Explicit Censoring

Ever since "explicit lyrics" warning stickers were introduced in 1985, artists have been only too happy to have their albums labeled, figuring kids who want graphic material will see the sticker as incentive to buy the disc. Following that reasoning, surely they'll welcome the latest move from the BMG Music Group, which is getting explicit with the explicit lyrics stickers. Starting July 31, discs on the group's BMG, RCA, J and Arista imprints will, when necessary, include "parental advisory" stickers updated with additional warnings about strong language, violent content or sexual content. The first disc to contain the new labels will be Lady May's (not Billie Holiday, silly) May Day, which comes out July 31 on Arista and will include warnings of strong language and sexual content. In addition to upcoming releases, previously issued albums will be affixed with updated advisories when new pressings are made, a BMG spokesman said.