As this is one of my most viewed posts and given that Public Enemy and Chuck D have remained as relevant as ever into the 2020s, I have edited and extended the post to fit the times: That Public Enemy are The Beatles of Hip-Hop is given, that Chuck D is the Godfather likewise, but there’s always been another level with Chuck and PE. Not only have they always been a band apart from the scene, but also the one rap group capable of crossing genre boundaries, as proven on tours with The Cult, Prodigy, and, recently, Guns n Roses. It’s no surprise that despite being in their sixties and with a career of over forty years they are still raging and delivering quality work; last year’s ‘Black Sky Over The Projects: Apartment 2025’ being all killer, while the soundtrack to ‘Live from Metropolis’ proved they are still a cut above the rest on stage.
Neither Public Enemy nor Chuck D could be described as subtle, they have a point to get across and do so forcefully, the politically charged subject matter of their lyrics more suited to the direct approach. For in your face delivery of barbed social commentary and raw power, Chuck’s booming baritone is unmatchable, his distinctively resonant voice setting him out as one of the most unmistakeable MCs of our time. It´s testament to his talent and Public Enemy’s standing that outside of the band Chuck has contributed to a number of collaborations in genres as diverse as Folk and Heavy Metal, check them out below…
Cutting Heads with John Mellencamp
When folk singer Mellencamp wrote a song about his irritation at rappers using the “N” word in their songs, he needed a black voice and there was really only man he could call – ” I thought coming from me alone, it would be obtuse. But Chuck is the conscience of the whole black community. He was the only choice to do this song with me, because he’s the only guy that never participated in it, always kept his integrity and his wits about him.” Bluesy folk with a southern groove and a laid back rap from Mr D.
New Agenda with Janet Jackson
When Janet Jackson took full artistic control of her career and made her phenomenally successful fifth album ‘Janet’, Chuck was the man to provide a hard edged counterbalance to JJ’s pop stylings. (Not so) Surprisingly, the black-pride anthem is a fine slice of slick pop music with a little added depth – tune.
Your Reality’s a Fantasy But Your Fantasy Is Killing Me with Boom Boom Satellites
The big beat jazz punk of this Japanese duo makes for interesting listening and this extremely likeable track features a stellar vocal performance from Chuck. Now though, the only version still spinning on YouTube is the Coldcut remix, which is also awesome!
Survival a.k.a. Black Survivors with Bob Marley
‘Chant Down Babylon’ is an absolutely superb remix album of Bob Marley‘s music featuring a number of contributions from the likes of Lauren Hill, Busta Rhymes and of course Chuck D. There’s a short rough and ready rap from the Public Enemy frontman as well as spoken contributions. Great album, well worth checking out.
Bring The Noise with Anthrax
This is without doubt the ultimate rap metal crossover collaboration and, back then, speed metal with rapping on it was pioneering stuff – damn, even Scott Ian contributes a verse. Quality. Check out the all star on stage mosh on this version.
Prophets of Rage with B Real, Tom Morello, Brad Wilk, Tim Commerford and DJ Lord
This was actually much more than a mere collaboration, it was a full blown band project with Chuck as second MC to B Real of Cypress Hill backed by Tom, Tim and Brad of Rage Against the Machine & Audioslave, as well as DJ Lord. They made an EP and an album and toured the world. Quite frankly, they were fucking amazing and it is still one of the best shows I have ever been to – they absolutely ripped it up in Rio and I had the privilege of being front and centre and shaking Chuck’s hand. Many thanks to DJ Lord for putting me on the guest list. Here’s a taste of what it was like.
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