Yet Another Top 10 Controversial Music Videos

You’ve heard of the V/H/S films? Well, here’s grainy-looking video from a British electronic duo that pushed the envelope not with horror, but with the human touch. As a bunch of smiley ladies play “telephone,” in a flowing, continuous pan shot, but the narrative takes on a sexual tone once the whispers turn into wet smooches. Some of the girls appear to be experiencing their first real kiss- not that there’s anything wrong with that- but you can imagine how just a decade prior, “Hustler” might’ve had everybody’s knickers in a bunch. Just a little kissin’ - yet still highly controversial.

Let’s get straight to the point. While this hip-hop anthem is built around the male genitalia; the track’s music video displays Nicki’s rather ample rumpshaker while detailing her sexual exploits to the sounds of Sir Mix-a-Lot’s iconic 1992 hit, “Baby Got Back.” The lyrics of “Anaconda” alone raised some concern for parents, as the rap diva chronicles how her birth canal once put a man named Mike to sleep. If one looks closely with a very keen eye, one may come to the conclusion that this video is all about that ass, which has surely has never put anyone to sleep.

#8: “Hate Me Now” (1999) Nas

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There comes a time in every successful musician starts to believe their difficult lifestyle mirrors that of Jesus Christ. In 1999, Nas enlisted the one and only Puff Daddy for help, because, well, the '90s required it. Together the moguls created the video epic of the TRL era- a religious video production featuring massive amounts of bling. But oddly enough, Diddy later had cold feet and didn’t necessarily want the world to see him crucified for the sake of selling someone else's single. He won that battle, and the video rose again with Nas bearing the weight of the world on his millionaire shoulders.

Inspired by Sinead O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” and directed by Terry Richardson, a modern “connoisseur” of the female nude, this music video ultimately won top prize at the MTV Video Music Awards, large in part to the creative, metaphorical imagery. Oh, and also probably because of Miley’s lack of clothing. We all remember that pivotal moment in life when there’s nothing else to do but straddle a wrecking ball and contemplate life's anxieties. As for tasting said wrecking ball while touching oneself, well, we don’t quite get it either. And don’t get us started on the videos she’s released since.

#6: “Sex Dwarf” (1981) Soft Cell

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For their debut album Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret, Soft Cell recognized a major void in the landscape of music videos: chainsaw violins and sex dwarves. If we couldn't see it we wouldn't believe it either. There’s actually a lot going here, but don't be distracted by the pieces of actual meat or the nude clowns or you won't be able to enjoy the super-excited “sex dwarf” to the fullest. He is just not phased by his surroundings at all. Directed by Tim Pope, this production has never been officially released, and for good reason.

#5: “Hello Kitty” Avril Lavigne (2013)

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Oh my God, don’t you, like, just LOVE Japanese people? It took Ms. Lavigne, second ex-husband Nickelbacker Chad Kroeger and two entire other people to slap together this mishmash of quasi racist cultural appropriation. While many have criticized the racial undertones of “Hello Kitty” and the overt awfulness of it all, the most disturbing aspect certainly has to be that Avril actually committed to the concept of a Japanese-centric music video, complete with sushi and lazy clichés. All the more shocking is the fact this was actually made in actual Japan with actual Japanese people who hopefully at least found their money on the nightstand.

Not quite a slow jam and certainly not a representation of peace on earth, this music video spawned from the debut album of the Parisian electronic duo known as Justice. Featuring a band of outsiders in the process of wreaking havoc, “Stress” reflects a real-time reality for many and reminds of the terror that would later engulf the city. And while Paris isn’t the only city that experiences the chaos depicted, the Romain Gavras production raised a few eyebrows as to the modern state of affairs for Parisian youths, which is perhaps why many Europeans banned it.

Brace yourself, because you are about to get Björk’d. For this sexualized video, director Nick Knight and Björk came up with the concept of a female preparing for her lover, followed by the director handing over a camera and essentially telling the artist to get wild. And, well, the Icelandic artist didn’t disappoint. Let’s say this: some musicians bring da noise and da funk, however Bjork ultimately brought apparent satisfaction to her mate, albeit in a Bjork-like, artistic way. And sure, you may see Bjork’s nipples, but you’re also seeing a heightened display of “Pagan Poetry.”

Off an album titled Rabies and featuring the voice of Charles Manson “Worlock” was bound to be controversial. Mix in a video loaded with blood, murder, and other horror film mainstays and controversy is guaranteed. No stranger to making a statement, the Canadian group Skinny Puppy had experienced some backlash after slaughtering a stuffed animal on stage, which some mistakenly identified as an actual dog, and “Worlock” seems to represent the band saying “RED-RUM!” out of pure frustration. If you’re looking for headlines, this kind of production will do the trick. It may seem tame now but “Worlock” had viewers wetting themselves in 1989. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Elastic Heart” (2013) Sia “Babalon A.D. (So Glad for the Madness)” (2003) Cradle of Filth “Obscure” (2003) Dir en Grey “Me So Horny” (1989) 2 Live Crew

In today’s world of acceptance and understanding, it was a brave soul named Robin Thicke who brought us all together to celebrate sexual innuendo and the female anatomy. Case in point, take a look at model Emily Ratajkowski, and you may notice her distinct lack of blurred lines or her unique birthday suit. Sure, the song resulted in a massive copyright lawsuit, but the video did allow Robin Thicke, T.I. and Pharrell Williams to share a special, important message with the world: “Robin Thicke has a big”... oh, never mind. So, do you agree with our selections? What music video do you think is the most controversial? For more mind-blowing Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.