"Make Her Say" (CD single)

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Skilled rapper cops out with swearing, sex talk, bragging.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this song includes graphic references to various sexual acts, extremely explicit language, and plenty of boasting about being rich and famous. 

  • Cudi, Kanye, and Common describe the type of behavior that no kid should emulate -- racking up sexual experiences, degrading women, egregious swearing, blatant boasting, and partying.
  • None of the rappers who peform on this song serve as solid role models.
  • Not applicable.
  • References sex in all its forms, including prostitution: "F--k them other niggas 'cause she down for the stickin' / F--k them other niggas 'cause she down for some lickin' / F--k them other bitches 'cause she down for the trickin'."
  • Plenty of graphic language, with repeated use of f--k, nigga, bitch, and dick.
  • Not applicable.
  • Alludes to the line in the Jamie Foxx song "Blame It" about alcohol: "Blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol."

What's the story?

Breakout rap star Kid Cudi's second single, MAKE HER SAY, features guest performances by mega-famous rappers Kanye West and Common. The song is a stark reversal from Cudi's debut track, "Day N Nite," in which the artist gave a refreshingly honest chronicle of his battles with depression. In this follow-up single, Cudi copies the tired formula of women/partying/riches that's employed by so many other unoriginal rappers today. As a result, the song seems like just another entry in the long list of rap tracks about trying to accumulate as many gratuitous sexual experiences and material goods as you can. Though the clean version bleeps out the egregious swearing, all the references to sex, etc., remain.


Is it any good?

 

It's a shame this song's lyrics are so vapid, because the music is appealing. The track sets a sample of Lady GaGa's "Poker Face" against a mellow beat and cool scratching, making for a unique, contagious flow. Though Cudi, Kanye, and Common have different styles, each are proficient rappers in their own right, so putting their performances back-to-back here results in an interesting rather than jarring sound.


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What families can talk about

  • Why do some rappers glamorize casual sex, foul language, and partying in their songs? Is this lifestyle really as satisfying as rappers claim? Can money and fame buy you true happiness?     

  • Listening to degrading sexual lyrics has been shown to speed sexual activity. Read our Sex and Media Tips.


This review was written by Stephanie Bruzzese
Teen, 16 years old
July 19, 2009
 
My new fav rapper
Although these lyrics are at times EXTREMELY explicit, but this song is exceptional. Who else but Mr. Day 'N Nite would think of using the acoustic version of the "Poker Face" chorus as their own hook. Having Yeezy and Common just make the track even better in my opinion.

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 17 years old
March 6, 2010
 
i luv this song, but it's extremely vulgar. so i always listen to the clean version

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 16 years old
February 20, 2011
 
Great song! Some people can be a little crazy when it comes to music, and i am being conservative with my age recommendation.

Flag as inappropriate 

This review was written by Stephanie Bruzzese
Artist:Kid Cudi
Release date:June 9, 2009
Label:Universal
Genre:Rap
Parental advisory:Yes
Edited version available:Yes

This review was written by Stephanie Bruzzese
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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