Approaching edgy lyrical content

After an interesting recent discussion with YM we're Interested in your thoughts on handling edgy content - credibility vs positivity and what and when to censor, if at all….

We're Upfaders -  a tech/DJ/MC project in York working at the sharp end of things. We do our best work with the most challenging/challenged young people and a perpetual hot potato over the last 10 years, from the happy hardcore MC days to todays grime scene, is how we handle lyrical content in recording and performance. We just released a new grime video which is really strong musically and visually but YM understandably have concerns about sharing an unedited version through their fundraising channels. It's got some profanity but also some threatening lines and an aggressive tilt at times (this is actually just young people from really tough backgrounds being defensive/venting)

To maintain credibility, which is vital for us, we have be realistic - we all listen to music with profanity and it's everywhere yet we're trying to encourage young people in a positive way. So when is it justified and when should it be censored? 

Here, we encourage cathartic 'blowing off steam" but we try to make participants aware that 'clean' or 'radio' versions are just part of the game. On the other hand, who really wants to listen to those radio mixes? They're usually $h!t. NWA's 'Straight outta Compton' for example is virtuoso toilet mouth stuff, wouldn't be half the record without all the cussing....but then some people can swear better than others! My only rigid policy is when it get's racist or sexist etc then i jump on it hard. All the 'yo mama' stuff is old anyway.

It can get uncomfortable when young people are too profane - mainly because they often belittle their own intelligence and live up to negative stereotypes.

It's a fine and slippery line - What's your thoughts and experiences? 

cheers, Dan (Upfaders)