15 Songs Featuring Profanity in Their Title | Playlist

1. Lennon Stella, “BITCH (takes one to know one)”

BITCH (takes one to know one) [Single] • RECORDS, LLC / Columbia • 2019

“You do the things you do, oh God / You know what they say / It takes a bitch to know a bitch / It takes a bitch to know a bitch.” Never underestimate the power of shock value.  Without context, a record like “BITCH (takes one to know one)” sounds totally risqué to the nth degree, thanks to its reference to a ‘female dog.’ But Lennon Stella isn’t being intentionally risqué or setting to her own sex back through the use of the infamous five-letter word, but rather she exhibits female power.

Throughout the course of “BITCH,” Lennon Stella seems to be totally disgusted by the behavior men can exhibit.  It begins with the first line of the first verse, where Stella criticizes his tasteless humor – “Driving through the canyon, you said it like a joke / … I know you won’t apologize / You sent me down the river to see if I would float away.”  Her disdain continues on the second verse, where it’s clear that she’s still pissed off, despite him brushing it off.

“You walk into the party, you’re laughing with our friends
You make it look so easy, but I just can’t pretend
How can you act like everything’s alright…?
Somebody take this weight away.” 

Ugh, the bro totally messed up, and Lennon Stella takes matters into her own hands – get it girl! Musically, “BITCH (takes one to know one)” is respectably produced, and Stella sings well.  Still, it’s the messaging, sort of a bold means of female empowerment, that serves as the crowning achievement of this pop joint. “BITCH (takes one to know one)” previously appeared on the playlist 11 Awesome Songs that Tickled My Fancy in March 2019.

2. Sheck Wes, “Mindfucker”

Mudboy • Interscope • 2018

“You fuck everything with your mind, nigga / You’re a mothafuckin’ mindfucker.” Okay… Rapper Sheck Wes is best known for one particular, totally ubiquitous, viral hit, “Mo Bamba”.  “Mo Bamba” appears on Wes’ 2018 debut album, Mudboy. A more profanely-titled song, “Mindfucker,” matches the criteria for this profanity-laced playlist. Man, oh man, what a title.

“Put my thoughts in my pen and bullets in my weapon / And I pray and say amen anytime a nigga stressin’ / But my mind my greatest weapon…” “Mindfucker” appears as the opener on Mudboy, and what a hell of an opener it is.  The production is dark and unsettling, instrumentally capturing the sound of a mind fuck. During an extended intro, Sheck Wes sets the tone before spitting the sole verse of the record.  During the verse, excerpted above, naturally, Wes characterizes his mentality in the rap game, and, embraces his role as a ‘mindfucker.’ “Mindfucker” previously appeared on the playlist 11 Songs Where the Mind is the Focal Point.

3. Alexander Stewart, “Best Damn Thing”

Best Damn Thing [Single] • Cherrytree • 2018

Among the ‘buried treasure’ of December 2018 was “Best Damn Thing”, a compelling pop single courtesy of 19-year old Canadian singer and YouTuber Alexander Stewart.  Missing out on “Best Damn Thing” would be a “damn” shame. The record is chocked-full of excellence including production work characterized by a sick palette that includes electric piano, thudding kick drum, rhythmic synths, and rhythmic guitars.  While the sound is fresh, it also hearkens back to 80s pop and New Wave.  Even cooler than the production work is Stewart himself, who has a brilliant voice, showcasing incredible versatility throughout the course of “Best Damn Thing.” The listener is blessed with his sweet falsetto, compelling middle register, and some exceptional ad-libs and nuances.  Amplifying his compelling case are layered vocals – more Alexander is always better.

So, the production is stellar, and Alexander Stewart is a gem, what are we leaving out? The songwriting.  Sure, anytime profanity graces the title of a song it piques interest and sometimes we end up criticizing the ‘shallowness’ of said song.  That’s not the case with “Best Damn Thing” which is pretty strong from start the finish (verses, pre-chorus, chorus, and bridge).  The chorus is simply infectious – among the “best damn things” about this record if you will.

“‘Cause you’re the best damn thing that I’ve ever seen
You’re the best damn thing that I’ve ever had
And I don’t know what I’d do if I ever lose you
‘Cause you’re the best damn thing that I’ve ever had
But I can’t do much if you’re over it
So tell me what to do
‘Cause I want to be the best damn thing that you’ve had too.”

4. The Carters, “APESHIT”

Everything is Love • Roc Nation / Sony • 2018

Question: “Have you ever seen the crowd goin’ ape-shit?” Rap banger “APESHIT” served as the single from the collaborative Jay-Z and Beyoncé project (as The Carters), Everything is Love. Notably, Everything is Love won the Grammy for ‘Best Urban Contemporary Album’ at the 61^st Annual Grammy Awards, which were held February 2019.

Beyoncé shines on the first verse with confident pop-raps, assisted by ad-libs by Quavo.  Chocked-full of gimmickry, it’s a fitting approach against the adventurous production by Pharrell Williams. Arguably, Bey may be even more electric on the third verse where there’s no shortage of assuredness and swagger. Jay-Z arrives on the second verse, fiery, dissing the Super Bowl, The NFL, and the Grammys (“Tell the Grammy’s fuck that 0 for 8 shit”). If nothing else, “APESHIT” is a memorable turn-up. It previously appeared on the playlist 13 Songs with Every Kind of Poo Imaginable.

5. Sofi Tukker, “Batshit”

Treehouse • Ultra • 2018 

From the get-go, the Sofi Tukker hit “Batshit” (Treehouse) is chocked-full of fun.  It’s danceable, infectious, and undoubtedly irresistible. Is it “batshit crazy?” A little bit.  Notably, Tucker Halpern has a much more substantial vocal role compared to other songs from the duo.  Sophie Hawley-Weld also gets in on the action, with arguably the most important part of the song – drum roll please – the titular lyric!

Hawley-Weld holds “batshit” down like a champ, while Halpern follows-up with “I’m batshit crazy.”  Notably, “Batshit” incorporates an interpolation of the narcissistic classic, “I’m Too Sexy”. “Batshit” previously appeared on the playlist 13 Songs with Every Kind of Poo Imaginable.

6. Ruston Kelly, “Asshole”

Asshole (Demo) • Rounder • 2018

“He pulled out his taser ‘cause he’s got no cock / Fucking cops.” Ruston Kelly, the hubby of Grammy-winning country darling Kacey Musgraves, refers to himself as an ‘asshole’ on “Asshole (Demo)”. Pretty straightforward, right? Merriam-Webster contextualizes the word as vulgar for “anus” or more pertinent here, “a stupid, annoying, or DETESTABLE person.” As for Urban Dictionary, there are a number of definitions, including the colorful, though quite possibly accurate, “Your current boss.”

Early on, as the aforementioned lyrical excerpt suggests, it’s obvious that Ruston Kelly is totally unapologetic.  The more unapologetic and rebellious a singer/songwriter is, typically the better.  His honesty and frankness on “Asshole” is a selling point.  After he’s arrested by the cops for being inebriated, influenced by “two [coke] junkies,” he asserts, “Lately, I’ve been thinking I need to make a change / In how I do and what I say and behave.”  Eventually, on the relatively raw record, we get to the proclamation we’ve all been waiting for – why he considers himself to be so ‘detestable’:

“Taking everything for granted
The moment someone does something nice I take advantage
Easy breezy only when it pleases me, I’ve been told
I’m kind of an asshole.”

7. ILLENIUM & Call Me Karizma, “God Damnit”

God Damnit [Single] • Astralwerks • 2018

“If there’s a God, why’d he make me? / All of these flaws is all that I see / If there’s a God, I don’t believe / Someone as perfect as you would love me / Goddamnit.” Hmm, someone’s a total scumbag… a total sinner… Perhaps repentance is necessarily after listening, but DJ/producer ILLENIUM (Nicholas D. Miller) and rapper/singer Call Me Karizma make sweet music together on “God Damnit”. It’s hard not be impressed with the work Miller does behind the boards.  The beats anchor the overall production, while the synths burst with brightness and sheer electricity.  In regard to the sound palette, Miller totally kills it.

“I fucked up, course I did
The more I think now
I should quit, forfeit the crown
Give this up to net let you down again.”

All of that said, specifically the repentant pre-chorus, ILLENIUM isn’t the only factor on “God Damnit.” Singer/rapper Call Me Karizma officially breaks the ten commandments. Like Miller, Call Me Karizma does a fantastic job with his role.  Not only does he sing well on the aforementioned chorus, he drops some sick bars too.  He’s blunt, admitting he’s ‘rough around the edges,’ referencing his many flaws previously addressed on the chorus.  Among the memorable lyrics are the likes of, “Fuck it, I’m young, I can act like an idiot / How many sins I gotta make ‘til I get the hint?”  Later, answers his own questions regarding a girl who ghosted on him, because, “Maybe ‘cause I flirt with every girl in existence / I blame it on the distance, that I’m being distant.”

“God Damnit,” ILLENIUM and Call Me Karizma know how to appeal to a sinner – “saved by grace,” mind you.  God’s probably not pleased, but the production is awesome, and the song is ultimately entertaining, relatable, well-executed, and well-performed.

8. Trippie Redd, “Bird Shit”

LIFE’S A TRIP • TenThousand Projects, LLC • 2018

“Leave that bullshit to the birds / Drippin’, drippin’, ha!” Well… Trippie Redd is one of a kind – understatement.  Unsurprisingly, “Bird Shit,” which appears on his 2018 LP, Life’s a Trip, is indeed ‘a trip.’  Naturally, the idiosyncratic rapper highlights ‘shit,’ bullshit, and birds throughout the course of this colorful, ‘s-bomb’ filled affair.  The profanity is alive and well.

A prime example is the ‘refrain’ section that occurs after the intro and prior to the first verse.

“All that bullshit for the birds, ay
You ain’t sayin’ nothing but a word, ay
Shitty niggas, you some turds, ay
Hating on a boy ‘cause I’m in first place.”

Beyond the refrain, Trippie Redd flexes like a boss and asserts, “Nigga cannot stress me / ‘Cause I’m getting’ money with the fucking gang.” Similarly, on the second verse, he spits, “Because I said I ball nigga like Vince Carter / Slaughter your daughter, bitch, I go harder, like Mr. Carter.” If that didn’t confirm the flex, the chorus does, with its references to VVS, money, and girls. He caps off the chorus with the line, “Let the birds talk, pussy nigga let the birds walk.” “Bird Shit” appeared previously on the playlist 13 Songs with Every Kind of Poo Imaginable.

9. Russ, “Fuck That”

ZOO • Columbia • 2018

According to Russ, the world hates him.  It’s at least partially true – the rapper, singer, and producer is a hip-hop ‘do-it-all,’ yet, has his fair share of skeptics.  On the other hand, he’s also experienced some success, so, not everybody is against him. One thing that I didn’t particularly care for that’s associated with Russ is his sophomore album, ZOO.  Honestly, ZOO was easily among the worst albums of 2018. The suspect sophomore album concludes in suspect fashion with the profane “Fuck That.”

Like he does during numerous instances on ZOO, Russ plays the victim. Unfortunately, the chip that’s on Russ’ shoulder doesn’t lead to rhymes that expand behind being basic.

“They want me to shut the fuck up, fuck that
They want my talent, my nuts tucked, fuck that
They’re tryna get me to hate me, fuck that
‘Cause y’all can’t ever ever play me, fuck that.”

Sure, it was the utterly annoying “The Flute Song” that landed a spot on the The 17 Worst Songs of 2018, but “Fuck That” definitely has a compelling case for the same honors.  “Fuck That” previously appeared on the playlist 11 Songs Where Rappers (and a Singer) Keep it Basic AF.

10-11. G-Eazy, “The Beautiful & Damned” & “Gotdamn”

The Beautiful & Damned • RCA • 2017

G-Eazy has proven he has staying power as one of the more successful white rappers in the game.  His ascent to the top continued with the release of his third album, The Beautiful & Damned, released in 2017.  Title track “The Beautiful & Damned” opens in foreboding fashion, capturing a truly damned sensibility. Adding to the darker vibes are the assertive, unique vocals by Zoe Nash.  She sets up G-Eazy with some fire, before he unleashes his hard-nosed rhymes with compelling flow intact.  As always, he’s confident to the nth degree and unapologetic AF.  The production work serves as ‘perfect fuel for the fire.’

G-Eazy and ‘potty-mouthed-ness’ seem to go hand in hand.  In essence, we get another damn song from the rapper from the same album.  This time, G is a bit more offensive with “Gotdamn.” A banger to say the least “Gotdamn” commences the second disc of the album, well, profanely. Eazy’s flow is chill and relaxed, yet he still packs a punch with his rhymes. Devoid of depth, the hook, in all its simplicity, is infectious.

12. Die Antwoord, “Fat Faded Fuck Face”

Mount Ninji and da Nice Kid • Zef • 2016

South African collective Die Antwoord returned with a southern rap-infused single, “Fat Faded Fuck Face”, a highlight of their 2016 LP, Mount Ninji and da Nice Time Kid.  Song titles don’t get much more honest than the satisfyingly explicit “Fat Faded Fuck Face.” “Fat Faded Fuck Face” features hardcore rap production which favors the production that would grace an American southern rap song. Ultimately, the song is one big insult, filled with the archetypical shots made by rappers consistently.

Ninja initiates “Fat Faded Fuck Face” unapologetically on the hook:

“Fuck, I’m so faded
Motherfuck, I’m faded
In the morning, I be fresh as fuck
But your bitch still be faded
Fat faded fuck face, save it
How’d you get so jaded?
So vain never made it
Just flash in the pan, could get faded
Your legacy’s overrated, your new shit sounds dated
You no longer famous, kids don’t know what your name is
Something crawled up your anus and died
That’s why your face is so fucked up
Salt tasted in your mouth
Your bitch call me the greatest.”

The first verse is performed by Yolandi, featuring a signature catch-line, “I told your boy, ‘your bitch needs to chill’ (bitch needs to chill).” Things get weirder, with Yolandi performing the second verse in a different language. Ninja performs the final verse, in the same style as the hook. One big insult after another and a consistent brag-fest, “Fat Faded Fuck Face” is another enjoyable, quasi-eccentric single from the South African collective. “Fat Faded Fuck Face” previously appeared on the playlist, 13 Songs That Focus on the Face.

13. Wheeler Walker, Jr., “Eatin’ Pussy / Kickin’ Ass”

Redneck Shit • Pepper Hill • 2016

“So, after work I went to his house / Ate his wife’s pussy and kicked his ass.” Oh brother! First and foremost, it’s important not to take Walker Wheeler, Jr. the least bit seriously.  Wheeler is part comedian and part country musician.  Actually, he’s mostly comedian judging by his musical output.  In 2016, he shocked the world with his debut album, boldly titled Redneck Shit.  Yeah, country artists have managed to squeeze in the s-bomb every now and again with little flack, but it’s not often it graces the album’s title.  Again, Wheeler, Jr. is more comedian than anything else.  Going back to the song titles from his debut album, beyond the title track: “Can’t Fuck You off My Mind,” “Fuck You Bitch,” and our song at hand, “Eatin’ Pussy / Kickin’ Ass” among them.  Wow, just wow.

It’s best to take the explicit “Eatin’ Pussy / Kickin’ Ass” ‘with a grain of salt.’ As the aforementioned quote from the first verse suggests, Walker performed cunnilingus on another man’s wife.  Factor in the first two lines of the first verse, we discover it’s his boss that he hates.  SMH.  Later, on the second verse, the sexual references continue as Walker sings, “Girl at the counter said, ‘Do you want a job?’ / And I said, ‘okay,’ and then I ate her pussy.” Yeah, that’s the shit – rather, the Redneck Shit – that you get from Walker Wheeler, Jr.  Oh, and as for the chorus, well, it just reiterates the titular lyric: “Eatin’ pussy and kickin’ ass.” “Eatin’ Pussy / Kickin’ Ass” previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Songs That Either Kick or Push.

14. Father John Misty, “Holy Shit”

I Love You, Honeybear • Sub Pop • 2015

“Age-old general roles / infotainment, capital / Golden bows, and mercury / Bohemian nightmare, dust bowl chic…” Say what? Despite the fact that “Holy Shit” (I Love You, Honeybear) is an attention-getter, Father John Misty (Josh Tillman) never mentions the popular exclamatory phrase once within the lyrics. Rather, the title “Holy Shit” is a description of an overall collection of overwhelming emotions and situations, many of which are far beyond the musician’s control. The song embodies the phrase rather than saying it.

Don’t get it twisted though – “Holy Shit” is brutal honesty. A perfect lyrical example:

“Ancient holy wars
Dead religious
Holocausts
New regimes, old ideas…
Eunuch sluts
Consumer slaves
A rose by any other name
Carbon footprint
Incest dreams
Fuck the mother in the green…”

A heady song, despite referencing random situations and things, like most Father John Misty songs, it’s nothing short of brilliant. Yeah, it’s a lot to take in, but will definitely incite a “holy shit!” reaction. “Holy Shit” appeared previously on the playlist 13 Songs with Every Kind of Poo Imaginable.

15.All Time Low, “Merry Christmas, Kiss My Ass”

Dirty Work • DGC • 2011

“So, I wrote a song / Hope that you sing along / Here it goes / Merry Christmas, bitch – kiss my ass!” Christmas actually isn’t the main focus on the All Time Low song, “Merry Christmas, Kiss My Ass”, which appears from their 2011 studio album, Dirty Work. Frontman Alex Gaskarth has experienced heartbreak – a bad break-up – so, essentially, his ex has totally ‘pooed’ on any holiday spirit he might have experienced. “Don’t you think it’s kind of crappy / What you did this holiday? / When I gave you my heart, you ripped it apart / Like wrapping paper trash.” Oh ‘sugar foot’!

Alex spends the entirety of the song angry AF to say the least – there’s no other way to put it.  On the second verse, he’s so pissed that he asserts, “I tear down decorations / They remind me of your smile / I hate that mistletoe / It makes me think of our first kiss.” Yup, angry and totally emo to the nth degree.  Essentially, ‘merry’ isn’t very ‘merry’ in the least here.  More interesting is the colorful phrase ‘‘kiss my ass’, which has been masterfully used by the likes of John Wayne Gacy as well as the non-psychopathic (Zac Efron has a memorable scene in Hairspray). “Merry Christmas, Kiss My Ass” previously appeared on the playlist 11 Totally Merry, Mary, Marry Songs.