Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black

I prefer "It Takes A Nation of Millions" but this is a good record. One certainly has to appreciate the relevance and freshness of this material.

This album is strong but doesn't quite measure up to the brilliance of Fear of a Black Planet or their earlier material. The Anthrax team up for Bring the Noise is some bonus fun.

I think the beats are maybe the best genre of rap beats that exist, and I think this album's beats are even more consistently good than the previous 2 albums, which I wasn't really expecting. Chuck D is also probably one of the best rappers of all time, and the back and forths with flavor flav are legendary, the latter also has his own song on here, which I don't think I've heard before. Also I feel like they are also incredible at politicial activism, in the midst of hip-hop becoming more mainstream and white people pushing back against it, which they through quite a lot of shots at. Its hard to say how influential public enemy were and are, because nobody really sounds like them anymore, or did in the 90s, but that might be showing how truly unique they were. I just don't like the slower songs, I think that after hearing all these great fast beats, it just feels quite underwhelming. Favourite songs: all except shut 'em down, get the f... outta dodge. Overall around 8/10 (quite close to 9 I feel)

"Apocalypse 91...The Enemy Strikes Back" is the fourth studio album by American hip hop group Public Enemy. Hardcore hip hop and political rap are the Wiki-listed genres. OK. Prior to the recording, the discs for every track was lost (they had been working on them for 4 to 5 years) which resulted in a leaner production and more instrumentation. Regardless, the album had wide-spread critical acclaim. The album was produced by the Bomb Squad and the Imperial Grand Ministers of Funk. Public Enemy was/is Chuck D, Flavor Flav and Terminator X. The album reached #4 on the US Billboard 200. A Darth Vader voice opens "Lost at Birth." A grinding sounding and a hip hop beat. Chuck D and Flavor Fav cone out strong on the mic. A James Brown sample gets "Nighttrain" headed in a groovy way. Horns. Busy with noises. Drugs in the neighborhood. A helicopter and more Darth Vader vocals begin "Can't Truss It." Scratching and a Ronald Reagan voice samples. Chuck D. and Flavor Fav get serious as they compare cargo ships of slaves to the state to the state Black neighborhoods with the point that you can still never trust the government with their past. The album stays political and takes aim at then Arizona governor Meacham for not recognizing MLK as a national holiday in "By the Time I Get to Arizona" Funky. People screaming. A great sample of Mandrill's "Two Sisters of Mystery." One of the highlights of the album has to be the closing song "Bring Tha Noize." A thrash cover of their own song by Anthrax. A great way to end an album. This album has a powerful start with Chuck D, Flavor Fav and the content of the songs. For all the comments on the thinner production, I thought the production was pretty good: good use of musical and vocal samples. This album may not quite reach the levels of "It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold us Back" or "Fear of a Black Planet" but there's six or seven high-quality songs and makes this worth a listen.

Very very solid album. Some songs are a little too repetitive, but overall it's a very fun album. High 4.

Gold rap/hip hop music. In my opinion, rap music should never stopped sound like this. Anthrax feat caught me off guard, very good!

Yeah!

Really liked this. Always impressed by their production

Very cool

Greve semplicemente. Allora non mi era dispiaciuto per nulla però vabbè nulla mi aveva fatto impazzire. Quando ho sentito l’ultimo brano ho letteralmente perso la testa.

Public Enemy is so dense, great music, great lyrics. Could use another listen to fully absorb but this is undeniably great.

1. Lost At Birth - 8 Song is a bit all over the place but the beat is excellent and the flow is superb. Lyrically it's very good just a bit too repetitive at times. Great sound overall. Insanely fun track. 2. Rebirth - 10 Track is only 60 seconds but what an insanely good flow with superb lyrics. Massive tune. 3. Nighttrain - 9 Great rap. Insanely fun track and the percussions do so well to add to the metaphor of the nighttrain. Lyrically it's probably the strongest track so far. 4. Can't Truss It - 7 Flow in the second half of the track is great but it struggles in the first half. Lyrcially not as strong but the last two minutess are still very much enjoyable. 5. I Don't Wanna Be Called Yo &$!% - 5 Instrumentally the most brilliant of the opening 5 tracks. Lyrically the worst. The song is lyrically is incredibly stale. 6. How To Kill A Radio Consultant - 10 Another strong track. Brilliant lyrics and superb flow. Just a top quality rap. 7. By The Time I Get To Arizona - 6 I don't understand the references of New Hampshire and Arizona in the track so the intro is completely lost on me. Flow is decent as is the beat and the sound but it's a bit of a pass over track. It's just not nearly as strong as anythign else on the album before it except "I Don't Wanna Be". 8. Move! (feat. Sister Souljah) - 8 Outro is the worst part of the track but the flow throughout the track is excellent. Lyrically it's very good with a great beat underlining the whole track. 9. 1 Million Bottlebags - 6 Verses are great but the choruses are a beat weak and the conversations sprinkled within the track work very well on the topic of the track but don't add any significant quality to it. Not a bad track by any stretch, but there's better on the album. 10. More News At 11 - 5 Too repetitive a track. I love the idea and the sprinkling of the news cast throughout the track. Makes it very unique and enjoyable but the chorus is kind boring. 11. Shut Em Down - 7 Decent flow but the chorus is too long and simple. Track kind of bores itself out. 12. A Letter To The New York Post - 7 Verses are great and I definitely agree with the message. The New York Post blows. Having said that, it's a solid track but suffered by the history lesson about The Post. 13. Get The F... Outta Dodge (feat. True Mathematics) - 9 Great track. Amazing lyrics with an equally as amazing beat. Track is short, simple, and fun. 14. Bring The Noize - 3 A rock trap with rap lyrics over it. It's not bad but it's definitely the weakest thing on the album with how much the lyrics almost crash into each other and eventually get too fast to remain comprehensible. Chorus is completely uninspiring. Average Rating: 8.33 Adjusted to 5-Point Scale: 4.17 Rounded Down: 4 Stars

Great music and great social commentary. One of the founding rap albums

Classic angry rap album here. I usually recommend this one first if I'm suggesting Public Enemy, it just really has it's own vibe. Terminator X really has amazing samples and is a tribute to his craft. Chuck's bars are tight and complex as always, and Flava Flav is the hype man for the people. All around great album.

I had a good time listening to this classic rap album. The chaotic politically charged angry rap style is definitely something I prefer over the more recent rap albums these days.

It may seem monotonous to some, but I just couldn't get tired of the furious energy, political anger and knowledge that emanated from PUBLIC ENEMY. News and archival sounds, radio interference, samples — a stunning time machine to 91. P.S. Trash-metal version (feat. Anthrax) of «Bring The Noise» is crazy!

Fuck yes. Perfect, but hate the metal song at the end

Track for track, Apocalypse 91 fell short of Public Enemy' previous albums. That said, as a complete album experience, I think Apocalypse 91 competes with its predecessors.

Fab!

Grimy, dirty and socially conscious, love it.

Good. Lost at Birth- great opening track Remath- solid By The Time I Get to Arizona- amazing track

I liked this one

I loved this album when it came out and I played it a million times, but this might have been the first time I ever listened to it and heard what Chuck D was saying. An important album and very much the definition of an album everyone should listen to.

This stuff is so relevant today, it’s fucking tough to listen. Is there a popular black rapper or musician today that will stand up and motivate the people against this racist and fascist regime? Seems like all we have today are the Diddys and Kanyes and all the rest who don’t give a fuck about nothing but money and pussy? And they’re terrified of the nazi-maga fucks in power, afraid to lose their Bentleys. So they toe the line and don’t question. Just like most everyone else. Sad. Maybe Kendrick is our modern day NWA? We could sure use a little more anger right now.

Public enemy rules. They are truly a one-of-one.great album.

I had only really heard “Fight the Power” and “Bring Tha Noize” from Public Enemy. I had always loved both tracks and hearing this full album has only solidified my appreciation of the band. Chuck D’s voice has such a resonant undertone - it immediately demands your attention and directs the flow of energy like a preacher - making his case and calling to action. Sadly, the issues demanding attention in 1991 are still the same in 2025. In many ways, it is even more important in this moment to take the blinders off and face what we have created and are creating as a country. Fantastic album

Potent album in all respects and, with the white middle-aged lenses, this is one of the best of the era. I especially liked "One Million Bottles," a pointed critique of black men drinking themselves to death, and the Anthrax collab "Bring the Noise." Wish I had listened closer to this album when I was a counselor at a school in Chicago and one of the teens in my room had it and played it all the time.

I love political rap, and Chuck D is the high priest of the genre. Some terrific samples on this, love the James Brown on Nighttrain. Really hits its stride in the middle of the record with By the Time I Get to Arizona and Move. Today I learned from this that Arizona and NH voted against MLK day being a holiday, fucking insane. Bring The Noise with Anthrax is such a fantastic, ballsy move by a group that clearly loves all kinds of music. It doesn't quite stand up to their two masterpieces in Fear of a Black Planet and It Takes A Nation, more filler, but still a great one

A classic of its genre and it’s not corny, super dated, or boring. The beats knock and the performances are no-bullshit, high energy, and uncompromising. I was relieved to enjoy it as much as I did given my track record with other hip-hop cornerstones . Unfortunately still not above a bit of the timely homophobia/whatever social ills, but it’s not as egregious as some of its peers I guess.

This was super cool. I didnt know what to expect going into this, I've never listened to Public Enemy before, but it definitely wasn't this. I loved the metal-ish tracks. The beats, the synth. All great.

As enjoyable as It Takes a Nation... Possibly more so so creeping into a 4 for me. By the Time I Get to Arizona the highlight.

This was a lot of fun. I really enjoy the energy and style of the tracks. Honestly I didn't pick out as much of the lyrics as I'd like and I suspect on another listen where I concentrate on that I would enjoy it even more. You could hear the really strong influence they had on rage against the machine here, especially in "by the time I get to Arizona" I had to actually check if rage had nicked the riff from it it felt so obviously like them, but apparently not. There were a few lesser tracks in amongst it, but then there normally is with a double album. Once again I reckon with a bit of restraint I would have loved a single album cut of this. Also weirdly, considering my normal tastes, I prefer the version of bring the noise without anthrax on it, although I do like the fact they collaborated.

Æ likte det, men vi har så definitivt kommet så langt at æ begynne å lure på koffor enkelte artister har mer enn et album på lista. Men det e fascineranes politisk og alt sånt, altså.

first listen sampling immaculate

Really solid production and interesting, politically concious lyrics. Not typically something I'd revisit a lot, but this had some great grooves and I found myself vibing to it frequently.

Wow, definitely like this one. I liked their previous 2… unsure why this one didn’t resonate at the time. I think I simply was entering my classic rock phase.

I really should have listened to more Public Enemy in my youth. It's not for me (middle-class, white, male, UK) but I was way too quick to dismiss it as "angry black people just talking over beats". Shame on me....... shame on me.

Powerful political rap. My brain needed a moment to adjust to the wall of sound that is Public Enemy’s sound. But once it did, I found a ton to appreciate here. The music is great — hard-hitting beats that mix old school hip-hop with 90s funk. Chuck D’s flow is very deliberate even when he raps fast — I was able to follow along with everything he said. “By the Time I Get to Arizona” was a highlight! The combination of the soulful backing vocals with that fat, funky, and fuzzed out bass is epic! I also heard the musical connection between Public Enemy and Rage Against the Machine for the first time today. There were a few lines that popped out at me that get quoted in Rage songs, and a few musical moments too. I see how Public Enemy paved the way for them.

Loud, raucous, and so great. The thing that I like most about this album is the skits and interludes, and how ahead of the times the beats are.

Oof, this has not really aged well… but a lot of the music I love would not exist without this. 4* on account of the influence. 4/5

Started off as just straight bops and it kinda tapered off a bit starting in the middle. Then it ended with the bop "Bring Tha Noize." Haven't heard that song since I played Smackdown vs. Raw, but damn what a banger. Good album overall. Good flows and barely any monotony.

Raw, straightforward and aggressive in terms of both lyrical content and delivery. A letter to the New York Post is probably the most memorable track for me on first listen. It's straight to the point and incisive; showcasing the energy that is one of the many highlights of this album. Nighttrain is another favorite track of mine for similar reasons. I like the various influences that weave in and out of each track--especially those moments of funk, since g-funk is my preferred style of hiphop. There is also a palpable futuristic vibe which I think works well with this particular production. The track with Anthrax was a better blend of styles than I thought it would be. Overall I had a lot of fun with this album and I really appreciate the clear political message.

Absolutely relentless. I honestly needed this album to stop for a second so that I could take it in better. I’m sure that was Public Enemy’s intention so I can’t begrudge them for it.

Strong.

This album has reminded me of my affection for Public Enemy. In this album, the political message is as stronger as ever, just as it is in their other albums. Some strong tunes here. In particular, Can't Truss it and Bring Tha Noize. Really hard stuff. Easy 4 stars.

Good throwback to OG rap. Never done a dive into Flavor Flav, so pleasantly surprised to hear him in his prime. Political of course, with an underground-esqe anger that makes the link between punk and rap crystal clear. As a forever lover (if not full-time listener) of punk, this listen was easy to appreciate.

I remember stumbling upon a Public Enemy set in 2009 just after it started. I said to myself, "this is the best performance I've seen all weekend." That was saying a lot... because the last ever Beastie Boys performance also happened that weekend. Who can guess where I was?

3.5 Not my normal thing but I've got a lot of time for this, particularly given I just had Run DMCs debut the day before. That there were 7 years in-between that and this blows my mind, feels like going from 50s doo-wop to the Stooges or something in just 7 years. Wish rap continued down this path of consciousenceness rather than the hedonistic NWA route

Curious choice over It Takes a Nation of Millions... Good reminder of how big of a deal of Public Enemy was for a couple years there in my formative youth. And a good reminder of how big of a deal Anthrax was for me for a brief period too. One of the most important groups ever but this doesn't feel like their best work.

Cool !

This holds up remarkably well after 30+ years. And the Anthrax collab is amazing. Can’t Truss it By the Tome I Get to Phoenix Night train Bring the Noise ****

Super fun to go back and listen to this again. It's been since the middle 90s since I've heard this one. It's not quite as good as some of their other early work. But a blast none the less.

Cool album. Standout songs: Can't Truss it By the time I get to Arizona A Letter to the New York Post

Como digo en cada entrada de algún álbum de rap o hip hop, no soy nada fan del género, y cuando me encuentro joyas como ésta, me emociona mucho. No había escuchado a Public Enemy y me parecieron con un gran ritmo y un rap directo y a la cabeza. Muy disfrutable para caminar de noche en los barrios intensos de la ciudad. Al menos me hace poner cara de malo.

Felt great after 2 weeks of pop/rock

Chad rap 4.5

Good energy - I like. Enjoy the continuous flow between songs. Great beats and flow. Felt energised and upbeat listening to it and some nice little break downs and use of samples. Yehhhh I like this and whilst songs are similar in some way, just great flow and continuation and vibes (1st half) 😎 political, cultural and a capturing of society at the time, and more importantly, being black. Enough to keep it fresh and varied throughout. Tune with Anthrax just shows their openness but also a bit comical. 1st 1/2 better than 2nd. Great start and run of tracks.

I enjoyed this old school rap. Although that keenan and kel skit kept replaying in my head. Yo i said old schoooool

Wow. Not a genre I like very much but hard to argue with the sigificance of what these guys had to say.

4.5 stars. Essential 90's hip hop. Slower paced with good beats. Lyrics with some activism and commentary on African American community. Standouts "By The Time I Get To Arizona", collab with Anthrax "Bring Tha Noize".

Per FOBP review I should have given ITANOMTHUB a 5 as by far the superior album. In my opinion A91 suffers from same issue of FOBP in that the beats/ samples are too dense they they diminish the power of Chuck D. Still some strong tracks - and power of message remains - but overall not as good as FOBP. A low 4.

The Imperial Grand Ministers of Funk have created a continuous sonic backdrop which is only equalled by contemporary mixmasters, Jive Bunny. The raps feel like they laid the groundwork for so much modern hip hop. Breaking free of the repetitive form of the original MCs like Grandmaster Flash, and raising it to something much more complex. If I were to ever meet them I'd shake them by the hand and say, listen chaps, this might not entirely be my thing, but it's jolly accomplished. Although I prefer the other two PE albums we've reviewed, It's cutting lyrics and important subject matter and continuing quality of raps, tips this into four.

Got the groove…and the messages

3.7 - Its good, but does it really stand out from others?

Hmm I think unpopular opinion but I liked this album more than their other two much bigger hits. 3.8/5 Fave Tracks: Nighttrain, Can't Truss It, By The Time I Get to Arizona (shout out Tony Hawk)

Even if you take off the Anthrax remix, this is a perfect hip hop album for metal heads. Loud and in your face.

They definitely bring it. The beat of their music is infectious.

Old skool rap

While its still got the intelligent emancipationist rapping from Chuck D the real contribution of this album is on rave. This album paved the way for darkcore and and is basically the only source other than 909s that Nasenbluten ever used. Its way more stripped back, much less funky and a lot more aggresive. Apparently their DATs were stolen halfway through production which makes it even more ghetto. Lost at Birth opens with skittering scratches moving across the whole stereo image and a metallic siren that could have come out of a Rufige Kru track. Nighttrain and Can't Truss It just pound home the same loops over and over again until they start to drill into your brain. By The Time I Get To Arizona is Amiga-ready having been reduced to the lowest bit rate you could imagine. 1 Million Bottlebags has rave stabs? Anthrax AND a funky drummer break? Suck on that Aerosmith. Its not Fear of a Black Planet or Nation of Millions but just look at that cover - Flav is literally the Terminator.

"Bring tha noise" +2, political fierceness

This is infinitely better than modern hip hop

"Justice evolves only after injustice is defeated" Public Enemy's "Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black" is an unyielding and forceful album that showcases high production quality. However, the musical sound and beats take a backseat, much like punk music from the 1970s, as the value lies in its message. The album's real power comes from the unflinching reality conveyed through Chuck D's social and political commentaries. All the other voices, including guest artists, fail to rise to his purposeful command of storytelling. Overall, the album is cohesively crafted. Although it features similar beats and tempos throughout, these are mixed with various samples and musical injections to prevent it from becoming monotonous. While I lack the background or expertise in hip-hop to fully explain the relevance, I enjoyed this record, The message alone warrants this album a rating of 4 and is something that everyone needs to listen to, at least once.

An early 90 classic that’s held up amazingly well and still somehow remains criminally underrated. Huge beats and great delivery from Chuck D.

Hard Hitting Hip Hop! From their three albums on the list, I’ve learned that I really like Public Enemy

Great beats great lyrics which could also be from 2025 not 1991

4.5/5

Not quite as good as first one, but pretty solid. A few slow spots

wow! Haven't fully enjoyed other albums of Public Enemy I've listened to, but this was brilliant. Lyrics were very interesting and offered an insight into 90s America for Black men. Production and beats were very cool too. I'm currently making my way through Malcolm X's autobiography, and this album is in a similar zone to that. Lost at Birth, Can't Truss it, How to Kill a Radio Consultant, Move, More News at 11, Shut 'em Down. Brilliant stuff. Special mention to 1 Million Bottlebags for its interesting social commentary. I finally "get" Public Enemy.

such a banger of an album - crazy samples, brutal lyricism, hard scratching, and high energy.

Not always pleasant to listen to (sometimes repetitive with a very busy sound) but they have their own unique style, energetic delivery and a strong message. 3.7

Almost as good as Fear Of A … Not quite, but almost! Chuck D still delivers like his life depended and the arrangements are solid as well; a higher degree of live musicianship helps bring the songs to life. The fact that Anthrax collaborated with the group on the closing remix of “Bring Tha Noize” slams dunk the ending and helped pave a change in direction of the genre.

Good stuff right here.

Turn it up! Bring the noise!

This was DENSE, used Genius to learn about the double meanings. Lots of this still relevant imo.

It's great. Bold and punchy. Not as memorable as fear of a black planet but another great project.

I don't think this is the best Public Enemy album but it is another good entry in to their work. I don't know if it's just me but I feel like this record is dominated by Chuck D while Flava Flav and Terminator X take a bit of a backseat. I think the production and beat work on this album is really great; it's that middle mix of the early ages of hip hop moving toward what would become the more deliberate and from scratch beats of the 90's. The sampling is there but the beat production has a lot of construction in it as opposed to one or two samples together, followed by a distinct set of samples later. Anyway I enjoyed this. It's not the masterpiece Fear of a Black Planet is, but it's still good. And that Anthrax feature at the end...nice.

Came back to this multiple times this week and it’s such a solid and fantastic album. I didn’t know how consistently good Public Enemy’s output was in the late 80s-early 90s but I’ve enjoyed finding out. Fun to pick out ‘…Arizona’ from one of my favourite video games of all time - not Guitar Hero this time but the fantastic Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 and just a run of absolute belters.

I’m at a 4. I dunno, maybe my expectations were a bit too sky high after the brilliance of both “It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back” & “Fear Of A Black Planet”, but this one fell a little shorter for me. I don’t think it’s in the production – the beats here are still good enough, though this clearly isn’t as up to par as those two albums. It’s not totally in Chuck D’s flows or lyrics, because his stuff is still sharp for the most part, but he does have moments where the energy just doesn’t feel as present. It’s partially in Flavor Flav’s, because he’s sort of relegated to a P. Diddy-esque hype man role ala “Ready to Die”, and his contributions to this one come across a little more bitter & angry compared to his stuff on the other two albums; I might just be missing something, though, who knows? I’m not sure exactly what it is, but the closest thing I can come up with is just that the album’s subject matter just hasn’t aged particularly well. Sure, a lot of this still has a prescience to it, but it lacks the sort of timeless bite that makes the prescience have a point that really sticks. A lot of the complaints brought up here are valid, but much like Flavor Flav’s stuff, it’s rooted in a way that doesn’t address the core of the issue and just sort of fantasizes around it. That lack of a call to action, in a meaningful sense, something so blatantly present on the other two albums, feels replaced by a call to just sort of acknowledge it and hope someone listens. Once again though, I might just be missing something. That’s not to say there’s no bite – the first 4 tracks are great, and “By the Time I Get to Arizona” is a fantastic track that contains the direction I wish this album had really, really stuck to, but a lot of this album does come across as flatter, especially the last 4 tracks (save, partially for “Shut ‘Em Down”). That’s NOT counting the Anthrax remix of Bring tha Noize, which is, for better or for worse, nu metal being born right there in 1991. That shit was rad. With all that said, it’s still a great Public Enemy album, but something is just missing here – whether it really is the subject matter not aging as well, a more bitter tone to everything, or the production / storytelling not hitting the same level as the first two PE albums we got, it’s something noticeable enough for me to give them a 4 for the first time. I still recommend it, though. It’s a solid 52 minutes, and it’s still got Chuck D flowing like a motherfucker – when he’s rolling, there’s still an infectious energy that’s too damn good to ignore. He’s just not rolling as much on this one, hence the 4. Again, though, and I cannot stress this enough: I might just be missing something.

bombing

Hell yes, Flavor Flav and Terminator X let’s do it… Right off the bat, Chuck D is fucking awesome. He has such a good voice for rap/hip-hop that flows well with their beats and blends well with Flav’s higher voice for his raps and ad libs. Lyrically solid, enjoyed all of the songs, laughed at A Letter to NY Post since a diss track to a newspaper is pretty funny but it was a good diss track! Overall enjoyed the album, I find myself comparing most of the hip hop to this time to how I like Tribe and this is close but not enough for me to give a five.

Best I’ve heard from them

Not a huge rap fan, but this album was really good.

Great

Wow. A hard hitter for sure. Groovy beats too that I took on a drizzly February walk with me

Another Public Enemy album, another list of bangers. Public Enemy continues to be loud party style rap with a ton of sick beats and funk. It's sad that it's still culturally relevant today, particularly the opening to By The Time I Get To Arizona and Can't Truss It. Terminator X and Flava Flave create some pretty fun rhymes, even if at times the flow feels dated. Good stuff.

Maybe not as great as Fear of a Black Planet or It takes a Nation, but still solid and driving. My mom asked me to stop playing it when I was in the car “despite liking Public Enemy,” which added a certain juvenile joy to my listening experience.

The most important rap group in history right here. Scary how even more poignant their points are 30+ years later. 8/10

Been my favorite from Public Enemy for sure!

I actually really enjoyed that. I say “actually” because I was pretty neutral on the last Public Enemy album we were assigned on this list. But the three years between this album and the last one shows….I really just cannot get into rap from the 80s and couldn’t connect with the last one, and the fact that this album was from the start of the 90s makes all the difference. The beats were super catchy and I found the political messaging really compelling (and unfortunately relevant). Fav tracks: I Don’t Wanna Be Called Yo N***, By The Time I Get To Arizona

I do like these old school rap albums, but it’s not something I’ll revisit often. Well, let’s see.. maybe I will! Enjoyed it, though.

Definitely my favorite of the older hip hop albums on this list so far. Kicked off strong, then surged back a few times throughout the record. Their message came across pretty well even though I didn't catch every lyric, which isn't always the case with a lot of music.

great good hip hop

Iconic sound of an era. Only to be imitated today.

I enjoyed this. Not too much of a surprise as I've always liked Chuck D's voice and tge constand driving beat of PE. Sure, even the Flava parts work. I never heard this album before, but it did not disappoint.

I’m not sure this list needed 3 Public Enemy albums on it, but this is probably my favorite of them.

Public Enemy = Dope beats and lyrics. There were a couple of the songs that the loops got a little tedious, but not by much ("Lost At Birth," "Move!"). The sampling for "Nighttrain" was IMO genius. Track 6 .. "I Don't Wanna Be Called Yo N****". I get the point, but it's not a track I am going to listen to again. I get why it's here, but the Anthrax collab put at the end of the album felt like it was... squeezed in as an afterthought. It doesn't fit the rest of the album. It's still a great song, though. Top tracks: "By The Time I Get To Arizona," "Bring Tha Noize", "Shut 'Em Down"

Thank you for giving me Public Enemy after Digital Underground - I can wash out the latter with the former. This is a rap / hip hop album. Note it came out only one year after that other joke album. Love the beats - the sampling is sublime, Terminator X (and the Bomb Squad?) at his finest. The lyrics are also pretty strong. By the Time I Get to Arizona is the best of both - what a track. Lost at Birth, Nighttrain and Move! have some real killer samples and beats (the first one also has some solid lyrics). Can't Truss It, How to Kill a Radio Consultant, and Shut Em Down have some pretty epic lyrics - all Chuck D. But even Flavor Flav contributes some good lyrics on I Don't Want to be Called Yo Niga (he goes a little overboard toward the end of the song) and More News at 11. Chuck D and Flavor Flav combine for some good lyrics on A Letter to the New York Post. I kinda wish they didn't put Bring the Noise on this album (already had it two albums ago), though this version with Anthrax is pretty kick ass.

Damn, this album grew on me. My initial reaction was that it was a bit relentless and Chuck D's rapping style made me want to take a breath for him (and hearing him gasp at the end of every line in Nighttrain was kind of annoying). I was planning to go with a 3, with respect for the grooves and the powerful lyrics. Then I continued listening to the album and instead of "relentless" I realized this album flows and flies by on every listen. Certain tracks got me grooving every time I heard them. And, of course, their powerful lyrics hit me every time. Bottom line - this album ROCKS. I still want to take a breath for Chuck D, but his rapping is powerful and impressive, and Flavor Flav is just awesome. Would definitely revisit (and this is also the first PE album I've listened to in the list - looking forward to the others). Finally, love the Anthrax / PE mashup (not the first time I've heard this one). Favorite tracks: Can't Truss It, By the Time I Get to Arizona, Move!, 1 Million Bottlebags, Shut 'Em Down, Get the Fuck Outta Dodge, Bring the Noise.

good beats I love 90s rap/beats/type

Insanely groovy intro with great samples, love this track first listen. Rebirth has great drums. Somewhat repetitive choruses but groovy drums, truss it somewhat dragged on too long but still was really good. I don’t wanna be called yo is fire, the best one so far. The next two have great beats, and political messages. It got slightly weaker towards the very end, but it was still enjoyable. Liked 1 million bottle bags. This album is great for its production and message, initial listen: 8.5/10 or 4.25/5.

Lyrically and sonically a dope PE record. Although this doesn't hold up to ITANOMTHUB or Fear or a Black Planet.

I judge more harshly things that I love (if I have children in the future i'm sorry for them). That's why it's a strong 4.

Wybuchowy miks gniewu, świadomości politycznej i niepowstrzymanej energii, który nadal brzmi aktualnie i inspirująco. Beaty są mocne i agresywne. "Bring the Noise" w wersji z Anthrax, który łączy hip-hop i metal, torując drogę do późniejszego rozwoju gatunku rapcore. Nie bali się eksperymentów. I luv Flava Flav. 4/5

Raw and righteous hip-hop with teeth and substance. The leaner, cleaner approach and direct line of attack yield more power and the old cliche about rap being black America's CNN was never truer than this one. This works extraordinarily well as a whole but one's personal highlights are "Nightrain" and "Dont' Wanna Be Called Yo" and "Arizona."

This is pretty solid!

Pretty fun

Public Enemy had their data stolen before completing this album the first time around, so this is the second attempt to put it altogether again. You would have though that the original version would have resurfaced by now somehow, and maybe one day it will. You can imagine it would be pretty demoralizing to have to start it all from scratch and indeed the music doesn't quite match the revolutionary energy of their previous releases. The production is more rushed and simplified, leading to a different kind of style. Public Enemy are always pretty good, particularly when you're angry with the world and just need to vent to some great beats. The album isn't their best, but it does have some unique moments and was likely influential due to its cleaner production.

Everything is fire. Every song are important as the others and I didn't find the hit that carries the album. All is perfectly belanced

These guys were real - they can’t do no wrong back in the early 90s. Rap is not my thing, but when I listen to rap, I’d be listening to Public Enemy

This goes hard!!! That Anthrax track is so cool and just such a full worldview realized by the whole album - Shut Em Down prob my fav track.

just effortless and impressive but somehow public enemy has remained a bit uncool in my brain - need to unpack this further

super energetic the whole way through

Great album and great beats, Loops and samples.

Great!

Not as good as their two other albums on the list, but I still like this. Also, the metal version of Bring The Noise goes hard.

Decent

Apocalypse 91... The Enemy Strikes Black is an album which i really enjoyed. My impressions on the first Public Enemy album i did (Fear Of A Black Planet) and technically what i think of most hip-hop albums especially on this project seemed like they were going to carry over here with the album having really good moments and really bad moments but i was pleasantly surprised to see that this album was actually consistently good throughout. With cool instrumentals, some really good social commentary and the songs sounding really distinct from each other (especially with Bring The Noise). This album did quite a lot to make me like it Best Song: Bring The Noise Worst Song: Rebirth

Angle-grinder abrasive beats. Historically and socially conscious lyrical context. Boom 🧨

Easily the weakest of the trilogy of hip hop albums Public Enemy put out from '88 to '91, where the group was falling a bit behind sonically compared to performers such as A Tribe Called Quest or De La Soul. Hardcore political hip hop was out, a more mellow, concious sound was in. Still, Chuck D and co. don't let this album completely slip into a gutter, with still plenty of great cuts, and a genius combination of metal and hip hop via an Anthrax collaboration, something that wasn't the first, but was far ahead of it's time, and still one of the best takes on that combo. A good album that wasn't quite as impactful, but crtically it still hits all the right beats to be a good and proper Public Enemy release.

This was a solid 1001st album. Good fun and full of hits. Lots of humour but also serious story telling.

“These days, you can’t see who’s in cahoots Cause now the KKK wears three-piece suits.” — 4/5 Highlights: Lost At Birth By The Time I Get To Arizona Shut ‘Em Down Bring Tha Noize

missä hän on?! olen ihan hulluna sen kanssa. tarvitsen munaa imemään. tarvitsen aivoa. tarvitsen minulle pienen kaulamestari. en voi lopettaa, tunnen itseni liian hulluksi. tunnen oloni villiksi, löysen. olen valmis. missä hän on?! olen todellinen olento. en voisi koskaan törmätä kenenkään nartun takia! ostan typerää paskaa, joo! minulla on todella tämä paska. miten voisin olla homo? narttuni on homofobinen. tämä lepakkosignaali ei ole hakulaite, nämä kuokat käyttävät sitä väärin. mitä sinä olet, syönyt?! oletko vitun ruokittu?! bars on bars... kuinka moni vittu sanoisi tätä paskaa? sanoisin että ei kukaan... paitsi he! by the time i get to arizona

This one was definitely a barrage of sound and words. Almost every track is a high energy affair. While it didn't quite grab me as much as "Fear Of A Black Planet", it's still quite good. Loses a star mainly just because I was feeling fatigue in a couple places. Overall though fantastic listen.

I like this one, a bit more than it takes a nation. The Anthrax song also works really well. Will I listen to again: 80%

3.5☆/5 11.06.2024

Really great album. Although some songs are a skip due to the beat being way to busy or flavor flav being annoying.

I think I like Public Enemy? Wha? Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 4/5

I had never heard A Letter to the New York Post before and therefore incorrectly assumed that Lin Manuel Miranda was the first person to rap about Alexander Hamilton

I get it, I am probably in no position to rate this record if I'm the target of Ben Folds "Y'all don't know what it's like, being male, middle-class and white." Still, thanks to another male, suburban white fellow, who conveyed to me, this pops. Continual satirical minstrel narration. Relentless earnestly cynical skits. Who am I to assess whether the affected communities would even grant any credence to this goat rope of a hip hop joint. I just know what to do when I get to Arizona.

A question i ask myself when listening/reviewing music, is "what did the artist set out to accomplish? And did they succeed?" The answer to these questions here is a resounding YES! This is a record of its time and yet timeless, seemingly a bridge to the 90s.

Apocalypse 91 ... The Enemy Strikes Back is the fourth album from Public Enemy, and the follow up to their incredibly successful third album, "Fear of a Black Planet." Apocalypse 91 was recorded shortly after all of their digital recordings were stolen. The group need to rush to reproduce material and relied more heavily on performing musicians after the loss of their sample library. These are great tracks from a socially conscious, focuses group. While not as good as their "Fear of a Black Planet," these are thoughtful, interesting riffs, without the celebration of violence and delusional arrogance that dominates the genre.

býsna góð, komnir enn meira út í iðnaðar- og málmtóna í undirleiknum.

early rap isnt realy my thing but giving it a cup of tea due to its importance. good album!

Enjoyed, it has the aggressive tone and unashamedly political rhetoric that you'd expect of Public Enemy. Not as consistent as 'Nation of Millions' or 'Fear of a Black Planet' as I feel like some of their signature intensity is a bit lacking in some tracks, particularly in the second half. I hadn't heard the closing track Bring Tha Noize with Anthrax before. Very interesting and sounds like it might have influenced some of the nu-metal, rap-rock in the early 00s. Good 4/5

what i'm finding i really like about public enemy is that their production is always bombastic and frenetic. between the beats, chuck d's strong voice and flavor flav's hypeman energy, there's just something about the music that there's nothing like it. i also especially appreciate how focused on social commentary their music is, especially when so much of it still feels relevant today. this one surprised me a little, because it's not one of theirs that i had heard of going into it, so i wasn't sure what to expect. but the entire album is a good listen. and i did love the anthrax cover/remix of 'bring tha noize.' solid album.

**Album Review: *Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black* by Public Enemy** Released in October 1991, *Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black* marked Public Enemy's fourth studio album and cemented their place in the canon of politically conscious hip-hop. Known for their revolutionary fervor and lyrical militancy, Public Enemy continued to push boundaries with this record, blending socio-political commentary with aggressive beats and a hard-hitting production style. The album builds on the legacy of their previous work (*Fear of a Black Planet*, *It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back*), maintaining their status as some of the most formidable voices in rap. ### **Lyrical Themes** Public Enemy’s *Apocalypse 91* stands out as one of the most lyrically dense records of the early '90s, dominated by themes of systemic racism, political corruption, media manipulation, and Black empowerment. Chuck D's forceful, articulate delivery makes each track a manifesto of resistance. 1. **Race and Power Structures**: The album's core theme revolves around racial injustice. Tracks like "By the Time I Get to Arizona" sharply criticize the refusal of certain U.S. states to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The song is a direct indictment of systemic racism and exemplifies Chuck D's role as a hip-hop orator of political dissent. 2. **Media Manipulation**: Public Enemy had long critiqued how the media distorts public perception, particularly of Black people. On *Apocalypse 91*, the track “I Don’t Wanna Be Called Yo N***a” reinforces the idea that language and representation in media are critical for shaping self-perception within the Black community. 3. **Black Nationalism and Identity**: With a focus on uplifting and defending Black culture, *Apocalypse 91* embraces an unflinching pro-Black stance. Chuck D calls for self-sufficiency and unity in the face of oppressive systems. "Move!" features strong rhetoric on Black empowerment, while "Rebirth" asserts a commitment to African identity and unity, a continuation of Public Enemy’s earlier messages of collective consciousness. 4. **Violence as Resistance**: The confrontational tone in songs like "Shut 'Em Down" reflects a growing anger at the failures of peaceful resistance. Public Enemy does not explicitly advocate for violence, but the lyrics imply that resistance against oppressive structures might necessitate more drastic action. The title track, “The Enemy Strikes Black,” hints at reclaiming power through direct confrontation. ### **Music and Production** Musically, *Apocalypse 91* reflects a shift in Public Enemy’s sound. While the Bomb Squad (Public Enemy’s long-time production team) is still credited with much of the album’s overall direction, their influence is less pronounced here compared to the groundbreaking work they did on *Fear of a Black Planet* or *It Takes a Nation*. 1. **Industrial, Gritty Soundscapes**: The production leans toward an industrial, almost metallic feel. Tracks like "Lost at Birth" open with thunderous drum loops, sirens, and dense layers of aggressive samples. The relentless noise and chaotic energy of the album underscore the urgency of Public Enemy’s message. 2. **Simplified, Punchier Beats**: Compared to their earlier work, the beats on *Apocalypse 91* are more streamlined, and at times, more accessible. Songs like "Can't Truss It" rely on a pulsating groove that’s simpler than the dense collages of *Nation of Millions*. This shift sacrifices some of the complexity that made the Bomb Squad’s earlier work groundbreaking, but it makes the album hit harder in a direct way, allowing the lyrical content to take center stage. 3. **Influence of Rock and Metal**: Public Enemy incorporated more rock elements on *Apocalypse 91* than in previous albums. "Bring the Noise," a collaboration with thrash metal band Anthrax, is an excellent example. This fusion of rap and rock underscored their crossover appeal while emphasizing the urgency of their revolutionary themes. The incorporation of live instrumentation, gritty guitar riffs, and frenetic pacing adds a new layer to their sound without diluting their message. 4. **Sampling Techniques**: While sampling still plays a central role, it is used more sparingly compared to the overwhelming sample-dense tapestries in *Fear of a Black Planet*. Here, Public Enemy opts for a cleaner and sharper aesthetic, moving away from the dizzying production style that made earlier records sound almost avant-garde. The minimalist approach is a double-edged sword: it makes the album more immediate but slightly less innovative. ### **Themes of Resistance and Power** The theme of *Apocalypse 91* is deeply rooted in challenging power structures. From governmental policies to corporate America, the album positions itself as a critique of those in power who exploit and oppress marginalized communities. 1. **Corporate Critique**: “Shut 'Em Down” is a notable example of Public Enemy’s anti-corporate sentiment. It highlights the economic disparities affecting Black communities and calls for boycotts against companies that exploit or ignore Black consumers. Chuck D's assertive delivery attacks corporations for profiting off Black labor without reinvesting into the communities they exploit. 2. **Surveillance and Government Mistrust**: Tracks like "1 Million Bottlebags" deal with addiction and governmental neglect of urban communities. Public Enemy views the prevalence of alcohol in these neighborhoods as a calculated move by authorities to weaken resistance and maintain control over disenfranchised populations. The lyrics here echo the group’s consistent narrative that the government is complicit in the oppression of Black America, a theme further explored in songs like "Get the Fist." 3. **Cultural and Social Self-Defense**: On "Move!," Public Enemy touches upon the need for cultural self-defense. Chuck D's fiery delivery on this track suggests that resistance is not only necessary but inevitable, and Public Enemy positions itself as a vanguard in that struggle. Lyrics emphasize the need for strong cultural identity and unyielding defiance in the face of oppression. ### **Influence and Legacy** *Apocalypse 91* represents a critical juncture in Public Enemy’s career, solidifying their place in the rap world as icons of resistance and political engagement. 1. **Expanding Hip-Hop’s Reach**: Public Enemy’s collaboration with Anthrax on "Bring the Noise" was a milestone for blending hip-hop with heavy metal, setting a precedent for future collaborations between rap and rock artists. This crossover success showed that hip-hop could transcend genre boundaries while retaining its message of rebellion and resistance. 2. **Political Hip-Hop as a Genre**: While Public Enemy was already synonymous with political hip-hop, *Apocalypse 91* reinforced their influence on the genre. The album inspired a wave of politically charged rap in the early ‘90s, with groups like Dead Prez, Paris, and even Ice Cube taking cues from Public Enemy's unapologetic stance. 3. **Mainstream and Cultural Impact**: Though *Apocalypse 91* did not receive the same groundbreaking critical acclaim as *It Takes a Nation of Millions*, it performed well commercially and resonated deeply with fans. The album reached #4 on the Billboard 200, demonstrating that political hip-hop could achieve mainstream success. More importantly, it became a rallying cry for those within the African American community grappling with racial inequality and institutional neglect. ### **Pros of *Apocalypse 91*** 1. **Lyrical Mastery and Directness**: Chuck D’s voice and lyrical content remain the most powerful aspect of the album. His precision, anger, and clear articulation of political and social issues are unmatched in their intensity. 2. **Timeliness and Urgency**: The album is a snapshot of early ‘90s America, filled with palpable frustration over race relations, corporate greed, and media manipulation. These themes remain relevant, which is a testament to the timeless nature of the issues Public Enemy tackled. 3. **Cross-Genre Influence**: The collaboration with Anthrax expanded Public Enemy’s influence and brought new fans into the fold. It also showcased that hip-hop could successfully blend with other genres without losing its potency. 4. **Cohesive, Focused Messaging**: The album maintains a consistent thematic focus throughout its runtime. Public Enemy's dedication to fighting systemic oppression and empowering Black listeners is evident in every track. ### **Cons of *Apocalypse 91*** 1. **Less Innovative Production**: Compared to previous albums, the production feels less groundbreaking. While it is still powerful and effective, it lacks the dense layering and complexity that made albums like *It Takes a Nation of Millions* sonically revolutionary. 2. **Limited Range in Subject Matter**: While the album's thematic consistency is a strength, it can also be a limitation. The constant focus on politics, racism, and empowerment, while central to Public Enemy's mission, may feel overwhelming or repetitive to some listeners. 3. **Shortcomings in Flava Flav’s Role**: Flava Flav, often seen as Public Enemy’s wild card, seems less essential here compared to earlier albums. His comedic and zany presence takes a backseat, leaving the album feeling a bit more serious and less playful, which could be seen as a drawback for fans who enjoyed his energy on earlier records. ### **Conclusion** *Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black* stands as a landmark album, not just for Public Enemy, but for the entire genre of hip-hop. The album’s uncompromising political stance, aggressive sound, and unapologetic critique of systemic injustices make it a timeless piece of art. However, the streamlined production and singular focus may limit its appeal to those outside of Public Enemy's already devoted fanbase. Despite this, the album remains an essential listen for anyone interested in the intersection of politics and music, and its influence continues to resonate today. Public Enemy’s legacy as one of the most important and outspoken groups in hip-hop history was only further cemented by this release.

It's perfectly fine old school rap, not a huge favour flav fan, but the beats are solid and the rapping is passable

"East Coast" West Coast becomes neither. It didn't help that the more meticulous treatment was stolen, and this revision was rushed. Bring Tha Noize was an ill-conceived collaboration with Anthrax, but I guess everyone had to do the Rap/Metal thing back then. Better than Aerosmith + Run DMC. Falls short of the Beastie Boys or Body Count. On the other hand, it's still P.E.

I grew up in the early 90s and it is a real travesty that 30+ years later, I can still recite every lyric in that rap about butts, the one about the dog doing the wild thing ON MY LEG, and I know what it means to wax a chump like a candle, but I have no memory of hearing any of this on the radio.

Vihanen ja raflaavat beatit! Kyllä! 4/5

great time for a long ride

A really solid PE album but not their best. A definite 4.

Compared to their first album, I enjoyed this one. They had some insightful lyrics and good rhythms/samples. I appreciated also that they were not swearing every other word.

Look, this is a great album from a great group. They lyrics (for the most part) have a lot of purpose and intentionality behind them, they are about actual issues not just stupid gangsta rap bs and Chuck D has incredible delivery. The Bomb Squad is also great, love them. However I just don't understand why Flavor Flav is even a part of the group. Like what is he bringing to the table? I feel like he's kinda a joke, he doesn't have the same intensity as Chuck and just sort of appears on random tracks. I really feel like he undercuts a lot of the seriousness on this album and I think that kinda hurts it. Still great overall.

If I was into this genre it would be a 5 star, but I'm not. Though this is a great album!

Love PE, Chuck D is brilliant, even if you don’t agree with his politics. The fact that he calls out Black folks hurting the black cause as well as call out the white folks shows he’s looking at the big picture and not just playing a victim. Plus, they flow so well. Not necessarily my favorite PE album, but definitely a solid entry on their discography.

Still passionate, still exciting! I feel that this was PE’s first album in the wake of a really large audience, which I suppose changed their approach and broadened their focus a bit. If the result is somehow less overall powerful as their more underground efforts, it is only by a minor degree. Everything still feels real and relevant, and still hits hard.

Yawn, just not my thing

Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black is the fourth studio album by Public Enemy, originally released in 1991. After making a huge splash in the late 80s-early 90s, I was curious to hear what one of Public Enemy's late-ish albums would sound like. I feel like this is one of their lesser-known records too. The 90s gave rise to the boom-bap sound in hip-hop and I felt that Public Enemy would struggle to keep up. That is not the notion I got from listening to this record. They were still as groundbreaking as ever. If anything, I can hear the influence that 90s rappers got from Public Enemy. The instrumentals on here particularly stand out as great. The original tapes for this record were stolen so the group rushed to finish this record in time. I still think this is a really solid record despite that. It doesn't sound rushed to me. Great listen.

awesome rap album. They have a unique style and sound and would be great to jam to at parties.

I surprisingly really liked this one. I normally only listen to dark trap in the rap/hip hop genre but i really liked this. Some parts were a little repetitive but it was a lot better than some of the stuff ive heard here. A solid 4/5

Man, Public Enemy definitely had a sound all of their own, Apocalypse is another great example of that. This album is consistently good from start to finish, and the remix/Anthrax-collab of Bring Tha Noize is an awesome left turn style-wise to close the album with! 3.75/5

Public Enemy rules. I've liked all that I've heard. I really didn't expect myself to be someone who would like this, as I don't like a lot of gangsta rap stuff that comes right after this, but yeah, these are all bangers. 4/5

Silly me, I always assumed that Public Enemy were a two-album wonder act*, but that’s just not fair or right, this is good! A worthy follow up to Fear of a Black Planet and features some killer tracks.. B *for some reason, I always thought the Anthrax remix of Bring the Noise was a non-album single. I’m used to it on my Attack of the Killer B’s CD

Fuck fuck fuck yeah! One of these tracks was played on a boombox on the first day of my Rhetoric 20 class at Berkeley my first day of college, and Public Enemy has been near and dear to my heart ever since.

Very nice

I like the energy on this despite at times feeling like I was too white to be allowed to listen to it.

Loved this album - it's so high tempo and the energy never quits over the entire runtime. The production is dazzling and the rapping is just as good, energetic, urgent, current, and so forward-moving in hip hop. Best Track: Nighttrain Worst Track: Bring Tha Noize

Lyrics are incredible. I don't usually like being lectured to when I'm listening to music but I seem to always be able to make an exception for Chuck D. Only downside is how repetitive it can be

Some great beats and mighty rapping

Avec irrévérence et une bonne dose d'humour noir, Public Enemy aborde les questions du racisme et de la condition afroaméricaine d'une façon qui demeure (malheureusement) toujours pertinente et incisive plus de 30 ans plus tard

Is Flav arguing that the NYPost shouldn’t have written a story about him beating his wife? Wth?

A powerful album full of great story telling and writing with a few exceptions. Samples hit hard, vocals hit harder. This is an angry album that almost hits like a metal album, ironically culminating in a crossover track with Anthrax. Had to turn down the *N word song. Outside of that, great album.

Good politically charged listen.

Positively surprised by this one. The political themes and the 90s beats got to me. Had a lot more time for this than I thought I would. And this gets extra points for contributing to the tony hawk‘s soundtrack.

It was intriguing and entertaining. I would listen again, but it's not something I'd want to listen to on a loop. Three stars for my own personal preferences, but bumping up to four because I hear how it influenced so much for its genre.

Giving it a 3.5 - 4, it's Public Enemy, and it's good

Bring Tha Noize

This was a fun album. I certainly wasn’t expecting that finisher track which was Anthrax featuring Public Enemy. It went super hard and was a song that I wouldn’t expect to be good. It seems like metal and hip hop coming together could only really make the silliness that was most nu-metal, but this felt stronger. Anyway, aside from just that one track, I still enjoyed this. This is going to be up there with my preferred hiphop albums.

Non-stop bombastic rap with rock influence. It's hard, sharp, rhythmic and powerful. Cool stuff

It’s like that y’all.

I can definitely hear the politics on this record. "Political hiphop" is definitely an accurate label here lol. The production is great, but there are some weaker tracks. The rhymes are great, and some hooks are definitely catchy. Overall, not essential, but really good hiphop. If you like biggie, wu-tang and gangsta rap in general, this will likely be up your alley. 3 important tracks: Bring Tha Noize, Move! and By The Time I Get To Arizona.

Hard hitting hip hop from a golden era of the genre. While I’m more familiar with their hits and first album this one was a fantastic album through and through. Creative beats and samples, lyrics that go hard and bring the message home. So much to love here.

Loved it, classic sounds of the early 90s!

Nice upbeat songs! Classic sound, liked the vibes 4 ⭐️

PUBLIC ENEMY FOREVER

Held up much better than many of the late 80's or early 90's hip hop albums. Some of the beats on here are immaculate and Chuck D is doing what he does best. 3.5/5

This was cool. Chuck D's voice is so tough. Closing out the album with a metal song featuring Anthrax is nuts, I'd imagine especially in 91'. Very rad, probably my favourite old school hip hop album so far. Flava Flav is boring - bordering annoying, but whatever.

A classic.

Day116 - it’s a shame that the same problems that chuck d wrote about 30+ years ago still apply. by the time i got to arizona is a fantastic song

A revolutionary album with powerful lyrics that hits at the racial divides with authority.

Having listened to the two albums preceding this by Public Enemy and throughly enjoying them, I went into this with high hopes and it's safe to say that my expectations were exceeded. Things sound a bit less noisy than before which does take away some of the punch, but that is more than made up for by each track just being a real jam to listen to.

Smart, unapologetically strident message, spiked with humor and righteous anger. The lyrics hit hard, because they still ring true today. Tough as nails vibe, but beautifully crafted flow from track to track. Fave songs: Bring tha Noize, How to Kill a Radio Consultant, Can't Truss It, By the Time I Get to Arizona, Shut 'Em Down, Nighttrain, 1 Million Bottlebags

Solid

I tuned out PE after their second album and realize now I was missing out. Doesn't cover much new ground musically but Chuck D and Flavor are on point and their messages are still relevant today, unfortunately.

Since first hearing them in "Do the Right Thing", I've enjoyed most of what I've heard from Public Enemy (although it's mainly been Chuck D's voice and lyrics, and I've never really enjoyed Flavor Flav nearly as much). Since this album *isn't* "Fear of a Black Planet", I'm happy to think that there are likely two PE albums in the 1001 collection, or at least I hope so, since this is a good album but not as good or classic as "Fear of a Black Planet" (or "It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back" for that matter). That said, I enjoyed a fair number of songs on this album, and was surprised I'd heard several of them before (long ago). And of course it had that (to me) instant classic mash-up "Bring tha Noize (with Anthrax)", which blew my mind when I first heard it (apparently a few years before this album, although my conviction that I'd heard it on a school bus in high school must have been the original and not the co-Anthrax version). A lot of good stuff on this album, and fun to hear a familiar-sounding band playing tunes I haven't heard. And impressive to know that they cranked out this album after losing all their tracks/"data" from the past 5 years.

A bit brilliant, a bit long. I think there is a five star shorter version of this but you could cut it down to about 12 tracks. By the time I got to Arizona is amazing 4

Absurdo de bom, beats incriveis e todos os versos são fantásticos. Só não é maior a nota pq a agressividade do álbum cansa depois de um tempo, são relativamente parecidas as músicas Fav tracks: Lost At Birth, Nighttrain, Can't Truss It, I Don't Wanna Be Called Yo Niga, How To Kill A Radio Consultant, Shut Em Down, A Letter To The New York Post Least fav track: Bring Tha Noize

Not too bad, not really my thing but more listenable than much of this genre

i feel like this one will grow on me. the political nature and energy in this makes it age a lot better than some other early 90's hip hop. glad to finally have a reason to check out public enemy.

It wasn't meant to be this way apparently...lost data for this record sent the group into a more direct approach due to time constraints, I assume. That said I guess it was a happy accident because it's brilliant. Listen with good headphones and you actually get pummelled by the beats. Got to say that I'm not a huge hip hop follower as when I was growing it was kind of frowned upon to listen to this stuff. That's not to say I didn't and that I didn't enjoy it because I sure as hell did but yeah I never deep dived into the genre. We all know how most white boys end up indulging in hip hop and that's because of a certain white man being the goat...that being said I'm certain PE were a source of influence and why not? Honestly this record is seriously good. So much so I went and listened to all their other stuff too. Fear of a black planet is my personal favourite. I do find it surprising the political slant everything has and how intelligent they come across if you read what they're saying. NWA are obviously going to be quoted as the best hip hop group ever but I got to say their beats were more intelligent but PE's lyrics have much more substance in my opinion. I know the genre isn't for everyone but I'd anyone going through 1001 albums to give it go or take a look at the lyrics as poetry if you can't take the beats.

Before listening: I know nothing about Public Enemy other than Flavor Flav. I don't know what to expect but I know from experience I only like a certain era of rap, ie early 00s. After listening: Wow, that was a pretty good album. Really had no idea what I was in for and then I really enjoyed. I can't help but think that RATM wouldn't exist without Public Enemy. I have no idea whether this is widely known or not, but that's what I'm feeling.

I liked it! Will listen again

good one

These early hip hop albums simply have some edge that doesn’t exist in modern rap

It feels important. Like kids should learn about it in school. As music itself, I don't know. Some day I'll listen to it again

This is the second album from Public Enemy reviewed in this compilation. This may be better than its predecessor. Chuck D is a force to be reckoned with - his flow is impeccable and ferocious. Unfortunately, Flavor Flav’s contribution detracts from the socioeconomic commentary. The three worst tracks on this album are credited to Flavor Flav.

Anthraxt. So solid as to become cliche. Lostsa horns from terminator x

Classic 80s hip hop. love it

Better than expected 🤭

great samples, great beats, hilarious skits, i love some early dated hiphop. flavor flav

Not quite as good as Fear... and It takes... - but, well, it's still PE

Definitely the end of the imperial phase, but still great. Just less essential than the three bomb squad led albums. Imagine only being great rather than game changing, eh...

This was not A Letter to the New York Post, that’s for sure, but this album will make you want to Move!

Fuck. Public Enemy always goes so hard. Their beats are always on point, and always intense and gritty. Chuck D somehow manages to be underrated as a rapper despite being one of the most famous rappers in history. Flava Flav is also there. This isn't my favorite Public Enemy album, but it is a stellar piece of work 4/5

One of the iconic protests albums, this album embodies the frustration of living in black communities in America. The industrial, siren-like samples throughout build your anxiety as a listener, helping you connect with the stress of everyday black life that public enemy wants you to feel. It's a battle, and you are in the trenches. This is not my style of music, but it is must listen. Best track is by the time I get to Arizona.

Political, conscious. It's been 30 years and kkk still wearing 3 piece suits. Sounds old. Repetitive samples and very 1991.

Angry and dance-y. This is some hardcore hip-hop heroics right here. Flava Flav needs much more credit than just being the “Yeah, Boyyy!” hype-man. He flashes his hip-hop chops something fierce here. The PE-Anthrax duet was the best of the hip-hop-metal mash-ups of the age. Just a solid gold disc.

Not as great s previous PE albums but still excellent.

God bless the Bomb Squad. Better than I remember, but no “Nation of Millions”

Vaya cambio entre este y el de Slint. No sé como explicarlo, pero mola mucho el estilo "ruidoso" que lleva Public Enemy.

Liked this one more than the other public enemy album I heard. Rating: 4.1

Emma vond het een beetje agressief

Solid hip hop record - gotta love public enemy - frantic political and militant while being groovy and funky - it’s a good all round album

really good, old school

Not their best.

Oh boy. I don't know what year this is actually from but this feels very classic 90s/early 2000s. Can't Truss It is a good , boppy, tune. I Don't Wanna Be Called Yo Niga is fun and has good guitar added . I am not a big rap/hip hop fan but I'm liking this because it's also rock-y I like the title "How to Kill A Radio Consultant" Liked this more than I would have guessed. Probably not getting added onto my playlist but good to go into something and be pleasantly surprised.

lost at birth is very much 90's music with the record scratches and the beat. The lyrics talking about politics and social justice are in real contrast to the fun music. each song has a different and distinct sound to it, but they all have the same type of vibe that makes all the songs work together. by the time I get to Arizona is real cool. shut em down is bumping too, hold on just listened to the end, that is funny! I bet this had a big cultural and political impact at the time, but to me in this day and age, it's just a fun album. Either way, some solid tunes!

It's kinda wild hearing the early hip-hop production and flow with the seriousness of topics covered. Like if The Fresh Prince was rapping about race relations. So much that was new on this album is now either a core element of the genre or considered classic. I like the various samples that bring each song in or out. Many songs are connected together and make the album a more cohesive listen. Anthrax on Bring That Noize is pretty sweet. Interesting hearing Flavor Flav when he was more serious (not serious but I can't think of a better word). Not just an old guy with a big clock. This album is a great listen. Hard to not get into the rhythm.

Hard to go wrong with PE.

Never listened to this album before. Heard some familiar samples. Good album.

Apparently this was a a leaner production out of necessity and time pressure yet it feels grounded and fully realised. The sound is so evocative you can almost feel the summer heat coming off the city pavement. A stand out for me is By The Time I Get To Arizona - love the chorus in the background, feels very funk/soul-like. I’m not a huge hip hop listener but I do have a soft spot for 90’s hiphop. Makes me feel a little nostalgic but Apocalypse 91 still feels fresh and very alive and perhaps just as relevant today. I need to listen to the previous 3 now.

I don't care for the style on most tracks, but they undeniably speak truth to power and the flow is well constructed.

I really need to listen to more Public Enemy! Such energy and style...I can understand why they are such an important artist. 4.5/5

solid album

Usual

not the epitome, but still public enemy

Classic feel with the messages to back it up, that unfortunately ring true even today. Lessons that haven't been learnt are can steel be heard in the lines even today, so an automatic add to my hip hop playlist and will listen again.

Solid album, good listen

Rating:8/10 Best songs: 1 million bottlebags, More news at 11, Bring tha noize

another great album filled with great samples, ample amounts of bass, and social commentary on the effects of u.s. governmental policies on black people. in fact, the song “by the time i get to arizona” calls out the politicians in the state directly for their lack of holding martin luther king day as an official government holiday (the album was released in 1991, a public vote was finally passed granting the holiday in november 1992, thus making arizona the last state in the u.s. to recognize the holiday). quality album with lyrics that pull no punches. highlights: “by the time i get to arizona”, “1 million bottlebags”, “bring tha noize”.

Hard to rate. Since english is not my first language the lyrics do not always register as sentences in my brain. There were some good beats and i like the style of rapping 3,5/5

Ahh, this is the kind of hip hop that I like. The album is a great listen from go to woe but Bring Tha Noize just brings a smile to my face.

Wasn't too familiar with this one at all. Quite like the more stripped back sound - "Lost at Birth" almost sounds like a progenitor for industrial hip-hop - I dig the siren noise.... Fave track - As well as "Lost at Birth", also liked "By the Time I Get to Arizona", and of course the teenage metalhead I was likes the Anthrax collab "Bring Tha Noize" 🤘

This bopped

Lembrando que eu normalmente não escuto as letras das músicas, então qualquer mensagem que eles estejam passar vai ser despercebida por mim. Surpreendentemente, é bom. Gostei. 8/10

First 3 albums PE was fairly consistent and this albums seemed to have aged much better than some others at time.

Pretty much every track on here is good. Unexpectedly I found the Anthrax collaboration to be ok, but not as good as I remembered.

I'd listen to this again. Noize and Arizona were the stand outs for me. Some of the commentary seems a little dated and on the more depressing side is how relative some of the commentary still is.

It's pretty good. I still could do with a little less Flavor Flav, but Chuck D makes up for it.

8/10 public enemy is awesome! love these guys

LP

As expected from Public Enemy, a masterclass in hip-hop. At their peak, only Public Enemy can be better than Public Enemy, and somehow this one, as great as it is, isn't near of their magnum opus.

This was literally the first album I bought on CD. This might be THE most political of the band's releases. It starts off hitting like a hammer and the aggressive pace doesn't let up for about 5 or 6 songs. Another great record from an incomparable group of artists. The completely unnecessary Anthrax duet prevents this from being a true classic.

Can’t Truss It, By the Time I Get to Arizona, 1 Million Bottlebags. These might not be the biggest singles from PE but they are as good as anything they released. The production on this album isn’t as hard as the other albums but it flows really well track to track.

Boiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

I wish this had been my first exposure to Flavor Flav instead of Flavor of Love.

The fact that THIS record is considered lesser than Public Enemy’s three previous releases says all you need to know about the vital group’s ridiculous run from 1987–1991.

The third in an excellent run of Public Enemy albums. Hard-hitting as always, with incredible verses from Chuck D and hype from Flavor Flav. Sadly, this would be the penultimate release from the group to include the talented Terminator X, who's turntablism has left an impact on all of hip-hop. By the Time I Get to Arizona is also an all-timer song with a killer beat-switch.

Although I’ve listened to a lot of 80’s and 90’s hip hop I never was especially into PE. I own “It takes a nation..” on CD but it never really beacame a recurrent play. Apart from stand out tracks “By the time I get to arizona” and “bring the noize” I hadn’t listened to this. Born in the mid eighties PE always was a thing of the past for me and I never really got into them as I did with other contemporary rap groups like Run DMC, Eric B and Rakim, Beastie Boys, De la soul, NWA etc. Still, it is abundantly clear that a lot of my favourite artists have been heavily influenced by PE. Rage against the machine, el-p, wu tang and countless of rappers. In some parts Apocalypse 91 sounds dated but in other parts it still sounds forward thinking and fresh. The brash, harsh and alarming beats are in a way singular and unique for PE. They really were doing their own thing and although they inspired a lot of artists their sound was maybe too abrasive to really become an ongoing thing. Take for instance A Tribe Called Quests “Low End Therory” which also came out in 1991. That album feels considerably less dated because their style of beats and rapping became a dominating sound in nineties hip hop. With that said, the uniquely rough and alarming sound is both the appeal and the difficulty with Public Enemy. Apocalypse 91 is a great album but it’s not easy to get through. Stand out track: By the time I get to Arizona

Legendary.

When it's good, it's excellent - Bring tha Noize, get to Arizona etc. But damn, the discordant wailing sirens in the background of some songs are SUPER annoying. That first track is one hell of a way to start an album. Truly awful.

ja tak!

High energy hip hop, ikke for monotont eller gjentakende slik hip hop fra den tiden kan være. cool!

Ooh. It's been forever since I've heard any Public Enemy. I've never heard this one through. Nighttrain has some great energy. Loving the controlled noise on the first track, Lost at Birth.

This album is killer and feels urgent and has so many great tracks. It feels raw and focused and just delivers so pointedly. Still super relevant today.

still sounds classic

This is a great record. It definitely sounds like you'd expect early 90s rap to sound, but that doesn't mean it hasn't aged well -- this sound is still great even though it's very of its era. The biggest strength of this album is some really hard hitting, politically charged lyricism. Its biggest flaw is just that Flavor Flav is obnoxious as hell. I would give this a 5 if not for the track where he whines about being criticized for assaulting his girlfriend. That was extremely jarring, what the fuck dude? Favorite track: By The Time I Get To Arizona

I just love the djing and this style of sample. And figuring out what exactly flav does.

really liked this one

I don't think I have ever actually listened to any of the songs but I'm pretty sure I have heard samples of these songs in other songs. If that makes sense.

Rap at it’s best!

It’s a brilliant and important album but I can’t go 5 because I have to be in the right mood to listen. It’s best on headphones for me, and when I’ve got a march on, heading some place.

Not their best, still absolutely great.

Here come the drums... Alright, alright. I haven't heard this album since Can't Truss This was bouncing house parties. Since then I'd generally pull out It Takes A Nation for my Public Enemy fix. I forgot how great this album is. There's a lot of funk infusion here. It is dated, but only in a good way... vintage.

I once had a dishwasher that sounded like the first track on this album. Lost at Birth - like so many oppressed people. This album hit me during my early teens and opened up a world of empathy and compassion for people who had been subjugated for generations. So with fond memories and painful realisations ebbing and flowing I relive real world experiences when I listen to this album. It was a decade before I realised the implications of these themes on my own shores. Terminator X on the cross fader and Chuck D on the inhale is a thing to behold. Time for some cold lamping.

I'll admit I was only introduced to 90's hiphop in the last 5 years so my ignorance is still quite real The beats on this one hit hard with even more powerful lyrics. Would listen again 4/5

I've never been a big rap fan, but Public Enemy has always been an act that I've respected. Their flow, their lyricism, their sampling, always great. Powerful yet funky. Their collab with Anthrax here is a great forward-thinking mashup.

I enjoyed this album a lot. I loved the lyrics and loved working out to it!

1/30- Driving to school

They maintain the same high energy as their earlier efforts but the overall sound isn't as high impact because they'd been around for 1/2 a decade or so by that time. I like that the message is targeted at specific events and issues. The fact that it's free of F-bombs means 3 is my starting score.

I was too young to have listened to this as a kid but still feel like I slept on it.

Enjoyed the album. Preferred the fast beat and lively tempo. How to kill a radio consultant favourite song and bring tha noise. Good album

I like this. Almost 5 stars.

Down with the PE, needed that. I do like the story from Hank about how they lost their "data", shows what a painstaking process it was for the Bomb Squad in creating these tunes. This is a big Flav album too, he's all over it, which can be a good and bad thing. That said PE need the Flav as the foil, and he's having a good one on this record. Chuck is in fine voice, Arizona, Shut Em Down et al all hit, love that Isaac's epic By The Time I Get to Phoenix led to this. Chuck's politics hold up, he's been consistent in his position all the way through his career even allowing for the creepy influence of Griff who'd been expunged by this stage. Garvey/Du Bois/Ellison/Ridenhour. Fear of a Black Planet is my go to PE album, but this is a close second.

PREFS : Lost at Birth, Nighttrain, I Don't Wanna Be Called Yo Niga, How to Kill a Radio Consultant, By the Time I Get to Arizona, 1 Million Bottlebags, A Letter to the New-York Post, Bring Tha Noize MOINS PREF : Get the Fuck Outta Dodge

Public enemy the beat is so big sounding and the energy in it. Some trippy stuff with reverb and panning. Some crazy dissonant sounds. I like how some samples are so warped they are hardly recognizable. I think Nighttrain was my favorite. 3.5

Great energy; loved the hard rock elements.

Chuck D's relentless delivery is really something. Not my style but he commanded attention from the second track to the end.

One of the things I've learned through this list is that a lot of these early hip hop acts that i always assumed were corny actually go pretty fuckin hard. Looking at you pharcyde and queen Latifah. 4

I thought PE didn't do anything good after Nation of Millions...man was I wrong

Very good. Just not my cup of tea.

Old-school in the best way. There's a directness and seriousness that sets PE apart ... the black CNN indeed – see "NY Post" and "Arizona" which are the top cuts within a very cohesive and fully engaging whole.

Very surprised I haven’t heard this before. Incredible and aggressive. 4/5

Good shit

Enjoyed this more that I thought I would.

The last of the PE golden run of four amazing albums. Perhaps the least-heralded and its a little less blitzkreig than its predecessor. None the worse for a little more space and possesses mighty hits in the form of Arizona, Shut It Down and Can't Truss it.

Even better than A Nation of Millions...? Probably.

I enjoyed this album. There were definitely times where the tracks got repetitive, and there were lots of noises that didn't always contribute positively to the listening experience, but I liked the interplay between the rappers and the tracks and the content from start to finish. I wasn't listening to this back in the early '90s, but I recognize this must have been a bold statement when it was released.

I found my taste for rap and it seems the main ingredient is Public Enemy! That Flavo Flav chap really brings the tasty goods to my ears. I love that 90s scratch sound combined with the repetitive grooves.