Conversation so far:
When was Hit 'Em Up released?
Hit 'Em Up is the B-side to the single How Do U Want It, released on June 4, 1996
Was there any controversy around Hit 'Em Up?
Hit 'Em Up has been called controversial, infamous, disturbing, and brutal. Shakur's insults against virtually the entire East Coast scene of rappers were said to be ferocious.

Question: Why did they refuse to play it?
Self-contained rewrite: Why did some radio stations such as Los Angeles-based KPWR refuse to play Hit 'Em Up?