Rap Critic Asks Government to Investigate Album Sales

Rap music critic C. DeLores Tucker has asked the federal government to investigate whether record retailers are breaking the law by selling what she calls “obscene” rap lyrics to minors.

Tucker, chairwoman of the National Political Congress of Black Women, wrote the Justice Department a letter in December complaining about the negative impact of gangsta rap music on children. The Justice Department asked her to direct her complaints to the FBI.

In response to news media inquiries on Wednesday, the FBI released a statement announcing that it had received two complaints about rap lyrics. The statement said that the bureau was deciding whether any additional steps should be taken.

Six years ago, an FBI public affairs officer sent a “policy” letter to Priority Records contending that rap group N.W.A’s “F--- Tha Police” song encouraged violence against law enforcement officers. No further action was taken by the government.

In other cases, courts have repeatedly ruled that sexually explicit rap music is protected by the First Amendment and does not violate obscenity laws.

Record companies already put stickers on potentially offensive albums with a standard advisory notice that reads: PARENTAL ADVISORY, EXPLICIT LYRICS. The Recording Industry Assn. of America, the Washington group whose members account for 95% of the music released in the U.S., also initiated a program last year in which retailers are provided with posters to alert parents and children that some recordings may include graphic language.