Brian May Reveals Why Queen Wouldn’t Embrace the “Gangster Rapper” Idea

Brian May Discusses Song Sampling Denial

Brian May shared insights into why Queen chose not to permit a Gangster rapper to sample one of their tracks.

Reasons Behind the Refusal

According to an interview with Radio X, May explained that the rapper sought to use one of the group’s songs as a sample in his music, but it conflicted with Queen’s principles. Although May kept the artist’s identity undisclosed, he articulated the rationale for rejecting the sampling request.

“We stopped them because they were promoting violence or cruel narratives during the heyday of gangster rap, and when someone attempted to include it in their song, we found it offensive to women,” he stated. “However, our songs are meant for everyone. All art involves some form of appropriation.”

Perspectives on Queen’s Music

During a subsequent interview, May revealed that he initially disliked “Don’t Stop Me Now” due to its perceived endorsement of Freddie Mercury’s hedonistic lifestyle. “At that time, I felt uneasy about ‘Don’t Stop Me Now,’ probably for both the right and wrong reasons,” he remarked. “I think I resisted understanding why people enjoyed it for a long time.”

“Now, I believe people appreciate it because it encapsulates their dark dreams of hedonism, and that’s perfectly okay,” he continued. “I hear this frequently; people tell me: ‘Who Wants to Live Forever’ feels like it was written for me, or my mother or my father… It resonates deeply with individuals and becomes personal for them. That’s what keeps the song alive.”

In other Queen-related news, earlier this month, May addressed the possibility of new music emerging from the band, 30 years after their last album.

In an interview with Mojo, May indicated that the door for new Queen music isn’t completely shut, telling the magazine: “I think this can happen.”

He added: “Both Roger (Taylor) and I are constantly writing and brainstorming ideas in our studios. I might have the beginnings of a Queen song right now in front of me. It’s just an idea, or perhaps a seed waiting to grow.”

May also recently expressed concerns about never playing guitar again after suffering a stroke last year.

Meanwhile, last year, Queen released a remixed, mastered, and expanded reissue of their 1973 debut album of the same name.