15A: Public Enemy
Public Enemy is a hip-hop group that was formed in Long Island, New York in 1985. They are one of the most influential and important hip-hop groups in the world.
At the time, many hip-hop groups were rapping about themselves. Public Enemy took a different approach. They wrote about injustice, racism, and politics. They were inspired by civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. They wanted to talk about the oppression of black people. They wanted to change the world.
Here’s a short video about how Public Enemy came to be. (Start at the beginning and go through 1:40. Warning: PG-13 language.)
Chuck D is the leader of the group. Other original members were Flavor Flav, Professor Griff, and Terminator X. Chuck D is also a DJ, graphic designer, and artist. In 2019, he created a series of sketches of his idols and favorite musicians. Take a look.
Public Enemy opened for the Beastie Boys on their 1987 tour. (“Opening” for someone means to perform before the main attraction. In this case, the Beasties were the headliners.) Public Enemy primarily used record-scratching, beats, samples, beatboxing, and pre-programmed tracks. There were no instruments on the stage. Here’s one of their first songs that made it big.
Besides civil rights leaders, Chuck D was influenced by everyone from the Clash to Woody Guthrie. He also idolized athletes, including boxer Muhammad Ali. Ali was outspoken about civil rights and war. He also wrote some poetry.
Another big song by Public Enemy is “Bring The Noise.” It includes shout-outs to several other rappers, rock ‘n roll artists, social leaders, and others. Public Enemy was super tough — but also super smart.
Growing up in New York, Chuck D idolized basketball player Julius Erving, also known as “Dr. J.” In this interview, Chuck talks about doing the kind of work that makes people hold their head high — a lesson he learned from Dr. J. (From 5:45-7:45)
On June 28, 2020, several hip-hop artists — along with Chuck D and Flavor Flav — opened the Black Entertainment Television Awards with an updated version of Public Enemy’s classic anthem “Fight The Power.”
Bonus video: Earlier in this lesson, there was a reference to “beat-boxing,” which is sometimes used in rap. Do you know what that is? Watch this video. It’s pretty amazing!
Oh, you want another bonus video? Okay, fine. Here’s what happens when a hillbilly band does their own version of a Public Enemy song. It’s a hip-hop hoedown!