“Express Yourself” is a song off N.W.A.‘s 1988 album Straight Outta Compton. It samples Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band’s song of the same name.

Unlike most songs on the album and by N.W.A, the song is almost devoid of profanity and violent content. “Express Yourself” was released in 1989 as the album’s last single, the album version of the track features rap vocals from Dr. Dre only whereas the 2002 reissue, single edition and video version features small verses from MC Ren and Ice Cube, the writer of the song.

The song’s lyrics focus on the concept of free expression and the constraints placed on rappers by radio censorship. The song is notable for including lines criticising other rappers for not swearing in order to get radio airplay despite the song itself containing no profanity, being based on a pop-music sample with a clearly ‘radio friendly’ tone. (Wikipedia)