Cop Killer

Body Count, Ice-T

About Cop Killer

"Cop Killer" is a song composed by Ernie C with lyrics by Ice-T for American heavy metal band Body Count, of which they were both members. Released on Body Count's 1992 self-titled debut album, the song was written two years earlier, and was partially influenced by "Psycho Killer" by Talking Heads. The song's lyrics about "cop killing" provoked much controversy and negative reactions from political figures of the time, such as President George H. W. Bush and Vice President Dan Quayle, as well as Tipper Gore, co-founder of Parents Music Resource Center. Others defended the song on the basis of the band's First Amendment rights. Ice-T has referred to it as a "protest record." Ice-T eventually recalled the album and re-released it without the inclusion of the song, which was given away as a free single. 


Year:
2010
353 
#2

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I got my black shirt on.
I got my black gloves on.
I got my ski mask on.
This shit's been too long.

I got my twelve gauge sawed off.
I got my headlights turned off.
I'm 'bout to bust some shots off.
I'm 'bout to dust some cops off.

I'm a cop killer, better you than me.
Cop killer, f*ck police brutality!
Cop killer, I know your family's grieving,
(f*ck 'em!)
Cop killer, but tonight we get even, ha ha.

I got my brain on hype.
Tonight will be your night.
I got this long-assed knife.
And your neck looks just right.

My adrenaline's pumpin'.
I got my stereo bumpin'.
I'm 'bout to kill me somethin'.
A pig stopped me for nuthin'!

Cop killer, better you than me.
Cop killer, f*ck police brutality!
Cop killer, I know your momma's grieving,
(f*ck her!)
Cop killer, but tonight we get even, yeah!

Die, die, die pig, die!
F*ck the police!
F*ck the police!
F*ck the police!
F*ck the police!

F*ck the police!
F*ck the police!
F*ck the police!
F*ck the police!
Yeah!

Cop killer, better you than me.
I'm a cop killer, f*ck police brutality!
Cop killer, I know your family's grieving,
(f*ck 'em!)
Cop killer, but tonight we get even, ha ha ha ha, yeah!

F*ck the police!
F*ck the police!
F*ck the police!
F*ck the police!

F*ck the police!
F*ck the police!
F*ck the police!
F*ck the police!
Break it down.

F*ck the police, yeah!
F*ck the police, for darryl gates.
F*ck the police, for rodney king.
F*ck the police, for my dead homies.

F*ck the police, for your freedom.
F*ck the police, don't be a pussy.
F*ck the police, have some muthafuckin' courage.
F*ck the police, sing along.

Cop killer!
Cop killer!
Cop killer!
Cop killer!

Cop killer! what do you want to be when you grow up?
Cop killer! good choice.
Cop killer! I'm a muthafuckin'
Cop killer!

Cop killer, better you than me.
Cop killer, f*ck police brutality!
Cop killer, I know your momma's grieving,
(f*ck her!)
Cop killer, but tonight we get even!

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Body Count

Body Count is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1990. The group is fronted by rapper and actor Ice-T, who founded the group out of his interest in heavy metal music, taking on the role of vocalist and writing the lyrics for most of the group's songs. Lead guitarist Ernie C has been responsible for writing the group's music. Their controversial self-titled debut album was released on Sire Records in 1992. more »

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Written by: Ernest T. Cunnigan, Tracy Lauren Marrow

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Controversial theme
"Cop Killer" by Body Count was released in 1992 in the aftermath of the Rodney King incident, which led to widespread riots due to police brutality. The song's lyrics discuss racial tension and anti-police sentiments, provoking intense controversy.
Notable Band Member
Ice-T, famous for his work in hip-hop music and acting, is the lead singer of Body Count. The band integrally fuses heavy metal and rap music.
Public Outcry
Following its release, the Parents Music Resource Center called for the album's withdrawal from sale. The song elicited public outcry, with some people misinterpreting its lyrics as promoting violence against law enforcement.
Political Involvement
The controversy surrounding "Cop Killer" reached the political landscape, with President George H.W. Bush and Vice President Dan Quayle publicly criticizing the song. The National Black Police Association also opposed the song.
Retraction from Album
Ice-T voluntarily removed the song from all subsequent releases of the album, despite it being a big selling point. This was in response to the negative press and public backlash, and as part of a mutual agreement with Warner Bros. Records.
Ice-T's Explanation
Ice-T defended the song, stating that it was misunderstood. He said that it's a protest song against police brutality, and he’s playing a character in the song, not speaking personally.
Continued Controversy
Despite the song having been released almost three decades ago, its legacy continues to be controversial. It was brought back into public discourse during movements such as Black Lives Matter, reigniting debates about freedom of speech and the song's message.
Public Support
While "Cop Killer" faced strong criticism, it also had defenders, including the ACLU and other freedom of speech advocates. Ice-T received letters of support from fans who felt that the song reflected their resentment and frustration towards racial profiling by police.
Influence on Rap and Rock
Despite its controversy, "Cop Killer" had a lasting impact on the fusion of rap and rock genres, paving the way for other artists to experiment with such genre combinations.
Role in Ice-T's Acting Career
Ironically, after the song's release, Ice-T went on to play a police detective in the popular TV series "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," a role he continues to hold as of 2021.

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