Drake X Eminem X Lil Wayne X Grammys X overzealous edits

The constant, preemptive chunks of missing language made last night's high profile rap-off choppy, unwatchable.

Here's the transcript of the pulled audio.


UPDATE: CBS responds to criticism:

"It was a rousing musical performance, but words were edited from the live telecast that didn't meet our broadcast standards," said CBS spokesman Chris Ender. "We have great respect for artists' creative freedom, but there are certain things you can't say, or sing, on television."

This all makes sense, except that the artists weren't using curse words and were self-censoring and changing lines for prime time. CBS editors took a preemptive approach by muting extended passages.

First, this didn't occur with Taylor Swift and former cocaine party girl, Stevie Nicks, or with the goddamn Zac Brown Band or with Lady Gaga's face. There was a prejudiced perception of thuggery and, like the ultra short acceptance speeches, programmers took vast steps to make sure nothing fell out of line.

Again, kinda wack but fair enough. But with months to plan, it's unacceptable practice to go in with unrehearsed, clueless censors pushing reactionary buttons in all the wrong places. Buttons that leave an unwatchable bit of television.