Who would have known that Kanye West was in this song?
From Jim Metrock:
BusRadio just doesn’t "get it."
Here’s a perfect example.
There’s a new song in their play rotation called "American Boy."
BusRadio says the song is by an English rap singer named Estelle. That is only partially true. Actually the song is "American Boy featuring Kanye West." Kanye West is known for his explicit lyrics. In fact you get a taste of his foul mouth in the video below for this BusRadio-promoted song.
Here we go again – BusRadio is playing the "clean" version of a "dirty" song.
Here is the start of the song played on BusRadio. CLICK HERE
A parent listening to this song on BusRadio.com wouldn’t pick up on what BusRadio is doing. The song starts with the chorus sung by the main singer Estelle. The opening of the song by Kanye West was removed by BusRadio. They also remove all mention of Kanye West on their website that streams the music played on the buses.
I’m not saying that BusRadio should have included the Kanye West portion of the song, I’m saying if an explicit artist is featured in a song, and certainly if the song contains vulgarity as this song does, then BusRadio should not play it in any form. Kids will listen to the song on BusRadio and they will download the song and they will get Estelle AND Kanye West.
There are even problems with the "clean" version that BusRadio played for kids. If you listened to the audio file above, you heard these lyrics:
I just met this 5 foot 7 guy who’s just my type.
I like the way he’s speaking his confidence is peaking.
Don’t like his baggy jeans but I like what’s underneath them.
"Confidence is peaking" is talking about an erection. Watch the music video below and you will have no doubt. When this line is sung kids see a man looking at his crotch. These images and words are pieced together with an intent. Nothing is done randomly.
BusRadio thought it was OK to have a song with "Don’t like his baggy jeans but I like what’s underneath them." Can you imagine young people singing along with this song on their school bus?
The music video of "American Boy."
Lyrics of American Boy by Estelle Featuring Kanye West
[Kanye West:]
This another one champion sound
Yeah, Estelle we ’bout to get down
We the hottest in the world right now.
Just touched down in London town.
Bet they give me a pound.
Better put the money in my hand right now.
Tell the promoter we need more seats,
We just sold out all the floor seats
[Chorus: Estelle]
Take me on a trip, I’d like to go some day.
Take me to New York, I’d love to see LA.
I really want to, come kick it with you.
You’ll be my American Boy.
He said Hey Sister.
It’s really really nice to meet ya.
I just met this 5 foot 7 guy who’s just my type.
I like the way he’s speaking his confidence is peaking.
Don’t like his baggy jeans but I like what’s underneath them.
And no I ain’t been to MIA
I heard that Cali never rains and New York wide awake.
First let’s see the west end.
I’ll show you to my bridrens.
I’m like this American Boy. American Boy
[Chorus:]
Take me on a trip, I’d like to go some day
Take me to New York, I’d love to see LA.
I really want to come kick it with you.
You’ll be my American Boy
Can we get away this weekend.
Take me to Broadway.
Let’s go shopping baby then we’ll go to a Cafe.
Let’s go on the subway.
Take me to your hood.
I neva been to Brooklyn and I’d like to see what’s good.
Dress in all your fancy clothes.
Sneaker’s looking Fresh to death I’m lovin’ those Shell Toes.
Walkin’ that walk.
Talk that slick talk.
I’m likin’ this American Boy. American Boy.
[Chorus:]
Take me on a trip, I’d like to go some day.
Take me to New York, I’d love to see LA.
I really want to come kick it with you.
You’ll be my American Boy
Let them know a gwan blud
[Kanye West:]
Who killin’ em in the UK. Everybody gonna to say you K, reluctantly, because most of this press
Don’t f**k with me. Estelle once said to me, cool down down don’t act a fool now now. I always
Act a fool oww oww. Ain’t nothing new now now. He crazy, I know what ya thinkin’. White Pino I
Know what you’re drinkin’. Rap singer. Chain Blinger. Holla at the next chick soon as you’re
Blinkin. What’s you’re persona. about this American Rhymer. Am I shallow cause all my clothes
Designer. Dressed smart like a London Bloke. Before he speak his suit bespoke. And you thought
He was cute before. Look at this P Coat, Tell me he’s broke. And I know you’re not into all
That. I heard your lyrics I feel your spirit. But I still talk that CAAASH. Cause a lot wags
Want to hear it. And I’m feelin’ like Mike at his Baddest. The Pips at they Gladys. And I know
They love it. so to hell with all that rubbish
[Estelle:]
Would you be my love, my love.
Could be mine would you be my love my love, could you be mine
Could you be my love, my love.
Would you be my American Boy. American Boy
Take me on a trip I’d like to go some day
Take me to Chicago, San Francisco Bay
I really want to, come kick it with you
You’ll be my American boy
[Chorus:]
Take me on a trip, I’d like to go some day
Take me to New York, I’d love to see LA.
I really want to come kick it with you.
You’ll be my American Boy
La da da, da da, de da
La da da, da da, de da
American boy
