2 Live Crew was an American hip hop group from Miami, Florida, that gained widespread attention in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Founded by DJ Mr. Mixx (David Hobbs) and Amazing V (Yuri Vielot), the group later included Fresh Kid Ice (Christopher Wong Won) and Luther Campbell, also known as Luke Skyywalker, who became the group's frontman and a key figure in its rise to fame. The group's music was characterized by its explicit lyrics, which often focused on sexually explicit content, party themes, and urban street life. This provocative style led to significant controversy and legal battles over issues of obscenity and free speech.

One of the most notable controversies surrounding 2 Live Crew occurred with the release of their 1989 album "As Nasty As They Wanna Be." The album was declared legally obscene by a U.S. District Court in Florida, a decision that was later overturned on appeal, marking a significant moment in the debate over artistic freedom and censorship. This legal battle drew national attention and highlighted the broader cultural tensions around rap music and its portrayal of sex and violence. Despite, or perhaps because of, the controversy, 2 Live Crew became icons in the hip hop community, known for pushing the boundaries of free expression and challenging societal norms. Their influence is seen in the way they opened doors for subsequent artists to explore more explicit and controversial themes in their work.