Most Famous Controversial Musicians

# 27

Ice Cube

1991 Releases Death Certificate, addressing racial and social issues. The album is controversial but solidifies his reputation as a fearless artist.

# 26

Marriage to Tommy Mottola Mariah's marriage to Sony Music executive Tommy Mottola in 1993 was controversial. The marriage ended in divorce in 1998, with Mariah later describing it as controlling and restrictive.

# 25

Janet Jackson

2004 Controversial Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show performance with Justin Timberlake.

# 24

Wu Tang Clan

Once Upon a Time in Shaolin The group's unique album was sold for $2 million to controversial pharmaceutical executive Martin Shkreli, stirring significant media attention.

# 23

Beastie Boys

MTV Ban The video for "Fight For Your Right" was initially banned by MTV for its controversial content, but it later became one of the channel's most played videos.

# 22

Mick Jagger

"Sympathy for the Devil" A controversial and influential song showcasing Jagger's provocative lyricism and the band's versatility.

# 21

R Kelly

R. Kelly, a singer, songwriter, and producer, dominated the R&B scene in the 1990s and 2000s with hits like "I Believe I Can Fly" and "Ignition (Remix)”. Known for his smooth vocals and controversial personal life, Kelly's career has been marred by legal issues and accusations of sexual misconduct. Despite his musical success, his legacy is overshadowed by his criminal convictions and ongoing legal battles.

R. Kelly, born Robert Sylvester Kelly in 1967, emerged as a leading figure in R&B in the early 1990s with hits like "Bump N' Grind" and "I Believe I Can Fly”. His career highlights include multiple Grammy Awards and collaborations with top artists. However, his legacy is overshadowed by numerous legal issues and allegations of sexual misconduct, which have significantly impacted his reputation. Known for his contributions to R&B and his unique projects like "Trapped in the Closet” R. Kelly remains a controversial figure in the music industry.

# 20

Chris Brown

Christopher Maurice Brown (born May 5, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. Known for his smooth voice, impressive dance skills, and versatility in music, Brown has enjoyed a successful but controversial career in the music industry.

# 19

NWA

N.W.A (Niggaz Wit Attitudes) was an American hip-hop group from Compton, California, that became one of the most influential and controversial acts in the history of rap music. Formed in 1987, the group is often credited with helping to establish the genre of gangsta rap, characterized by its explicit lyrics and depiction of the harsh realities of urban life. N.W.A's unflinching portrayal of issues such as police brutality and racial inequality resonated with many and sparked widespread debate and controversy.

This controversial track directly addressed police brutality and racial profiling, leading to significant media attention and criticism from law enforcement agencies.

# 18

Donna Summer

Controversial Remarks Summer faced backlash for allegedly making anti-gay remarks during the AIDS crisis, which she later denied and clarified.

# 17

Miley Cyrus

Bangerz - Miley's fourth studio album, "Bangerz” represented a major shift in her career and public image, featuring hits like "We Can't Stop" and "Wrecking Ball”. The album's provocative style and controversial performances gained significant media attention.

2. "Wrecking Ball" (2013) - Known for its emotional depth and controversial music video, "Wrecking Ball" became one of her most iconic songs.

VMA Performance (2013) Miley's performance with Robin Thicke at the MTV Video Music Awards was highly controversial due to its provocative nature, drawing significant media attention and public debate.

Transformation Miley's transition from a Disney star to a more edgy and controversial figure has been widely discussed, with her "Bangerz" era being the most significant shift.

# 16

Bob Dylan

Controversial Nobel Prize In 2016, Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, which sparked debate over whether songwriting could be considered literature. It was a WTF moment! Dylan did not attend the ceremony but later accepted the award.

# 15

Steely Dan

The name Steely Dan came from a William S. Burrough's highly controversial 1959 novel – it was the name of a Dildo! Throughout they had a fine sense of their own mythology.

# 14

Madonna

Controversial Music Videos Madonna has often stirred controversy with her provocative music videos, notably "Like a Prayer," which included religious imagery that offended many.

# 13

David Bowie

Bisexuality Bowie was one of the first major rock stars to declare his bisexuality, which was controversial at the time but also helped challenge norms and open up discussions about sexuality.

# 12

Eminem

Eminem (born Marshall Bruce Mathers III on October 17, 1972) is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time and is known for his controversial and influential contributions to hip-hop. It’s fair to say that before him there were no white rappers taken seriously. He pioneered rap to a new audience, disaffected young white kids in rust belt America, voicing their concerns.

Controversial Lyrics Eminem has faced criticism and legal issues due to his provocative and often explicit lyrics, which address themes of violence, drug use, and personal struggles.

# 11

Sex Pistols

The Sex Pistols, pioneers of punk rock, exploded onto the scene in the mid-1970s with their rebellious attitude and raw sound. Known for their controversial behavior and anti-establishment lyrics, their album "Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols" remains a landmark in punk music. Despite their short career, their impact on music and culture was profound, inspiring countless punk and alternative bands. Like all fads they were born to die off but it was a fun ride – well if you liked being spat on onstage! After numerous breakups and reunions, the band's members have pursued various solo and collaborative projects.

"God Save the Queen" - Released the controversial single "God Save the Queen" during Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee. The song was banned by the BBC but reached number two on the UK Singles Chart.

Controversial Lyrics and Performances The band's explicit lyrics and chaotic performances often led to public outrage, including a notorious TV interview where Johnny Rotten used profanity on the local news show Bill Grundy on Granada TV. The six O’ clock timeslot was a bit inappropriate. However, Johnny Rotten would 20 years later be proven right on one issue that the establishment tried to cover up; Jimmy Saville was a sexual predator.

Manager Malcolm McLaren Known for his controversial management style, McLaren was instrumental in shaping the band's rebellious image but often clashed with members over creative and financial issues.

# 10

Rage Against the Machine

Controversial Performances The band's performances have often led to controversy, such as their appearance on "Saturday Night Live" in 1996, where they hung inverted American flags from their amplifiers, leading to their performance being cut short.

# 9

Skinny White Rock Chicks

They’re X-rated, uninhibited, controversial, take no prisoners with their ‘balls out’ Rock and roll. Only, they don’t have balls, just fragrant ‘lady parts’ (they claim). If you are a rock fan tired of aging, balding has-been guys they are a breath of fresh air, albeit mixed with the aroma of weed!

Drummer, Daisy Clunge (real name Laurie Adkins) is another controversial figure within the band. She riled up the LGBTQ community when she refused to be drawn into talking about gender politics during an interview by Rolling Stone magazine. All she would say was…

# 8

The Doors

The Doors, fronted by the enigmatic Jim Morrison, became one of the most iconic and controversial rock bands of the 1960s. Known for their psychedelic rock and blues-influenced sound, their hits include "Light My Fire” "Riders on the Storm” and "Break On Through (To the Other Side)”. Their dark, poetic lyrics and Morrison's charismatic stage presence defined an era. Following Morrison's death in 1971, the band disbanded shortly after, but their music continues to inspire and resonate with new audiences.

# 7

Prince

1980 Released the critically acclaimed album "Dirty Mind," noted for its controversial lyrics and blending of genres.

# 6

Aerosmith

Super Bowl Controversy In 2001, Aerosmith's Super Bowl halftime performance included a controversial wardrobe malfunction involving Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson.

# 5

Guns N' Roses

Guns N' Roses' blend of hard rock, punk, and blues has made them one of the most influential and controversial bands in rock history. Despite numerous challenges, their music continues to resonate with audiences around the world, solidifying their legacy as rock legends.

# 4