of censorship.
Bizarre on D12's "Just Like U" (2004)
Lyrics Censored: "If Auntie Denise is short 40 cent, make her get on the ground and [suck] your [small] dick."
Censored because of references to sexual relations with a minor.
Ludacris on "The Potion" (2004)
Lyrics Censored: "Only standing five eight but still a big shot, plus I got a big [cock]."
Likely self-censored as an artistic choice. The rest of the record has profanity and the Timbaland beat doesn't contain a sample.
Eminem on "Like Toy Soldiers" (2004)
Lyrics Censored: "I went through my whole career without ever mentioning [Suge]."
Likely censored out of respect for Dr. Dre's sensitive relationship with Suge Knight.
Eminem on "We As Americans" (2004)
Lyrics Censored: "I don't rap for dead presidents; I'd rather see the President [dead]."
You can't threaten the President.
Game on "No More Fun and Games" (2005)
Lyrics Censored: "Fuck white bitches, nigga I like bitches. Them half-and-half Alicia [Keys] d**e bitches."
It's likely that the record label didn't want to offend or harm their relationship with Alicia Keys.
DJ Paul on Three 6 Mafia's "Posse Song" (2005)
Lyrics Censored: "It was little bitch nigga that's a killa on CD, but couldn't back it up when I saw him at [unknown]."
Likely censored to avoid potential self-incrimination.
Will Smith on "Tell Me Why" (2005)
Lyrics Censored: "And why the [fuck] can't love seem to defeat hate."
Will Smith don't gotta curse in his raps to sell records.
Prodigy on Mobb Deep's "Pearly Gates" (2006)
Lyrics Censored: "Tell [the boss man] we got beef, and tell [his only son] I'ma see him when I see him, and when I see him, I'ma [beat him like a movie]...we don't give a fuck about that [religious bullshit]."
Once again, record companies really dislike religious threats.
Eminem on "The Re-Up" (2006)
Lyrics Censored: "What to do next, he's already reconciled with his [ex], a chainsaw and an axe."
Eminem had re-married Kim in January 2006, but by December, they were divorced again.
Eminem on "No Apologies" (2006)
Lyrics Censored: "You fuckers are not ready, 'cause I got jelly, like [Beyonce's] pot belly."
Likely censored out of respect for Jay-Z. The two have worked together several times, both before and after the release of this The Re-Up track.
50 Cent on "Man Down" (2007)
Lyrics Censored: "These cocksucking [police] got it in for me. They [flash their lights], they wanna [rough] me up, [frisk me], find my burner and [cuff] me up. But history repeats itself, they never learn. The Unit's the new Bebo's who gon' [be Eddie Byrne]. Huh, we'll find out when niggas let off the rounds, and his [partner's] screaming [officer] down. [Police] get in the way, I'll murder them...they don't know what to say to the [captain]."
For the last time, you can't threaten cops.
Black Thought on The Roots' "Web 20/20" (2010)
Lyrics Censored: "No [homo], y'all some pains in the asses."
These guys are pretty politically correct. They censored "that ass" on Things Fall Apart a decade earlier.
Lil Durk on "L's Anthem" (2012)
Lyrics Censored: "[Brick Squad] I say fuck 'em, [Wugga World] with 'em so fuck 'em."
Instigating Chicago gang beef in music had previously resulted in murder.
Lil Wayne on Future’s “Karate Chop” (Remix) (2013)
Lyrics Censored: "Beat that pussy up like Emmett Till." (2013)
The original version of this leaked and Emmett Till and Rev. Jesse Jackson protested the infamous line. Soon after, a new version of the "Karate Chop" remix appeared online, with the words "Emmett Till" edited out of the song.
YG on “Meet the Flockers” (2014)
Lyrics Censored: “First: You find a house and scope it out/Find a Chinese neighborhood/‘Cause they don’t believe in bank accounts”
Years after the song's release, this YG line was removed as violence against the Asian-American community increased.
Kendrick Lamar on “Luther” (2024)
Lyrics Censored: The entire song
This is more of an example of self censorship, but it still counts. There are no curses on “Luther” and it’s exactly what the Vandross family would have wanted.