174 – Public Enemy – Fight The Power (1989)
Written by Carlton Ridenhour, Eric Sadler, Hank Boxley and Keith Boxley
Produced by The Bomb Squad
Label – Motown
In 1976, white teen angst, visceral rejection of authority and a fearless vocal portrayal of loss of hope and alienation resulted in a new musical revolution, Punk Rock. In 1988 it was the time for Black American Hip Hop artists to activate their own powerful broadside on a world that was ignorant to the social deprivation that blighted their world. “Fight The Power” is as reactionary, aggressive and vital as rap music would ever get. In addition, it’s a gem of skillful production, astute sampling and dense rhythms.
I assume you’ve seen Do The Right Thing?
I have, although a long time ago. Need to dig it out again methinks.
Terminator X, what time is it?
Time for raising his ostriches I think. (He owned an Ostrich stud farm for a while).
Elvis was a hero to most but he never meant…all that much to me either!
Excellent track, nice choice Geoff!
It’s amazing to think that the line caused outrage at the time! How times have changed
Now this is a helluva track. I still remember hearing for the first time and thinking “yeah!”. Still a track (and album) I like to throw on… especially when I’m feeling a bit disenchanted by this crazy world.
Good call, I think I’m going to play the album right now. I’m disillusioned with the country today after what happened in Virginia
So much yes.