N.W.A » Tracks » Express Yourself

N.W.A – Express Yourself (5:48)

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About This Track

“Express Yourself” is a song recorded by American hip hop group N.W.A. The song, off their 1988 album Straight Outta Compton, samples Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band’s song of the same name. Unlike most songs on the album and by N.W.A, the song is almost devoid of profanity and violent content.

The song’s vocals are primarily handled by Dr. Dre though an extended version features interludes from Ice Cube and MC Ren.

The song’s lyrics center around ideas of free expression and the constraints placed on rappers by radio censorship. They also speak of the fact that other “rappers” are afraid to express themselves for fear of what other people might think and that they try to be like everyone else.

This song is featured in the video games Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4, EA’s Skate and in the movie Mr. & Mrs. Smith. However, the version featured in Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4 is slightly different.

In 1990 the Australian government youth radio station Triple J played the song on continuous loop for 24 hours (360 times in a row) whilst the station went on a protest strike against censorship. After playing NWA’s “Fuck tha Police” for six months, government action had forced the station to stop playing the song. At that time Triple J had been the only station in the world playing the controversial song. Continuously playing the band’s other popular song during this strike was deemed an appropriate response to show solidarity with the band and dissatisfaction with the decision.
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  • xlowerpwnx

    classic <3

    18 days ago

  • jettalowlife

    Blame it on Ice Cube

    23 days ago

  • dickhead-

    nostalgic. x

    27 days ago

  • ArcadeFirez

    They made a amazing song off one one of the funkiest songs ever.

    last month

  • AmMoKk

    I loove this Trak... Got since Iworkt for EMI-Electrola!! Nice memories!

    March 2012

  • kopiteza

    first heard this song on san andreas man that game exposed me to some good shit

    March 2012

  • linzi76

    loved this, used to learn all the words to show of in front of the boyz lol

    March 2012

  • blakemichigan3

    this song seems like it belongs on Mr. Hood rather than Straight Outta Compton. It is nothing like anything else on the album and is really strange hearing Dr. Dre talking about how weed causes brain damage

    February 2012

  • BeckaXstar

    <3

    February 2012

  • DastardlyDuce

    Love this track but the album version is so much better as it doesnt have that annoying screeching noise in the background.

    February 2012

  • madjock321

    good shit

    February 2012

  • madjock321

    brilliant

    January 2012

  • ivanshello

    бля вот откуда ilwt спиздили минус под семена-страпона)

    January 2012

  • Flesh-n-Bone

    This song is one of the greatest creations ever on this planet. Thankfully, it's also something that I will never lose!

    January 2012

  • Ariues

    koopa_516 says DJ Yella said he doesnt smoke weed but everybody thikns its dre cuz of the video. hmm

    December 2011

  • Pack95

    "I find it funny that in this song Dr. Dre says he doesn't smoke weed, yet he has an entire album about weed. " A lot of things can change in 4 years......[3]

    December 2011

  • chris818er

    bomb

    December 2011

  • TendaiMbofana

    hey drope mi 1 mic

    December 2011

  • LTL71

    'waTz up B.A.B.Y."

    November 2011

  • CowTownPunk

    this sounds so happy! :D

    November 2011
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