[Madison]

There is plenty of rap and hip hop that has a positive, engaging message that most people will immediately dismiss because of its language.

From my own music:

Beastie Boys - Triple Trouble -- This is old school and so the language is pretty clean, though the rap is about, well, rapping.

Fatboy Slim - That Old Pairs of Jeans -- It's a mix between "rap" and dance and is also pretty clean. It's brand-spankin' new, though, so I'm not too familiar with it.

Jurassic 5 - What's Golden? -- Much of Jurassic 5 is old-school-inspired sorts of rap that has a pretty positive message, all things considered. There's 'improper' language once in a while, but it's not bad, generally. If there're are radio edit versions of these songs, you'd still be able to discern what they're saying -- a small miracle.

Rehab - So Dizzy -- This is from the movie, "The New Guy" and is generally pretty easy on the ears. It simples "Dizzy" by Tommy Roe, so really, how bad could it possibly be? There's some sexual innuendo, but also a message about waiting for sex, so.

Talib Kweli - Get By -- This is a fantastically positive song and there's a clean version (which I have, apparently) that leaves the message intact. "The TV got us reachin' for parts; not the ones between Venus and Mars, the ones that be readin' for parts."

Wyclef Jean - Oh, What A Night -- Samples Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons' 'December, 1963' and is as nonoffensive as they come. It's a bit slow, though.

Wyclef Jean - We Just Trying to Stay Alive -- Samples "Stayin' Alive" and is a nice dance song, says I.

Wyclef Jean - Another One Bites the Dust -- Another Wyclef sample-fest. This is fun.

Wyclef Jean - Pharaohe Monch Dub Plate -- Kenny Rogers' 'The Gambler,' Wyclef-style.

Latyrx - Lady Don't Tek No -- This is probably pushing it a bit because I don't think you'll ever find this song, let alone a clean version of it. It's an amazing song and represents the best of rap by far. Amazing.

Missy Elliott - We Run This (Stick It Edit) -- There are a few edits of this song. This is my favorite. It's good, fun party music. Missy Elliott's bigger hits are all pretty saccharine.

Run-DMC - It's Tricky -- Run-DMC predate 'gangsta rap' and so it's all clean, good stuff.

Sugarhill Gang - Rapper's Delight -- This is my karaoke masterpiece, so I'd be remiss to go further without mentioning it. Everyone knows this song.

Grandmaster Flash - The Message -- So good and very old-school, so it's squeaky clean, too.

Ini Kamoze - Here Homes the Hotstepper -- This was popular at the roller rink. It's pretty ineffectual at being anything other than bubble-gum hip-hop.

Tupac - Changes -- If you can find a clean version, there's a great message here as well.

Vanilla Ice - Ice, Ice Baby -- This has loads of kitsch factor. Others may groan, but only because they're bitter.

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - Parents Just Don't Understand -- Bubblegum rap is defined by this single piece of music.

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper -- Technical prowess, but maybe not everyone's taste.

Will Smith - Men in Black -- Will Smith, all grown up and as sweet as ever.

Will Smith - Wild, Wild West -- See above.

For what it's worth, whoever assembled the list of music acceptable for FIRST events doesn't really seem to know what they're talking about. The list is absurd, out of touch, out of date and is probably an effort best made by an actual DJ.