The 2 Live Crew, known for their provocative and explicit lyrics, ignited significant controversy with their 1989 album As Nasty as They Wanna Be, making them a central figure in debates over free speech in music. Their raunchy, sexually explicit style, often criticized as crude and misogynistic, attracted both defenders of their First Amendment rights and detractors who found their content artistically lacking. Despite the backlash, the group popularized the Miami bass sound and pioneered the “booty rap” subgenre, blending dance-oriented beats with explicit chants. Originating in California, they relocated to Miami, where they gained fame under the guidance of Luther “Luke Skyywalker” Campbell, who infused their music with sleaze. Legal battles over obscenity laws, trademark infringement, and copyright issues, including a Supreme Court case affirming their parody rights, kept them in the spotlight. While their notoriety boosted album sales, internal tensions and declining commercial success led to lineup changes and solo pursuits, cementing their legacy as both cultural provocateurs and musical innovators.