The Greatest Rap Radio Edit of All Time

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Capone N Noreaga – T.O.N.Y. (Top of New York)

I’m not willing to go on the record with that many GOATs in Hip-Hop, but Capone N Noreaga’s T.O.N.Y. (Top of New York) is unmatched in one particular category. Radio edits range from simple muting of inappropriate language to the wholesale re-recording of a track due to pervasive objectionable content. Some of my favorite edits got more creative. Pete Rock’s use of the “funky” and  “hey!” from James Brown’s “Funky President” on Puba’s “Skinz” verse is a standout, and DJ Premier used to edit songs live on the radio with scratches so he could use original recordings and not sloppily re-recorded “clean” versions.

Although T.O.N.Y. utilizes both a “funky!” vocal sample and scratches to mask curse words, it stands head and shoulders above all others because of creativity and variety. Sure, the edits help the song pass FCC muster, but they are carefully selected to maintain the meaning of the song. That “funky!”? Let’s just say it’s still pretty clear what NORE thinks of you and your weak religion.Cop sirens are used in context, and the sound of the inhalation of herb covers drug references.

Then there’s the matter of the “arrow sound” as my friends and I used to call it. It shows up fairly indiscriminately, but tends to be used over murder-related lyrics. The original song isn’t about archery, but perhaps the sound of a gunshot or silencer are more suited to single curse words, not full, rich phrases like “kill a cop”.

Enjoy listening the greatest radio edit of all time. Ever. And if you disagree, “FUNK you, plus your weak religion.”