Past Shows
Dec
6
th
2012
Mainroom
Dec
6
th
2012
Mainroom
Legendary Hip Hop activists Public Enemy celebrate their 25th anniversary with The Evil Empire Of Everything, their newest release that singer Chuck D hopes "will talk to" and compliment this year's Most Of My Heroes Still Don't Appear On No Stamp. With longevity and resolve unseen before in the world of Hip Hop, the genre's greatest ambassadors mark their milestone with two new records that undeniably reaffirm their political conviction and dedication to positive change. Both feature Chuck D's signature delivery and social awareness that continues to be Public Enemy's hallmark. Coupled with the production evolution of DJ Lord and The Bomb Squad, Public Enemy nearly makes their Hip Hop moniker non-applicable.
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Public Enemy has always faced intense criticism of their music and message, leading some media outlets to label them anti-white black militants. The group countered by sowing the seeds of positive revolution on new turf as evident with the recent success of "Harder Than You Think". Appearing on Most Of My Heroes Still Don't Appear On No Stamp, the song earned over 500,000 views on YouTube. Support went from the world wide web to worldwide. Featured in UK promos for the 2012 Paralympics, the song eventually earned the #4 spot on the country's singles chart and aired again on Channel Four leading into the Opening Ceremonies. Without any major label backing Public Enemy created an audience receptive to their vision.
As Public Enemy continues writing its legacy, they refuse to rest on their laurels and be complacent. Both records challenge long-time fans to embrace diverse rhythms while working to inspire new fans to be active participants in world events. Most of My Heroes Still Don't Appear On No Stamp and The Evil Empire Of Everything show the urgency of a group willing to confront complex subject matter without fear of reprisal. Daring to push the boundaries of Hip Hop, Public Enemy has worked to evolve a genre often criticized as repetitive. Having performed in 83 countries to date, Public Enemy truly became "citizens of the world". Rather than be a conscientious objector, Chuck assumes the role of willing participant in an ongoing culture war.
"I'm a culturalist and I'm from the era of people having to come together as a group; the protest era. You have to be aware of any government that tries to be in charge of culture. I don't agree with borders and orders. These new records show we're a force to be reckoned with," he affirmed. Public Enemy's career milestone has not gone overlooked within the industry they continue to challenge. The Rock N' Roll Hall Of Fame's recent inclusion of Public Enemy to its list of 2013 nominees may provide further debate among critics, but whatever the outcome the group continues creating some of the most prolific music ever to respond to times of uncertainty.
