Sounds Music Stocks Clean Hip-Hop With Lyrics Removed

Sounds Music stores are responding to calls by concerned parents by launching an exclusive range of top ten and classic hip hop albums that have had the explicit lyrics removed.

The move comes at a time when parents are expressing increasing concerns around the explicit lyrics featuring in popular music. The clean albums give parents the ability to buy popular albums for their children to listen to without being concerned about the nature of the lyrics.

“It’s really about offering more choice to consumers,” says Sounds National Buyer Matt Ruys. “Many parents are concerned about the type of language that’s becoming more prevalent in music, but they also don’t want their kids to have to miss out on the albums being released by today’s hip hop and R&B artists.”

The clean versions are exactly the same as the original recordings, however the explicit lyrics have been removed by either duplicating other words, replacing words, or removing words to leave instrumentals only.

“It really doesn’t detract from the sound of the song, but it does open up the music for much younger listeners,” says Matt Ruys. “At Sounds, we really love music and so it’s great that we are able to find a way to ensure kids are getting the best sounds while parents are also feeling comfortable about the music their children are listening to.”

The move follows trends in the United States, where key retail chains such as Walmart have dedicated huge retail sections to “clean versions”.

The clean albums range from the latest releases, such as 50 Cent’s new top ten album, Curtis, and Kanye West’s popular Graduation, to hip hop perennials like Dr Dre, 2Pac and Notorious BIG.

The exclusive range will be available at selected Sounds Stores nationally from Monday October 15th. Prices are the same as the regular versions.

ENDS