Low End Derrick
Veteran
The Big List of Problematic Artists and Songs — Revolutionary Exchange Productions
The following is a comprehensive list of all the musical artists that have engaged in problematic behavior or have problematic content. This list isn’t complete (yet, but I’ll add your suggestions). This list also doesn’t tell you how you should respond to these artists and songs, that’s up to you. This is for your informational purposes so you can decide that your playlist, show, karaoke performance doesn’t accidentally get you in trouble. If you promote or perform one of these artists/songs, be aware of what message you MIGHT be sending to listeners by your endorsement. The original intent of the artist doesn’t really matter in this context, unless EVERYONE in the audience knows that context. Otherwise, the trauma inflicted by hearing such words still occurs.
Notes: There are no claims made about artists on this page, just links to publicly-available claims. The list is focused on the U.S. (where I live) and artists that perform in English (since I don’t have translation skills).
Some notable names:
Dr. Dre, NWA: Has been accused of multiple incidents of violence against women, including Dee Barnes, an incident he made fun of on later music. Other women to accuse him of violence include Michel'le, Lisa Johnson, Tairrie B and ex-wife Nicole Plotzker. Plead guilty to battery against a police officer. Convicted to two battery accounts. Reportedly left his daughter LaTanya and her four children homeless because “she talked about him in the press.” Released a long series of songs with misogynistic and homophobic lyrics.
Elvis Presley: Started his relationship with Priscilla when she was 14 and he was 24. He carried around a gun and often brandished it or fired it when angry. He controlled Priscilla's clothing, makeup and appearance. He used to hit Priscilla. Priscilla implied that Elvis sexually assaulted her. Elvis regularly gave an underage Priscilla drugs, particularly Dexedrine, and she overdosed and almost died. Multiple accusations of other such violence, sex and grooming, particularly with underage girls.
Eric Clapton, Cream/The Yardbirds/Derek & the Dominoes: Anti-vaxxer. Espoused racist anti-immigrant views. Opposed a law that would ban fox hunting. Accused of stealing a song from Black man Louise King Mathews without credit. Told a concert audience to "keep Britain white." Supported a racist far-right politician Enoch Powell. When he was 23, had a relationship with a 17-year-old girl, Alice Ormsby-Gore, who he got hooked on heroin. She latter died from her addiction. Admitted to forceably having sex with his wife, Pattie Boyd.
Iggy Pop, The Stooges: Had a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old.
Mick Jagger, Rolling Stones: Had sex with a 17-year-old girl.
I wonder why there is/was a clamor to "cancel" some and not others...