Public Enemy is a legendary American hip hop group that emerged in the 1980s and became known for their politically charged and socially conscious lyrics. With their innovative sound that fused funk, soul, and rock with hip hop, Public Enemy revolutionized the genre and paved the way for future generations of artists.
Their music tackled issues such as racism, police brutality, and poverty, and their message was delivered with powerful and dynamic energy. Public Enemy’s impact on hip hop and popular culture cannot be overstated, and their influence continues to be felt today.
In this list of the 10 best Public Enemy songs of all time, we will explore some of their most iconic and groundbreaking tracks that showcase their exceptional talent and unique perspective.
1. Fight the Power
“Fight the Power” is a politically-charged hip-hop track by the American group Public Enemy. Released in 1989, the song was featured in Spike Lee’s film “Do the Right Thing” and became an anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement. The song is driven by a sample of James Brown’s “Funky Drummer” and features Chuck D’s powerful lyrics challenging the systemic racism and oppression faced by African Americans. The track was a call to action for social justice and aimed to inspire listeners to fight back against the status quo. With its bold lyrics and explosive energy, “Fight the Power” is widely regarded as one of Public Enemy’s most iconic songs and a seminal work in the history of hip-hop music.
2. Bring the Noise
“Bring the Noise” by Public Enemy is a powerful and influential hip-hop track that features a hard-hitting beat and rapid-fire lyrics. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of social and political activism, racism, police brutality, and the media’s role in shaping public perception. The track also features a collaboration with thrash metal band Anthrax, adding to its unique sound and crossover appeal. “Bring the Noise” is widely regarded as one of Public Enemy’s most important and groundbreaking songs, influencing countless artists in the decades since its release. Its impact on hip-hop and popular culture as a whole cannot be overstated.
3. Don’t Believe the Hype
“Don’t Believe the Hype” is a socially conscious song by American hip-hop group Public Enemy, released in 1988. The song is a commentary on the role of the media in manipulating the public’s perception of issues and events. The lyrics criticize sensationalist journalism and question the accuracy of media coverage, with the title urging listeners not to be misled by hype and propaganda. The song features a distinctive and iconic sample from the film “The Godfather,” and its bold and aggressive style became a hallmark of Public Enemy’s music.
4. Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos
“Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos” is a politically charged song by Public Enemy from their 1988 album “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back”. The song starts with a sample from the movie “The Wild Bunch” and then Chuck D begins his verses detailing his experience as a Black man drafted into the military and sent to fight in the Vietnam War. The song highlights themes of institutional racism, government oppression, and the Black struggle for justice and equality. The song’s heavy use of samples and a driving beat create a sense of urgency and intensity that reflects the urgency of the political message.
5. 911 Is a Joke
“911 Is a Joke” is a politically charged song by Public Enemy, released in 1990. The track criticizes the emergency response system in African-American neighborhoods, which is often slow or non-existent. It features Chuck D’s signature vocal style, rapping about the lack of help that is received when calling 911 in Black communities. The track’s energetic beat, sample-heavy production, and urgent lyrics make it a classic in the history of hip-hop music. It was a popular and important song in the 1990s, which addressed the issue of racial inequality and discrimination in emergency services, and it still resonates today as a powerful commentary on systemic racism in society.
6. Rebel Without a Pause
“Rebel Without a Pause” is a classic hip-hop track by Public Enemy, released in 1987. The song is known for its energetic and intense sound, driven by a fast-paced drum beat and a series of samples that create a dense sonic landscape. Chuck D’s forceful rapping style is on full display here, with lyrics that are both political and personal, touching on issues like racism, police brutality, and the struggles of black Americans. The song’s title is a nod to the 1955 film “Rebel Without a Cause,” which starred James Dean as a rebellious teenager. “Rebel Without a Pause” is considered a landmark track in the history of hip-hop, and is often cited as one of Public Enemy’s most influential songs.
7. Welcome to the Terrordome
“Welcome to the Terrordome” is a politically charged rap song by Public Enemy that was released in 1990. The track begins with a sample from the film The Quiet Earth, featuring the line “Where will you be when the shit hits the fan?” and quickly jumps into an aggressive and urgent beat. The lyrics address issues of racism, police brutality, and the social and political climate of the time. The song was written as a response to the group’s ongoing battles with the music industry, and its title serves as a metaphor for the state of the world and the struggles that marginalized communities face. The track features Chuck D’s powerful and commanding voice, backed by Flavor Flav’s energetic ad-libs and samples from James Brown and other influential musicians.
8. Public Enemy No. 1
“Public Enemy No. 1” is a track from Public Enemy’s second album, “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back,” released in 1988. The song is a fast-paced, intense track that showcases the group’s politically charged lyrics and hard-hitting beats. Chuck D delivers powerful rhymes about the injustices of the American justice system and racial inequality. The song also features a sample from James Brown’s “Funky Drummer,” which has become a staple of hip-hop music. “Public Enemy No. 1” is a testament to Public Enemy’s ability to deliver socially conscious messages through their music, and it remains a powerful anthem for resistance and activism.
9. Shut Em Down
“Shut Em Down” is a politically charged rap song by the American hip hop group Public Enemy, released in 1991. The song tackles issues of racism and police brutality in the United States, with the lyrics calling out the system of oppression and urging listeners to take a stand and fight against it. The track features a prominent sample of the guitar riff from “The Payback” by James Brown, layered over a driving beat and Chuck D’s powerful vocals. The song was critically acclaimed for its powerful message and bold delivery, solidifying Public Enemy’s status as one of the most influential and socially conscious groups in hip hop.
10. Can’t Truss It
“Can’t Truss It” is a powerful song by American hip-hop group Public Enemy, known for their socially and politically charged lyrics. Released in 1991, the track is an unapologetic critique of racism and the social injustices faced by Black people in the United States. The song features a driving beat, samples from James Brown and Sly and the Family Stone, and Chuck D’s signature booming voice delivering powerful lyrics about systemic racism and police brutality. The chorus, “Can’t truss it, can’t truss it, the rhythm’s a rebel with a cause,” urges listeners to stand up against injustice and fight for change. “
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
