Stores Warned Not to Sell Album by 2 Live Crew

Police warned record stores Tuesday to stop selling the controversial album “As Nasty As They Wanna Be” by rap group 2 Live Crew or face possible obscenity charges.

“There’s no prior restraint. We’re just asking for voluntary compliance,” said Lt. Jerry Pittman, commander of the vice squad.

In about five days, police will begin conducting undercover investigations and arresting anyone still selling the album, Pittman said.

“Unfortunately, when something like that occurs, the clerk that sells the record is often the one that gets arrested,” he said. “I don’t think the business owners want that.”

Pittman said Bexar County Assistant Dist. Atty. Mike Schill reviewed transcripts of the album lyrics and listened to them on tape before determining that some words violate state obscenity law.

In Florida last week, U.S. District Judge Jose Gonzalez ruled material on the album obscene under that state’s law. On Sunday, two 2 Live Crew members were arrested on obscenity charges after performing the banned lyrics.