Public Enemy
- Type: Band/Group
- Country: United States
- Born: 1985 in Hempstead, New York, United States
- Active: 1985 - present
Biography
Formed in Long Island, New York, in 1985, Public Enemy redefined hip hop's sonic and thematic possibilities. Led by Chuck D's commanding sociopolitical commentary and Flavor Flav's vibrant persona, the group pioneered a revolutionary sound. Their production team, the Bomb Squad, constructed a dense, chaotic wall of sound by layering funk, free jazz, and industrial noise with abrasive samples and sirens. This aggressive musical backdrop amplified their militant, pro-black lyricism, which addressed systemic racism and social inequity. Public Enemy expanded rap's vocabulary, establishing it as a vehicle for potent social commentary and influencing generations of artists.
Genres
Public Enemy Discography
- Yo! Bum Rush the Show (1987) - Album - rated 3.53/5
- It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back (1988) - Album - rated 4.24/5
- Fight the Power (1989) - Single - rated 4.19/5
- Fear of a Black Planet (1990) - Album - rated 4.15/5
- Apocalypse 91...The Enemy Strikes Black (1991) - Album - rated 3.82/5
- Greatest Misses (1992) - Compilation - rated 2.98/5
- Muse Sick-N-Hour Mess Age (1994) - Album - rated 3.53/5
- There's a Poison Goin On.... (1999) - Album - rated 3.22/5
- The Best of Public Enemy (2001) - Compilation - rated 3.78/5
- Revolverlution (2002) - Album - rated 2.6/5
- New Whirl Odor (2005) - Album - rated 2.95/5
- Power To The People And The Beats (Public Enemy's Greatest Hits) (2005) - Compilation - rated 3.75/5
- How You Sell Soul to a Soulless People Who Sold Their Soul??? (2007) - Album - rated 3.04/5
- Man Plans God Laughs (2015) - Album - rated 2.49/5
- What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down? (2020) - Album - rated 2.84/5
Members
- Chuck D - vocals (1985–Present)
- Flavor Flav - vocals (1985–Present)
- Brian Hardgroove - bass (1997–Present)
- DJ Johnny Juice - DJ, musical director (1987–Present)
- Terminator X - DJ (1985–1998)
- Professor Griff - Minister of Information, vocals (1985–1989; 1998–2020)
- DJ Lord - DJ (1999–2023)