Public Enemy is an American hip hop group formed in Long Island, New York, in 1985. The group is known for their politically charged lyrics and innovative production techniques, and they are widely considered to be one of the most important and influential groups in the history of hip hop.
Public Enemy was founded by Chuck D (born Carlton Ridenhour), Flavor Flav (born William Drayton Jr.), and Professor Griff (born Richard Griffin), along with DJ Terminator X (born Norman Rogers) and the Bomb Squad production team, which included producers Hank Shocklee, Keith Shocklee, and Eric “Vietnam” Sadler.
Public Enemy released their debut album, “Yo! Bum Rush the Show,” in 1987 on Def Jam Recordings. The album was well-received critically, but it was their second album, “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back,” released in 1988, that cemented their place in hip hop history. The album featured hits like “Don’t Believe the Hype,” “Bring the Noise,” and “Rebel Without a Pause,” and it was a critical and commercial success, selling over a million copies.
In 1990, Public Enemy released “Fear of a Black Planet,” which included the hit singles “911 Is a Joke” and “Fight the Power,” which was also the theme song for Spike Lee’s film “Do the Right Thing.” The album explored themes of racism, police brutality, and the media’s portrayal of black people, and it cemented Public Enemy’s reputation as a politically conscious and socially relevant group.
Throughout the 1990s, Public Enemy continued to release music and push the boundaries of hip hop. Their fourth album, “Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black,” was released in 1991 and included the hit single “Can’t Truss It,” which tackled issues of racism and police brutality. In 1992, they released the album “Greatest Misses,” which included remixes of some of their classic tracks and new material.
In addition to their music, Public Enemy was known for their activism and involvement in social and political causes. They were vocal critics of the media and government, and they often spoke out against racism, inequality, and police brutality. They were also known for their support of the Nation of Islam and their association with controversial figure Louis Farrakhan.
Today, Public Enemy is regarded as one of the most important and influential groups in the history of hip hop. Their music and activism have had a lasting impact on the genre and on popular culture as a whole. Chuck D and Flavor Flav remain active in the music industry and continue to perform and record music.
