Reviews (page 3 of 12)
Landmark album.
Damn this is a great album. Every song is a banger. I'm someone who hates it when the sound of an album is so monotonic that the tracks blend together. Somehow, Public Enemy can produce very similar sounding tracks while keeping each track distinct from the next. Love this one, despite the fact that when Public Enemy that made this album, they would've not wanted me as a fan.
An absolute classic.
A necessary 80s rap album, every track is amazing, sounds really hardcore in a way, dont have any issues with it
I really miss this era of sampling. These "sampledelia" records. It's frankly incredible what people like the Bomb Squad (and the Dust Brothers on PAUL'S BOUTIQUE) could do, taking all these tiny snippets and stringing them together to make something that's not only new, but goes hard as hell. I feel like Chuck D and Flava Flav would've always been as good as they are — the former's message combined with delivery, and the latter's ability to be the hype man of hype men — but it just wouldn't be the same without the bed of samples under them. Like, goodness, who would have even thought to add a Slayer sample to the beat? It's an awe to behold. And it's not like this kinda sampling went away completely after O'Sullivan's lawsuit against Biz Markie caused the general price of samples to rise considerably. J Dilla's DONUTS exists, after all. And even using less samples, people have been able to do really good shit: look at MADVILLAINY, for instance. Besides, online mashup artists, not beholden to sample prices, have been able to do amazing things. Just look at Girl Talk, Titus Jones, The Kleptones, or Danger Mouse's THE GREY ALBUM. But still, this era of sampling was special, and I don't know if it could truly be replicated, even if price wasn't an issue. So, y'know, I cherish very much what there was. Believe the hype — this brings the noise.
Still relevant, even today. Solid 5 Stars.
I’m at a 5 – that might just be the best rap album of the 1980s. I mean, there’s some competition in there, but I don’t know if anyone can listen to that and definitively say it’s worse than either Beastie Boys album of the decade, anything from N.W.A., or Run-DMC. For my money’s worth, it’s certainly the most complete 80s rap album we’ve gotten yet – Paul’s Boutique didn’t quite click for me, and I thought Straight Outta Compton kinda stumbled its way to the finish line. There’s some all-timers on here, and not a single miss throughout most of the 16 tracks (ok, the interludes kinda suck) but the one that specifically caught my ear is “Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos”, because it so distinctly shows to me just how badly Tricky botched that damn track on Maxinquaye with “Black Steel”. Public Enemy’s version here is a masterclass in storytelling about a jailbreak, behind an all-time beat with some great flow and lyricism. Tricky’s version mainly takes from the first verse, and turns it into a sort of psychedelic rock take that removes all the storytelling and soul from the original track – it’s technically sound, and probably the best track on that dogshit album, but when you hear this version of the track, and realize just how much got cut and mutilated by Tricky… ugh, it just makes me mad, man. I could keep going with the praise for the production (excellent sampling work throughout), the flow, the vocals (Chuck D is on fire throughout this whole thing), and the lyricism, but I feel like listening to the album gets that across better than anything I could say. It’s a super fast hour, a tightly produced album, a very enjoyable one, and it probably culminates in the best rap album of the 1980s. Stellar effort across the board here, and a rather easy 5. They brought the noise.
Epic
I dread reviewing this thing, because no matter what, I'll never be able to do this special album justice. As I've gone on listening to more and more hip-hop over the years, this particular record has crawled its way to the top of my "favorite albums of all time" list. And I wouldn't hesitate to call it my favorite hip-hop album of all time. And I'll tell you why. Public Enemy's 'It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back' (and '80s hip-hop in general), gets a uniquely unfortunate rep. That "rep" being: unanimous critical acclaim - with 10s across the board, but a mild reception post-translation to younger hip-hop heads. You'll get the occasional "This album is essential!" or... "It's one of the greatest in hip-hop!" paired with, of course, the "But I wouldn't put it on willingly - this is an album I respect more than I enjoy". And I'm not here to shit on other people's opinions, but for once, I'm with the critics on this one - all the way through. It wouldn't really help my case to reduce this album to its significance in hip-hop history - that aspect has been well-documented by every self-proclaimed "music historian" - individuals who are way more qualified to describe this record more objectively in its historical context than I. And of course, you have the testimonies of the people who actually witnessed this thing firsthand in the late '80s. I, on the other hand, was born in 2001 so all I have is the occasional documentary, and of course, my ears to try and shoot me back to this time and era. With all that said, you'd be hard-pressed to find a hip-hop album that was as politically fueled as this one around that time...PE drew heavily from the worlds of punk after all (with the Anthrax reference here right off the bat). But also, their whole "persona" just screamed "rebellious" - you have this image of Chuck D and Flav behind bars, you've got their logo being a black man seen through a sniper crosshair, and of course you have their name being Public Enemy (#1). Maybe describing this album and its ideas as angry is in of itself reductive, because this album's more passionate than anything, and with the closing song, you're getting something genuinely anthemic. Though maybe no song here is quite as anthemic as their seminal song 'Fight the Power' that would come out of their (nearly as good) follow-up 'Fear of a Black Planet' - a staple when it comes to movements resisting racial oppression in the modern era (and also a core sonic motif in my favorite Spike Lee movie 'Do the Right Thing'). Okay time to talk about the music, I think the best way to go about this is to break this group down into its four distinct pillars: First, let's talk about Chuck D. Every word the guy says sounds like it's coming out of the loudest PA system you can find in the center of some benign yet passionate conglomerate of militants. His deep voice is assertive, yet welcoming and the man does not shy away from tackling the most hot-button of topics from the '80s. His constant repping of Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam can be seen as contentious and/or problematic even today though its importance in hip-hop culture can not be understated - it again adds to this album's historical value. 'Don't Believe the Hype' might have his best rapping here, with him constantly telling the listeners to "Not believe the hype" when it comes to the media and press' close-minded opinions and portrayals of Public Enemy, the black community, and hip-hop in general. 'Louder Than A Bomb' has D voicing his grievances with the FBI and the CIA referencing Malcolm X and MLK's assassinations directly and linking them to those shady U.S. agencies. That paired with the bomb imagery of the track and his whispered "Louder than a Bomb" makes this one of the more striking tracks here. 'Caught, Can We Get A Witness' has him coming at individuals who devalue the art of sampling, 'She Watch Channel Zero?!' deals with the disconnection from reality and unrealistic standards that come with obsessive media consumption (a message made only more relevant with the social media age). 'Night of the Living Baseheads' deals with drug addiction and 'Black Steel In The Hour of Chaos' may be my favorite song here lyrically. Likely inspired by Muhammad Ali's arrest following his refusal to fight in Vietnam, the song follows Chuck D's prison time for committing a similar "crime" and his posse's attempt to break him out. "I got a letter from the government" is such an iconic opening line (I also really like "Bass!! How low can you go" off the opener 'Bring the Noise'). 'Rebel Without a Pause' is nice in the sense that it just encapsulates all of this album's attitudes into one explosive track - it's another timeless classic off of this album. Secondly, we have Flavour Flav...the man with a clock on his chest to make sure EVERYONE knows what time it is. Like it's not even close, Flav IS the best hype man of all time. I get nightmares imagining a world where he didn't get into the group - I mean he almost didn't; producer Rick Rubin thought Flavour Flav would detract from the album's serious tone. And I guess he was sort of right? But like Flav makes this album so unique and gives it so much character, his interjections all over this thing are undeniably impactful. And no he's not just the "Yeah Boy" guy - he really does make Public Enemy feel like a group. And just like Ringo, he gets one song on each Public Enemy album - his one here being tied with '911 is a Joke' for my favorite. It's certainly less meaningful than that song because like what the fuck is he talking about half the time on 'Cold Lampin' With Flavor'? I'm not too sure but I love it to death. Third is Terminator X. The guy has an ominous and looming presence on this album - this tall mysterious dude with sunglasses who's hyped up like no one else on this record. I mean what's an old-school hip-hop album without record scratches? Okay maybe that's a dismissive question but record-scratching here adds a lot to the chaotic nature of this album. He makes quite the "entrance" too with his titular song 'Terminator X At the Edge of Panic' by absolutely fucking up that Queen sample. Now, I don't know who's responsible for this ONE noise on this record, but I'll credit it to both Terminator X and the Bomb Squad (more on them in a bit). This ONE sound may be the biggest "hate it or love it" thing on any hip-hop album I've heard. Of course, I'm talking about that squealing and screeching, high-pitched saxophone sample that is used very liberally here. And when I say "liberally", I mean it, on 'Don't Believe The Hype', it pops in like every single bar. And on 'Terminator X...' and 'Rebel Without A Pause' it IS the beat (I think they use the same sound too? Just chromatically ascending on Rebel and descending on Terminator). Anyways, I bet you can guess already...but I'm on the love-it side of things. Like Flav, this one sound gives this album its character. It sounds like a siren, or a bomb about to go off, or like a kettle whistling as the heat furiously shoots out of it. I think a lot of people hate how incessantly grating it can sound and I wouldn't blame them - but the boldness of adding a sound that Public Enemy KNEW would likely polarize listeners on this album and then also using it so freely is something I will forever respect. It certainly grows on you too. Finally, though, we have the Bomb Squad. Just their name...Bomb Squad...holy shit. I mean the samples on this album are all hip-hop staples, the amount of times the samples of this record have been used (or re-used I guess) in hip-hop is ridiculous. The drums are fat and punchy, constantly pummeling and thumping, and while the bass isn't very present (I guess it does go "very low" as Chuck D himself admits), I almost don't mind at all - the mix is busy enough as is. For people who call this album outdated, I NEED you to sit down, get some good headphones, and absorb the intricacies of the production here. The beats are so well done. You have horn samples here, a lot of them, but digging deep you'll find some unique and strange noises that can easily slip by you. Let's take the full opener 'Bring the Noise' for example. On the surface, it's a horn sample, with a large chunk of it being only drum, but listen to that weird high-pitched horn-sounding thing that sort of morphs as Chuck D gets closer to the instrumental break here - or that strange fluttering noise that sounds like record scratching, but I don't think quite is? Or on 'Louder Than a Bomb' with the weird crowd cheering or screaming in the background. The piano, an Isaac Hayes sample, on 'Black Steel In The House of Chaos' is beyond iconic and brilliant, it works perfectly to soundtrack the song's very epic yet unsettling premise. I also love the wall of horns that blasts the listener on 'Prophet of Rage' with that low-mixed guitar sample hovering over the verses. I also cannot ignore the Slayer sample on 'She Watch Channel Zero?!' one of the most striking sample usages of the '80s and one that demands a reaction from the listener. But, by far the best production here is 'Night of the Living Baseheads'. This is my favorite song here and it also has one of my favorite music videos of all time. I beg you to look up the sample list for this song, it's long and nuts, sampling everyone from Aretha Franklin to David Bowie. It's so chaotic as you're just constantly being hit with sample after sample. It really does sound like something off their follow-up - a proto-plunderphonics record if you will. And holy shit that instrumental breakdown after the halfway mark...the horn sample, the "How Low Can you Go" record scratching, (of course) that high-pitched noise, the drums, and the way it transitions back into the verse with that 'Ain't No Half-Stepping'-associated Big Daddy Kane sample (I looked it up out of curiosity seeing as both songs came out in June 1988 - this 'UFO' sample was used twice within the span of like 7 days which is crazy). I don't think anyone will be able to do what The Bomb Squad did in those 20 seconds, ever, and don't even try to prove me wrong. I think about one paragraph in, this "review" stopped being a review and just turned to me gushing over this album. So I didn't do it justice I guess. I think over the years, I've just grown obsessed with this one album - more than any other album out there. If I ever was to do music it'd have to sound like this, not literally sound like this, but just sound like the idea of how this sounds...y'know. What an album...one so bold, powerful, prevalent, iconic, and one-of-a-kind. Public Enemy's 'It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back' really is THE best hip-hop album ever.
Very nice.
Disco esencial e histórico: el grupo de Rap más importante e influyente de la historia. Con este álbum ya hubieran logrado reinar en el olimpo pero con el posterior Fear of a black planet se ganaron la eternidad. Producidos por entonces un tal Rick Rubin (tambien le metió mano al debut de entonces unos Beastie Boys), aunque Chuck D no soltó los mandos con una imagen e impacto únicos, tirunfaron a todos los niveles. En una época en la que uno podía usar los samples a su antojo y sin permiso alguno, lograron con Rebel with a pause superar el impacto de I Know you got soul de Erik B and Rakim, tomando un testigo que tardaron muchos años en soltar (aunque ya estaban los NWA por ahí). Tanto este como Fear of a... son discos inconcebibles hoy en día tanto por sus inabarcables listas de atracos musicales en forma de sampleados como por sus proclamas con referencias entre otros a Jesse Jackson, Farrakham, Malcom X... también a M. Thatcher o a otros músicos (Party for Your Right to Fight va a por los Beastie Boys aunque está dedicada a los Panteras Negras). El disco consta de temas que ya habían sido publicados previamente tanto como sencillos o como caras B, además de ser ampliamente interpretados en directo, con enorme éxito. Abre con Countdown to Armageddon que es la presentación en directo del grupo en Londres. La conocida triada "Bring the Noise", "Don't Believe the Hype" y "Rebel Without a Pause" impulsan un disco que no ha perdido un ápice de fuerza con el paso de los años. Podría decirse que construyeron un puente particular entre Marvin Gaye y The Clash. Su alianza con Anthrax para Bring the noise marcó otro hito difícil de imaginar entonces. Otros discos de 1988: Pixies con Surfer Rosa, Daydream Nation de Sonic Youth, Lovesexy de Prince, Green de R.E.M. ,Talking Heads con Naked, el debut de Tracy Chapman, Eric B. & Rakim con Follow the Leader, Tender Prey de Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Morrissey debut con Viva Hate , I'm Your Man de Leonard Cohen, el debut de The Sugarcubes con Life's Too Good, Bug de Dinosaur Jr, Pet Shop Boys con Introspective, Vivid de Living Colour; Prefab Sprout con From Langley Park to Memphis, 69 de A.R. Kane, Run-D.M.C. con Tougher Than Leather, The House of Love de The House of Love, The Serpent's Egg de Dead Can Dance, Barbed Wire Kisses de The Jesus and Mary Chain, 101 de Depeche Mode, Bummed de los Happy Mondays, Bummed de Happy Mondays, Songhai de Ketama, Sex & Drugs & Jesus Christ de Christian Death, Birth, School, Work, Death de The Godfathers, el debut de L7, Stronger than pride de Sade, G N'R Lies de Guns and Roses, Only life de The Felies, Today de Galaxie 500, Fisherman's blues de Waterboys, 16 Lovers Lane de The Go-Betweens, Spirit of eden de Talk Talk, Watermark de Enya, Cocteau Twins de Blue Bell Knoll, Peepshow de Siouxsie & the Banshees, Idlewild de Everything but the Girl , Conscious Party de Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers, The First of a Million Kisses de Fairground Attraction, People de Hothouse Flowers, Straight Outta Compton de N.W.A, It Takes Two de Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock, Nothing's Shocking de Jane's Addiction, Ancient Heart de Tanita Tikaram, Mary Margaret O'Hara con Miss América, La pistola y el corazón de Los Lobos, Talk Is Cheap de Keith Richards, Everything de The Bangles, el Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1, Look Sharp! de Roxette, El Ritmo Mundial de Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Shaday de Ofra Haza, Straight out the Jungle de The Jungle Brothers, California de American Music Club, The Trinity Session de Cowboy Junkies, Isn't Anything de My Bloody Valentine, Pata Negra y su Blues de la frontera No digo ya cosas como Robert Palmer, Eight Wonder, Boby McFerrin, Tiffany, New Kids on the Block, Jean Michel Jarre, U2, Martika, Milli Vanilli o Womack and Womack, que tuvieron su gracia.
It's the GOAT for the genre
Grew up knowing Flava Flav as the television personality - glad this project can remind me that many reality tv stars were people once
Excellent album
Relentless, slamming, fierce and smart - believe the hype!
A little bit of a different feel than some of their other albums. I think Just as good and just as powerful as the others.
I was never a fan of hip hop growing up then about 5 years ago I heard this album for the first time and it blew my mind, from the beats to the lyrics this album is fire. I can't choose a highlight as it's all great.
Besides the "obvious" albums like The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, etc. this is probably my personal "easiest five star" album so far. Biggest thing I remember is this album was SO big, so immersed in the black community, that we were studying it with college-level rigor in our African American Studies course at UMASS, and no one including the college professors and administrative thought that was weird. Public Enemy was THAT prominent as a legitimate cultural representative of what the African American diaspora was thinking about. AND they had jams, lol. The whole album is revolutionary: Chuck D's rhythmic flow spouting KNOWLEDGE, Flavor Flav's appropriate mix of humor as a counter to Chuck's seriousness, and don't even get me started on the Bomb Squad's production. All the squeals, samples and beats come together in this chaotic cacophony that cuts through you but is also melodic and engaging in its own way. A classic, start to finish.
sample heavy, to an overwhelming degree at times. the bomb squad really loves that tea kettle sound effect. but everything just works, a phenomenal album.
Pioneers. Everyone needs to hear this.
This album still manages to feel fresh and punchy from the iconic beats to the messaging. Insane how an album like this can still sound great and skirt the usual "hippity-hop" corniness of 80s rap, for the most part. As essential as a hip hop record can get.
An absolute hip hop masterpiece and one of the very best albums of 1988 in *any genre*. For that year, only Pixies' *Surfer Rosa* and Sonic Youth's *Daydream Nation* beat Public Enemy in my book (Leonard Cohen's *I'm Your Man* and NWA's *Straight Outta Compton* were great albums as well, but they're still behind the east coast rap legends). *It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back* is indeed an unrelenting barrage of wild noisy breakbeat rhythms, crazy abrasive samples pillaging everything from funk to hard rock, and devastating rapping with a take-no-quarter attitude. I guess it's hard for young 'uns these days to picture how groundbreaking The Bomb Squad's production was on this thing--I do advise younger listeners to check out other rap albums in 1988 and hear the difference for themselves so that they can get it. Not that it really matters if they don't: yes that sort of fast-paced hip hop has aged, but its energy and messaging have not, most definitely. And given how f*cking intense the latter are on this record, it's still a treat to listen to decades after the fact. Out of all the LPs out of Public Enemy's early "imperial" phase, this is indeed the one album that manages to keep its momentum until the very last seconds. *Fear Of A Black Planet* has its share of classic, iconic cuts, but its second side can't compare to the one here, with its uninterrupted string of gems going from instrumental "Show 'Em Watcha Got" and "She Watch Channel Zero" to 'Rebel Without A Pause" and "Prophets Of Rage". And given that the first side is filled to the brim with epic and iconic moments as well ("Bring The Noise", 'Don't Believe The Hype", "Louder Than A Bomb", "Caught, Can I Get A Witness"...), the result is a masterwork that can't fail to impress. Chuck D was the best rapper in the world during that early phase of the golden hip hop era: his punchlines *burn* everything on their way, and his overall political analysis is still as relevant in 2023 as it was back in the day. Meanwhile, Flavor Flav was a master at creating a sardonic atmosphere as the perennial-yet-pivotal sideman that he was. And when he took the center stage, it was often for good reasons. Listening to "Cold Lampin With Flavor Flav", admittedly a deeper cut in P.E.'s catalog, I was struck by the way his goofy presence and delirious rhyming schemes (here very surreal) also brought a lot to the whole mayhem that the album was. The album ends with "Party For Your Right To Fight" a huge wink to former Def Jam labelmates Beastie Boys--with its sample of "Fight For Your Right (To Party)". Get it? Public Enemy made political consciousness in rap sound urgent, vital and even "fun" at times, and it's unfortunately a trend that's all too rare in hip hop these days. Some parts of their legacy can be found in what Run The Jewels currently do, for instance, but in a musical landscape where insane amounts of cash rule everything around rap, I guess it's far harder for more socially-conscious artists to get heard. Don't get me wrong, I love some of the most recent evolutions of hip hop, a genre that has seen its share of other masterpieces in the last 15 years or so (as released by Kendrick Lamar, Tyler The Creator, Mac Miller, Mach-Hommy, Run The Jewels, Cardi B, Metro Boomin, Travis Scott or even Kanye West before that nutcase became a full-blown fascist...). The thing is, it wouldn't hurt said rap landscape to return to that sort of political agenda P.E. once stood for--even if done differently, and mixed with the latest trends in the genre. There is so much to say about the dystopian inequities of today. An album in the vein of *It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back* would sure serve as a needed wake-up call... So here's me hoping, probably in spite of all odds. But as a rap fan, I'd rather look like a naive dreamer than give in to facile cynicism. It's all too easy to wallow in such empty posturing today... And it would indeed take a nation of millions to hold me back on my dreams of a better world. So let's start with good music and vital lyrics, shall we? Number of albums left to review: 117 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 385 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 226 Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 284
5 stars, perfect record
Bring the Noise Don't Believe the Hype Louder Than a Bomb She Watch Channel Zero?! Night of the Living Baseheads Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos Rebel Without a Pause
nok PE's sygeste beats, for vild energi! Alle hiphopgrupper burde have 1 der er glad og 1 der er sur, hvorfor er det kun PE, der har forstået det
Bedste hiphop plade fra sin æra by far! Lyder stadig farligt
Public Enemy is the greatest rap group of all time. My first introduction was actually when my brother encouraged me to watch 1991 Anthrax-collab video for Bring the Noise, which both came off this album and name drops fellow Brooklyn boys Anthrax. I was blown away. Then I heard Fight the Power, Hazy Shade of Criminal and more and was hooked. What separated them was they took rap from a backstreet genre to the mainstream by giving it a national voice. This album was the catalyst for the entire genre after. Unfortunately when gangster rap started within a few years, it’s hedonism and rawness overpowered Public Enemy’s trajectory as an industry leader. This album still is relevant. It still hits. It should be listened to again right now at high volume. Key songs: all of them, except for Flava’ flab’s such still kind of come off as silly, but he was the best hype man aside to Bobby Byrd to James Brown.
this album had some great raw old school rap tracks, great album and great message, insane influence
Classic
58 minutes of pure adrenaline that always leaves you needing to catch your breath at the end.
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeaaa boooyyyyyyyiiieeeeee
Probably one of the top 5 most important rap albums ever, the gateway between Run-DMC and Tupac. It shows its age a little, but much less so than NWA does- you can’t top Chuck D and Flav at their peaks. A-
Hit a bit strangely at first because I listened to “Apocalypse 91” before this one, but I ended up really liking it. Fun as hell.
Yes Yes Y’all! Chuck D is still one of my all-time favorite MCs and lyricists. I think it would be impossible to argue that this album has the same impact today as it once did. The beats are dope, though, and it’s still totally listenable, and once in a while the lyrics kick down to remind you that the anger is and has always been the same,
An album that changes the world. One to listen to. Yes it’s confronting and violent and misogynistic. But it’s also a statement on what it is in the U.S. then. Bring the noise and party for your right to fight - a cheeky retort and homage to the beastie boys - are my standouts. But the anger passion and insight is strong in this one.
absolute classic, it deserves it's place in history
fire 9/10
HipHop classic. Sounds a bit dated now but still 5 stars for me
Absolutely essential hip hop. You might be a fool if you’ve not listened to this album in its entirety.
**In-Depth Review of "It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back" by Public Enemy** **Introduction** Released in 1988, "It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back" is Public Enemy's seminal second album. It stands as one of the most influential hip-hop records of all time, widely recognized for its groundbreaking approach to lyrics, music, production, and thematic content. Produced by The Bomb Squad, Public Enemy's production team, the album combines dense, sample-heavy soundscapes with politically charged and socially conscious lyrics, making it a cornerstone in the evolution of hip-hop. **Lyrics** The lyrics on "It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back" are an incendiary mix of political commentary, social critique, and cultural analysis. Chuck D, the group's primary lyricist, delivers his lines with a booming voice and a sense of urgency that commands attention. The album's lyrics address a variety of topics, including racial inequality, police brutality, and the power of the media. **1. Political Commentary and Social Critique** Songs like "Don't Believe the Hype" and "Prophets of Rage" confront the media's role in shaping public perception and spreading misinformation. Chuck D's lyrics critique how the media often portrays African Americans in a negative light, reinforcing stereotypes and perpetuating systemic racism. "Black steel in the Hour of Chaos" tells the story of a draft dodger who is imprisoned, reflecting on the broader theme of institutional oppression and resistance. **2. Empowerment and Identity** Tracks such as "Bring the Noise" and "Rebel Without a Pause" serve as anthems of empowerment, encouraging listeners to embrace their identity and fight against oppression. The lyrics celebrate black culture and history, positioning Public Enemy as leaders in the movement for social justice. Chuck D’s delivery is assertive, almost militant, as he calls for unity and action within the African American community. **3. Social Issues** Public Enemy also tackles various social issues through their lyrics. "Night of the Living Baseheads" addresses the crack cocaine epidemic and its devastating impact on black communities. The song's lyrics are a scathing critique of both the drug dealers and users, as well as the government’s inadequate response to the crisis. **Music and Production** The music and production on "It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back" are revolutionary. The Bomb Squad, consisting of Hank Shocklee, Keith Shocklee, Eric “Vietnam” Sadler, and Chuck D, crafted an aggressive, chaotic soundscape that perfectly complements the album's intense lyrical content. **1. Sample-Heavy Production** The Bomb Squad's production is characterized by its dense layers of samples. They drew from a wide array of sources, including funk, soul, rock, and jazz, to create a sonic collage that is both complex and cohesive. The use of samples from artists like James Brown, Funkadelic, and Slayer adds a dynamic texture to the music, creating a sound that is both familiar and innovative. **2. Innovative Techniques** The production techniques employed by The Bomb Squad were groundbreaking for their time. They utilized techniques such as looping, layering, and cutting to create a sense of urgency and chaos. The use of multiple samples within a single track, often overlapping and interweaving, creates a dense and multi-dimensional sound that was unprecedented in hip-hop production at the time. **3. Rhythm and Beats** The beats on the album are hard-hitting and relentless. Songs like "Bring the Noise" and "Rebel Without a Pause" feature fast-paced, driving rhythms that push the energy levels to new heights. The use of drum machines, breakbeats, and live instrumentation adds to the album's raw and powerful sound. **Themes** The themes on "It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back" are deeply rooted in the socio-political landscape of the late 1980s. The album addresses issues such as racism, media manipulation, and the fight for social justice. **1. Racism and Oppression** One of the central themes of the album is the experience of racism and oppression in America. Public Enemy's lyrics confront the systemic racism that affects African Americans, highlighting issues such as police brutality, economic inequality, and the criminal justice system. The album serves as a rallying cry for resistance and empowerment in the face of oppression. **2. Media Critique** Another prominent theme is the critique of the media. Public Enemy challenges the role of the media in shaping public opinion and reinforcing stereotypes. They call out the media for its biased portrayal of black communities and its role in perpetuating misinformation and propaganda. This theme is particularly evident in songs like "Don't Believe the Hype" and "She Watch Channel Zero?!" **3. Social Justice and Activism** The album is also a call to action for social justice and activism. Public Enemy encourages their listeners to be politically active and socially conscious. Songs like "Prophets of Rage" and "Party for Your Right to Fight" emphasize the importance of unity and collective action in the struggle for justice and equality. **Influence and Legacy** "It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back" has had a profound influence on hip-hop and popular music. The album's innovative production techniques, politically charged lyrics, and socially conscious themes have inspired countless artists and shaped the direction of the genre. **1. Influence on Hip-Hop** Public Enemy's influence can be seen in the work of many subsequent hip-hop artists. Their politically charged lyrics and emphasis on social justice paved the way for artists like Tupac Shakur, Nas, and Kendrick Lamar. The Bomb Squad's production techniques, particularly their use of sampling and layering, have also been widely adopted and expanded upon by producers in the years since the album's release. **2. Cultural Impact** The album's impact extends beyond the realm of music. It has been widely recognized as a cultural milestone, capturing the spirit of resistance and activism that characterized the late 1980s. The album's themes of empowerment and social justice continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless piece of art that remains relevant in contemporary discussions about race and inequality. **Pros and Cons** **Pros:** 1. **Lyrical Depth and Relevance:** Chuck D's lyrics are powerful, thought-provoking, and highly relevant, addressing issues that continue to resonate today. 2. **Innovative Production:** The Bomb Squad's production is groundbreaking, with its dense layers of samples and complex soundscapes setting a new standard in hip-hop production. 3. **Cohesive Themes:** The album's themes of racism, media manipulation, and social justice are cohesively woven throughout the tracks, creating a unified and impactful message. 4. **Cultural Significance:** The album's influence on hip-hop and its cultural impact are undeniable, making it a landmark in the history of the genre. 5. **Energetic and Engaging:** The album's high-energy beats and Chuck D's commanding delivery keep listeners engaged from start to finish. **Cons:** 1. **Accessibility:** The album's dense production and politically charged lyrics may be challenging for some listeners to fully appreciate or understand, particularly those unfamiliar with the socio-political context of the late 1980s. 2. **Complexity:** The complex layering of samples and sounds can sometimes create a chaotic listening experience, which may be overwhelming for some audiences. 3. **Consistency:** While the album is largely consistent in its quality and message, a few tracks may feel less impactful compared to the standout songs, potentially disrupting the overall flow. **Conclusion** "It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back" by Public Enemy is a groundbreaking and influential album that remains a seminal work in the history of hip-hop. Its powerful lyrics, innovative production, and cohesive themes make it a timeless piece of art that continues to resonate with audiences today. Despite some potential challenges in accessibility and complexity, the album's impact and significance are undeniable, solidifying its place as a cornerstone in the evolution of hip-hop and a powerful statement on social justice and resistance.
This album was a forceful expression of where rap could go creatively. It converted me from a rap skeptic in the 80s, although other trends in the genre keep trying to push me back.
I have been listening to this album regularly for almost 35 years. It is one of my all time favorites and it I think it is at at least top 50 of all time albums. It hits, it bangs, it makes you think. It’s fucking wonderful. I love this album. Fun fact: both sides are exactly the same length so that when listening to it on cassette, and one side ends, you can immediately flip it over and start listening to the other side.
Socially conscious and great lyrics
The first Rap album I ever bought and still my favourite. Such attitude and what I use to judge the rest. Great beat, cutting lyrics.
BASS. The Bomb Squad were definitely ahead of the game with this one. These beats do not sound like they were made in the 80s. "Bring the Noise" and "Louder Than A Bomb" are total bangers. The guitar sample in "She Watch Channel Zero?!" is sick. Some of the repetitive sound effects and vocal lines are a bit annoying, but not enough to bring it down a star. This album is straight heat. Chuck D is locked in the whole time and Flavor Flav adds great character. Yeahhhhhh boyyyyyy!
No notes 😌
Revolutionary in the context of it's time. The beats and rhymes still sound decent, but have been surpassed. Flava flav really starts to grate on my ears after a few tracks though. All that said, I love this album, it is SUPERB
Quintessential late-80's rap album. There is nothing quite as rick as Chuck D's voice and Flavor-Flav's fill-ins. Strong effort start to finish
What’s good about this album: message, beats, samples, energy, rapping What is not so much: It is definitely of its age, Flava Flav “yeah boiii” Listens: 3 Fave Track: She Watch Channel Zero?! Rating: 5
Love the Slayer sample on "She Watch Channel Zero?!"
classic! one of the most influential hip hop albums of all time
Hmmmm…Do I give this a 5 or a 1? On the one hand, I’m in awe of the way rappers rap. It’s so infectious. Hard to look away. But I would never choose to listen to this on my own. On the other hand, I did listen to it all the way through and felt empathetic to the feelings and messages of the songs. It was exhausting but so amazing.
Man this was a good album. I will need to come back to it a few more times. I forgot how great they were.
Really enjoyed this one. Great melodies and songwriting.
I have a hoodie for this album. Love me some good old school hip hop.
my intro into rap in general.. this started m... this album is really punk rock.. or as incendiary as punk rock when it came out.
I'd give this six stars if I could. Hip hop done by one of its finest groups. Amazing.
i am eager to read the reviews, who is going to attempt to shit all over this perfection? whoever you are, you're very wrong.
The greatest rap album of all time. Absolutely perfect.
Best rap in the game.
Completely amazing
This is another favourite of mine, angry social commentary, yet so funky.
Man, what an album!! Really reaffirms my excitement in this 1001 Albums project. The funky samples, Chuck D's lyrics, Flava Flav hyping him up, it's all sooo good and works together on every single track. Never a dull or bad moment. It's kind of my ideal rap album in many ways, to the point where I can't even really pick out a favorite song. Who knew that all it took was nonstop James Brown samples and Flava Flav shouting YEAH BOIIIII
This comes off my vinyl shelves and onto the turntable. Genius. Had a Party for Your Right to Fight earworm all day.
Genre defining mind bending trickery. Epic sampling and full of classics.
Great essential hip hop album. A flow that is unmatched with a hard and consistent beat.
Klassiker
The first truly great rap album
A formative rap album for me. Chuck D's deep voice and Flava Flav's shenanigans at their prime.
I love this album, even the unusual acapella and instrumental bits.
Countdown To Armageddon- N/A/5 Bring The Noise- 4.7/5 Don't Believe The Hype- 4.8/5 Cold Lampin' With Flavor- 5/5 Terminator X To The Edge Of Panic- 5/5 Mind Terrorist- 3.8/5 Louder Than A Bomb- 4.4/5 Caught, Can We Get A Witness?- 3.8/5 Show 'Em Whatcha Got- 4.7/5 She Watch Channel Zero?!- 5/5 Night Of The Living Baseheads- 4.8/5 Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos- 4.9/5 Security Of The First World- N/A/5 Rebel Without A Pause- 4.4/5 Prophets Of Rage- 4.8/5 Party For Your Right To Fight- 4/5 Total- 4.6/5
One of the best albums ever! My first introduction to hip hop!
Meh
Legendary!
Amazing. Can't believe I hadn't listened to the whole thing before.
Believe the hype, this album is fantastic.
What's to say? It's Public Enemy. It sounds like Public Enemy. It's awesome!
Superb!!!
🔥
Some great, high energy hip hop here
They make valid points
Awesome
old shit
da bomb
Prior to this album all popular hip-hop was all bravado and no bite. When this album hit our young ears it opened a our mind to what the genre could be and we loved it. The Bomb Squad production gives the music a sense of alarm - like an air raid siren punctuated with Chuck D’s booming voice. It hit hard with meaning and message that was easily understood even by us suburban white boys. We couldn’t get enough.
YEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAHHHH BOIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
I know this album and agree it's groundbreaking.
Sometimes I forget how dope Chuck is
Ein Album mit einem Namen, von dem man schon gehört hat.. Druckvoller Start mit Bring The Noise, gefolgt von Don‘t believe the Hype - ein Klassiker! Mir gefällt‘s: klare Beats, druckvoller Bass - eine neue «Wiederentdeckung».
Bring the Noise! Pretty great album
Chuck D is just so good on this. He’s got so much to say and he says it in such a cool way. I like Flava Flav as contrast and comic relief. The production is a bit more problematic though. I’ve had an argument about how messy PE beats are before- compared to say Prince Paul, Eric B, E-Z Rock etc. But Ruff Rugged Raw tracks do kind of make sense with the urgency of the lyrics. A little bit more filler than I remember (I guess I used to just skip over the boring instrumental loop tracks) but still one of the most important recordings of all time.
Another indisputed classic
One of the top hip-hop albums of all time, carried by the strengths of Chuck D’s lyrics and Terminator X’s beats.
Timeless classic. Way ahead of its time and influential up to this day. Must listen - must own album!
Awesome hip hop album, classic.
banger of an album – but maybe a few songs too long
All timer. I know this album word for word.
One of the greatest hip hop albums of all time.
bars
This is one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. Its use of samples is astounding and it incorporates everything from funk, to glam rock, and electronic music. Chuck D has such an iconic delivery that Public Enemy is recognizable almost instantly and the socially conscious lyrics push them a step above their contemporaries. Chuck D's criticism of much of modern hip hop as over commercial feels especially potent juxtaposed with Public Enemy's lyrics that are concerned with blackness, police brutality, the crack epidemic, and more.
Well it’s definitely not boring
This is an excellent album all around. Its not going to be everyone's cup of tea but the talent here is really undeniable.
Loud, abrasive and in your face. This album is a piece of art.
Such a strong and interesting album I used to have it on cassette and missed hearing it. I like how there are different voices and levels of seriousness waving through each song it makes each one a unique discovery as you listen.
This is probably the weakest of the three classic Public Enemy albums, but it's still more than worthy of a five star rating. There's just so much going on here, such variety, so many samples, some amazing scratching, and memorable tracks.
Quite possibly one of the best Hip Hop albums I’ve ever heard. The catchy, and awesome lyrics and beats are endless on this thing. The commentary is very well said and acts as a call to action. I can very well see the influence this had. A must listen for anybody who likes / wants to get into Hip Hop. Party for your right to fight!
This is maybe the most important hip hop record of all time. The power and rawness this album brings to the table combined with Chuck Ds groundbreaking lyricism and the countless samples used makes this a one of a kind experience. I mean they sampled Fame by David Bowie on Night of the Living Baseheads. And Bring the Noise, Don't Believe the Hype, Black Steel and Rebel without a Pause are some of the most important rap songs EVER! This is near Perfect! favourites: Bring the Noise, Don't Believe the Hype, Black Steel, Rebel without a Pause, Cold Lampin' with Flavour, Louder than a bomb, She Watch Channel zero?, Night of the Living Baseheads least favs: Show 'em watcha got Rating: strong 9
Exceptional. Not my usual thing but the golden age of hip hop has really stood out for me on these list journeys.
Classic.
So good, I think I prefer Fear of a Black Planet as a listening experience but this is such a jolt. The Bomb Squad's wall-of-noise production weaponising it's samples into something genuinely thrilling with Chuck D and Flavor Flav capturing lightning in a bottle. Best intro track ever too
My reviewe
Loved it. Some seriously familiar samples that have been around for decades and still in use today
Classic Public Enemy album. Nothing to add. Just like Fear Of A Black Planet (which I may like a little bit more).
Another great Public Enemy album, completing the three key works in their discography, along with Fear of a Black Planet and Apocalypse 91.
So many tracks! Bring the noise (I prefer the mashup with Anthrax...so much fun) Don't believe the hype Baseheads Channel zero Witness Rebel
MCs have been biting rhymes from this record for decades. "Party for Your Right to Fight" is the perfect phrase and track to summarize this album. The Bomb Squad's production found its balance between abrasive sampling and listenable tracks on this recording.
A healthy dose of positivey and serious intensity still very relevant today. I love how noisy this is and how they decided to include live clips to enhance the participatory nature of the album. This hit a lot harder than when I first heard it years ago.
Powerful beats hit just as hard as the lyrics Also, Chuck D is still one of the greatest MCs in hip-hop Favourite tracks: Bring the Noise, Don’t Believe the Hype, Louder Than a Bomb, Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos, Rebel Without a Pause, Prophets of Rage
The revolution will not be televised! From this iconic start comes a classic that is a must listen, not only for any hip hop/rap fan but for music lovers in general. Historic album
Just that sound, the sheer onslaught of the whole thing. Surprisingly compact for a hip-hip album too.
LP
This is my second Public Enemy album that I've gotten on this list, the first being Apocalypse 91. Apocalypse 91 is great, but It Takes a Nation is better (but not better than Fear of Black Planet, but whatever). This album has all of the things that I love about Public Enemy: Chuck D's powerful voice, hard-driving beats, and lyrics that evoke the most eloquent anger I've ever heard. The songs here are serious, angry and sincere, and in my opinion, Public Enemy is the best in the business at railing against social injustices and systemic oppression. Chuck D makes the listener take an incredibly uncomfortable walk in his shoes when he raps, and it's a talent that I've yet to see be duplicated. In the aughts, when I wasn't familiar with Public Enemy's music, I thought that Flava Flav was kind of a weirdo, and that his personality was a bit cheesy, but I can see now that he was the absolute perfect hype man for this group. This album is fantastic, and it's getting added to my regular rotation. Favorite track: "Party for Your Right to Fight." What an unbelievably awesome final track.
This is great. I really loved it.
Skyhögt över det mesta jag hört i hippetihopp.
Normally I would downvote an album this length, but really I cant get enough of Public Enemy
5 star solid album
YEEEAAAHHH BOYYYYYY! This album was awesome! Sick beats from Terminator X with Chuck D spittin straight fire, and Flavor Flav as the ultimate hype man. It was pure fun to listen to and has become one of my all time favourite albums.
One of those albums that defined youth and created important moments in time. This album opened eyeballs, forged relationships and built bridges to places that would've been difficult to discover on our own. Was good to rediscover this, but considering all that has and hasn't changed in the past 35 years, left me feeling disappointed by the future that materialized.
nothing but hits
This was not a hip-hop group that I was into back in the day. I think that I was missing out because this is a top notch album for that era of the genre. Really great!
Outstanding.
Fierce politics Fierce samples Fierce beats Fierce
Aye pretty undeniable. Used to be a staple on my Walkman
cool
very good but just don't big fan of genre
Which is best, this or FoaBP? Noone knows. But I think it's this
Bring the noise!!!
Strong, powerful music. Both the lyrics as the music, stimulating 4 mind and body, Bring the Noise, Don't Believe the Hype, Louder Than a Bomb, She Watch Channel Zero? Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos. PE fights the power!
I like sociopolitical rap.
4.4/5
Just a classic rap protest album. It's got explicit lyrics, of course, but the lyrics are well thought out and planned. This isn't lightweight rap about partying and squeezing a message in to the album, as this album is the message. Great one.
Yeeeeeeeeah boy
The peak of 80s hip hop. Even today this still holds up against some of the best hip hop albums and has aged a lot better than a lot of 80’s/90’s hip hop including NWA in my opinion maybe due to political rap being more relevant than gangster rap. A true Hip Hop Groundbreaking masterpiece.
On the pulse and high temperature - yeah boy! Explosive and dense lyrics from Chuck D in one of the greatest rap performances of all time. Bold social messages through genius diction, pertinent sampling, and a dynamic energy that makes for an entertaining listen. A benchmark for the genre and a through-and-through classic album. Fave track - Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos
1989 was the best year for hip-hop. Fight me
Liked it
A protest record for the hip hop era, full of absolutely banging Bomb Squad beats, quotable and meaningful lyrics from the one and only Chuck D (I shook his hand after a gig, amazing with the fans) and the ridiculous stylings of the greatest hype man ever to do it, Flavor Flav. Influential, enduring and a mesmeric album which pushed the boundaries of what hip hop could be.
I bought this on vinyl back in the day and have always loved everything about this. The dense almost industrial sampling, Chuck D is a fantastic lyricist, Flavor Flav is the perfect foil for him. And they are talking about big issues.
Most influential rap album of all time
Incredible energy. The coolest sampling. The cleanest rapping. This is a good fucking album.
Amazing. Legendary.
I've seen the numbers. Not only is this album on the 1001 Albums list, it is also at #15 (!!!) on the RS Top 500. Some consider this to be one of the most important and influential albums of all time. Chuck D's voice booms and thunders and commands attention from front to back. I know "Bring The Noise" and "Don't Believe The Hype" (and the hype is very real, by the way) but I enjoyed every track on this album. The lyrics are sharp and socially conscious and long lasting. The production is seamless and incredible. I knew Public Enemy was important, but I hadn't listened to this particular album much, and suffice to say, I'm absolutely blown away! 5 stars, easily.
so huge, so powerful - it would be 5 ⭐️ except two or three tracks are filler - still this is a quibble - fuck it i’m giving it 5 ⭐️ anyway
I love any excuse to play this is a good excuse. The Gold Standard, not just in hip hop, but music generally. It has it all, energy, noise, great lyrics, dynamics. It's playful, smart and serious all at the same time. It sounded like nothing else at the time, and this is a set that has really stood the test of time. Yeah Boy! Bring The Noise indeed.
my 98
This is it. When people want a hip hop and rap suggestion you name this album. This is a 5 star album and in a list that is rife with questionable choices, this one stands above the rest.
A classic, and still just as timely.
Classic, one of the best hip-hop albums of all time, still so influential, and unfortunately still so relevant. I also listened to this the same day I started watching Chuck's series "Fight The Power" about the history of hip-hop, including the background, development of the four elements, and (in episode 2) the golden age of which this is a major part.
Another excellent Public Enemy record. It's aggressive and the lyrics are well written. Give it a listen.
Never listened to Public Enemy much, was probably a year or two too young for it to hit, but this is awesome. Pure sampling genius with lyrics on fire.
Classic 80s rap, the music isn’t the greatest by 2023 standards but it’s all about the lyrics
Monumental in every respect. A true landmark of not only hip-hop but music in general. Indeed, the black CNN at the time!
Ура наконец то хороший альбом Я довольна Поднял настроение
Good music and lyrics.
An undeniably brilliant album filled with justifiable anger and frustration tempered with a hopefulness rooted in confidence and righteousness. Released less than a month and a half before "Straight Outta Compton" (which that should give everyone a clear picture of how things were going for Black Americans back in '88), its message is far more relevant than one would have hoped after 30+ years.
Another one of those "eye opening" albums for a white kid in Northern Ontario. Definitely changed my world view on a number of things. Been a fan of PE ever since.
BASS! The album that woke me to rap both in terms of music and lyrics - it was the natural progression of rebellious r&b rock and roll. And as much as I love Chuck D - the best rapper/lyricist in history don't even question it - it's the beats and music that make this album essential - e.g. "Don't Believe the Hype" is as funky as possible with the James Brown samples - it's an immediate groove. Flavor Flav is less annoying on this album than he'd be soon afterwards - he's a great foil for Chuck when his adlibs are interspersed amidst a song but I still maintain he doesn't carry a song on his own. Having said that, it does almost provide a perfect break in the relentless album (e.g. "Cold Lampin'" brings a silly levity between "Don't Believe the Hype" and "Terminator X to the Edge of Panic"). Impossible to pick a favourite track or two off this since it's almost a non-stop aural assault, but "Bring the Noise" is among the all-time GET THE HELL *UP* opening tracks in music history. "Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos" might be my favourite with Isaac Hayes' music propelling the mid-tempo fury of Chuck D's rap. Or no, it might be "Louder Than A Bomb" ... Eh words words words - greatest rap album of all-time and one of my favourites of any genre. 10/10 5 stars
Classic album. Amazing production and Chuck D's vocals flow with a smooth yet commanding tone. 5/5
Nice choice. I love the anger
Just incredible - sound, beats, production, lyrics. So many of their best tracks on this (and, by definition, some of the best of rap all-time). Samples from Isaac Hayes to Slayer, fantastic noise - never beaten
Too Black Too Strong
Wow, that was awesome. Terminator X was in his bag the entire album. Every single beat was just incredible. Favorite track: She Watch Channel Zero?!
love it !
Loved it, the beat is really cool and I also want to take some time to listen to it more closely so I can focus on the lyrics.
Bring the Noise is great, obviously. So this is the first old school rap album I listened to front to back. And it's great. The Bomb Squad production is so sample-dense - the "Wall of Noise" opinion is definitely earned. What should be chaotic really flows and creates a steady groove. Always liked Chuck D, but Flav's contributions make a lot of sense when listened to as part of the whole. Standout tracks (besides the big guns): Terminator X to the Edge of Panic, Louder than a Bomb, Caught Can We Get a Witness?, Party for Your Right to Fight
Bring The Noise is great. This rap album is incredible. Chuck D's voice is just so damn powerful. Prophets Of Rage is a great song.
Amazing. Loved a lot of songs, they cover many social issues. She Watch Channel Zero?! was so different, like nothing I've ever heard before
Солидно!
still does
Fuck YES
Hi class hip hop from my man Terminator X, Chuck D and Flava Flay. The combination of crazy sounds slick beats and the unflinching lyrics make this an absolute classic.
Absolute belter of an album. still works after all these years. Iconic classic
A stone-cold classic album. Outstanding!
So incredible
*do believe the hype
The best - perhaps the only rap album without a second of filler. No skits, and even Flavor Flav is kept on a tight leash. The samples are brilliant and the beats unforgiving. A high water mark.
Avais-je mal écouté Fear of a Black Planet? Celui-ci me paraît vraiment meilleur, il y a une plus grande diversité et ça rentre vraiment au poste. Un aboutissement du rap des années 80.
The bside is especially fantastic but overall great
Public Enemy is always great. Awesome & legendary album.
I love boomboxes!
Should be mandatory listening in schools.
One of the most important albums of the 20th century.
Yeahhhh boyyyyyy
Excellent music Chuck D and Terminator X put together constantly fighting against Flavor Flav. They win, but God damn is it a battle.
already have! :)
Powerful
Really liked this one, and liked it even more after going to the Wikipedia link. (Having the Wikipedia link was a great idea... I'm enjoying learning about the albums as well as listening to them, and even for the ones I don't like as much, it's interesting to have the context around them.) I haven't listened to much hip-hop or rap in general, but I'm glad this generator is introducing me to artists and albums that I probably wouldn't have looked up on my own. Would go back and listen to this one again, and possibly pull up the lyrics to read along as they rap.
Though I prefer "Fear of a Black Planet," as I feel that is where they perfected what they established here, this is the breakthrough. This album holds up amazingly well over time, even when you compare it to other albums that came later in its wake. Chuck D's voice is absolutely commanding, and I even appreciate Flavor Flav for his levity and the contrast of style he provides, but it's the beats that completely floor me. I love the fast paced, noise-filled collage. Skillfully controlled chaos. It's high art.
This album is a Revolution!
Solid album with plenty of bangers
A classic of the genre. It's simultaneously fun to listen to and thought provoking. I could see some people not enjoying the old school sound, but I love it.
I definitely needed some angry political music after the domestic terrorist Kyle Rittenhouse was found "not guilty" today. A must listen for any hip hop fan.
It has to be 5 stars, if it’s not 5 million. Such an album.
Do believe the hype
¿Qué queréis que os diga? Qué grandes y en muchos aspectos qué olvidados. Me encanta cómo suenan, cómo rapean, alucinante lo que consigo pillar de las letras. Imprescindible es poco. Cinco estrellas totales. Bring the noise, Don't believe the hype, Terminator X to the edge of panic, Show 'em whatcha got, She watch channel zero, Rebel without a pause, Prophets of rage y para terminar Party for your right to fight.
Forgot how incredible this album was, and how good it still is! Lyrics are fantastic. Beats are perfection.
Seminal album for an genre…. This is politically charged hip hop at its absolute best!
Still just as hype as the first time I heard it. Amazing beats and amazing raps. Definitely a classic.
This was my first ever hip hop / rap album and still perhaps my favoeite. like most albums of this genres i wish it were 10 minutes shorter, but its got great tunes. It does sound a bit samey throughout but it still manages to keep me interested to the. 4.75 ⭐️
At the time it took a few plays to make sense but once it hit me it hit hard. Still wonderful.
-"bring the noise" needs no review it is THE public enemy song. It is amazing how much Chuck D is complimented by Flavor Flav. Obviously he doesn't offer much lyrically but it just isn't PE without some flavor. -"don't believe the hype" is still fucking topical today "don't believe the hype, it's a sequel. As an equal, can I get this through to you. My 98's boomin' with a trunk of funk. All the jealous punks can't stop the dunk. Comin' from the school of hard knocks. Some perpetrate, they drink Clorox. Attack the black, 'cause I know they lack exact." My GAWD Chuck D 🥵🥵🥵 -"cold lampin with flavor" is my favorite beat in the album with my least favorite lyrics. Flavor should just remain the hype man. -"terminator x to the edge of panic" God damn does terminator go in on this track show casing exactly why P.E. shaped the east coast hip-hop sound. Long Island was never the same after him. -
yeeaaaaaahhh boyyyyyy!!! this was great. Angry rap with a message. Great album
Never thought I'd say I'm a public enemy fan! But there you go
Classic. Great songs. Great beats. I would definitely listen to again.
Classic album with so many great songs.
Fantastic.
Bonafide, stone cold, 5 star classic!
classic rap/hip hop in the 80s/90s. Yeah boyyyyyyy, a classic for flav.
This is one of the best albums of all time.
Top old school hip hop
Such a good group. Chuck D is one of my fave MCs. And Terminator X is such a good dj. The beats and political charges lyrics come together so we'll and makes for a good listen.
Una muy grata sorpresa (?). Aunque sí identificaba a Public Enemy como uno de los representantes del hip hop más importantes, nunca los había escuchado y este álbum me gustó bastante. Tiene un muy buen ritmo y letras muy directas, cada canción se sostiene por su cuenta pero ya en conjunto arman un gran trabajo. En especial me sorprendió “She Watch Channel Zero?!” porque no vi venir la mezcla más rock (?), pero todo ok.
Not all perfect but some is a game changing 10
Amazing how much better rap and hip hop was back then. Today's artists should have a listen to this
Esto es una obra de arte. un totem. tecnología africana del futuro. arte postmoderno. deleuze y guattari en rimas jamás caducadas. este pedo reordena tus neuronas.
Super fun
Mucha energía en este álbum, muy poderoso, mucha denuncia y, bueno, creo que desmenuzarlo letra por letra, verso por verso sería un trabajo muy extenso. Todos los beats tienen su encanto, su punch y hasta los interludes suenan muy chidos, por ejemplo "Security of the First World", chingona. Las canciones que más me gustaron "Don't Believe the Hype", "Louder Than A Bomb", "Rebel Without A Pause" y "Prophets of Rage". Y pus ya: "Freedom is a road seldom travelled by the multitude". 10/10
Another one I listened to recently, before it came up here. This is a classic. It reminds me of high school, and is just such an important album. I was listening to it in preparation for sharing it with the kids. It still holds up.
So much great sampling from a much different time in the music industry. This album marks one of the many peaks of hip hop.
But what if I do, do, do believe the hype?? This record slams. And I say that as someone who was an Anthrax fan first. Surprised at how well this holds up and how good this list’s track record has been so far with hip hop. (Three for three?) I could listen to Flavor Flav rap about food and stinky breath for hours.
Still fresh, still essential.
Bombastic, relevant and lyrically important.
Absolute banger of an album. There's something about paired down beats and samples that scratch a musical itch. Maybe it's the way it lets the lyrics flow over the top without hiding them behind anything over produced. Maybe it's the message.
i can imagine this playing in my wired headphones while walking down downtown new york’s streets
Not feeling this one *as* strongly as Apocalypse '91, but still a very strong debut album. Not hard to see why Public Enemy has 3 listings here. 8.5/10.
One thing I've learned from this project is that I like Public Enemy.
One of the best rap albums of the 80s. The music, beats and lyrics are top notch. Yeah booooooy! 8/10 Top song Don't believe the hype
I haven't listened to this in a long time. It's almost a five but not quite.
The early hip hop stuff on this list continues to be consistently great.
This album would likely get a 5 on another day. But by the endless high pitched whaling throughout Rebel Without a Pause, I wanted to shoot someone. 4 Boolean: True
Not my first listen. Still good.
This is dope.
Yeahhh boyyyy
Very fun I was able to move to this.
Ive heard too much of stuff like this but old gold either way
First time hearing Public Enemy and this was awesome. Fun beats with some great lyricism. I knew of Bring the Noise thanks to the Anthrax remix, but Night of the Living Basehead was my other favorite.
Good
The first hip-hop album I listened to fully and regularly. I was first really drawn to the power and fury which reminded me of the metal I listened to. But what struck me when I listened today is how funky it is too. It’s full of righteous anger but you could dance to it to. An album that’s rage has never diminished. Truly timeless
First encountered this years ago and the song i listened to was Bring The Noise. My fav ever since but never had the feeling to actually listen to the entire album. Discovered that this is where Madonna sampled for Justify My Love. I did appreciate the usage of samples of old songs in the rap songs. and i like the inter connection between the first three songs. nothing too special for me but it is indeed a classic. is it the best public enemy album? i don't think so and maybe it's because i dont know much about public enemy.
Oloco, uma música do Tony Hawk, nostalgia que deu. Cara, o álbum todo me pareceu muito familiar, como se meu irmão tivesse esse cd e eu tivesse ouvido muito na infância. Que estranho... Esses YEAH BOOOYYY muito clássico uhauhauhuha. Muito bom o som deles, faz mexer a cabeça no ritmo.
Some of these songs show their age a little bit, but you can’t argue the social impact of a group like Public Enemy. Many of the cultural criticisms brought up here are all too relevant today.
Flavor Flav going on about garbage tv is a funny kettle meet pot moment in retrospect. In all serious though there's some great samples and beats here and the messages are good too. Not a daily driver genre for me but this was pretty enjoyable.
This is how I like my hip hop. Funky and political as fuck. This is such a classic, and I don't understand why there's (relatively) so few listens on Spotify.
To not only reject a racist, violent Reagan-era government but to label YOURSELF a public enemy takes stones. I don't believe music leads people to violence (or video games, for fucks sake) but listening to this made my heart race and my teeth grit. They aren't the most varied or lyrically dense rappers (though they have their moments) but their anger is so goddamn potent that it all goes down smooth. Don't believe the low reviews (anti-hype?) (Man, Flava Flav used to be cool!)
This is an album that I am glad to have listened to, even if it isn't my favorite type of hip hop. Chuck D's lyrics are great, and Flavor Flav adds some comic relief as the hype man, but there was so much screeching on every song that annoyed me just enough. However, this is a very important album, and among 80s hip hop, it is definitely one of the better ones I have listened to.
This is excellent. Great music. Good lyrics. No misogyny or tons of swearing. Just straight up fight the power.
YEAH BOYEEEEEE
Don’t….Don’t…Don’t. Don’t..don’t believe the hype. Loved it.
What I’ve come to expect from Public Enemy. Great beats, Chuck D bringing his iconic flow, and Flava Flav being a goofball. A fun album with deep lyrics.
Solid! Some iconic songs
Old school 80s rap with a relentless aggressive beat in every song and I mean that in a good way. Chuck D has a great in your face delivery on some heavy subjects with Flavor Flav serving as the quintessential hype man and comic relief. The timing and chemistry between Chuck D and Flavor Flav is tight and in sync. To me, the beats and scratching sound classic, not dated. They still serve their purpose and hit the way they’re supposed to. Great choice for this list.
What a great album. I've always know of Public Enemy, but I had never listened to an entire album before this one. They are very much for the culture, for the cause, and politically and socially charged. It's deep, but also hard, edgy, funny, and full of great commentary. Terminator X's beats are fire, blending old and new school sounds with brilliant sample choices. YEAAAAAH BOOOOOY!
a classic
Bring the noise had me making the STANK face. This album is the epitome of revolutionary. Black steel in the hour of chaos contains early sounds of gangsta rap. This album as a whole is powerful. It had me reflecting on the motivation behind the birth of Hip-Hop in general. This is the very foundation. Every non-Black “so called” fans of Hip-Hop should binge and study this before ever attempting to argue about the genre itself. Honestly, everyone should. Power to the people. ✊🏾
I'm not often a fan of the grittier/urban-ier rap. But this fits nicely next to my appreciation for 90s rap without offending my white suburban sensibilities. :)
Amazing vibes,really liked the yeah boys
Damn the intro absolutely sucks. So boring to introduce such a perfect record. Chuck is an absolute killer on the mic. Flav has gotten a lot of flack for being goofy since his reality show but damn he’s got some chops and is the best hype man.
Šiaip labai patiko. Terminator x ziauriai geras dj.
Man muss in der richtigen Stimmung sein aber wenn man das ist, dann merkt man wie sehr das album seiner Zeit voraus war.
Noisy, chaotic, layered beats and samples that still sound great today. The conviction in Chuck D’s vocals really sell the messages. I like the raw sound compared to the polished production you usually get now.
"I got a letter from the government the other day / I opened it and read it, it said they were suckers" Yep, Chuck D still on point with that one. Is this PE's overlooked masterpiece? Fear of a Black Planet is great, but I think this one is just a little better.
This is a great album almost all the way through!
two discs of Fuck the Man. Hey if Public Enemy is your thing this is one hundred percent for you. Tons of samples and I have "Yeahhhh Boy" from Mind Terrorist stuck in my head. Its hard rap with a message. Aggressive social commentary is a good way to put it, and considering the time it was released it must have been a breath of fresh air. While a lot of the issues I cant even relate to, its still cool to hear how hard they go from start to finish. My only gripe is its just a little too long for my taste.
Pretty standard Public Enemy. It was cool that everyone got a feature song. Terminator X was a beast on this album! Overall if you like PE you’ll like this one
Yeeeeeeahh boiiiiiiiii!
Really good. I liked how "sketchy" this one was. The concert snippets made it very collage like
Counterculture. Antiestablishment
One for the “yeah boiiiiiiii” enthusiasts. It’s not my fave Public Enemy album but it’s still good! You can hear how their sound is very much in conversation with the likes of The Beastie Boys and NWA. A 3.5 rounded up I think!
- The production is great - Energy is on point - Lyrics are still relevant to today's issues - New hip-hop is mostly garbage now, this was like a proper reset to my rap taste. - The tracks "She watch channel zero?!" and "Black steel in the hour of Chaos" are a couple of standouts for me. Those were a lot of fun. - This is real artistic expression that I think a lot of the media at the time didn't comprehend. It was new, it was different, and it was real. Some weren't ready for it, but for those that embraced it they were rewarded with awesome music. - Another grateful listen.
Pre Listen: Haven't heard of these guys before, but this will be the first rap/hip-hop album reviewed on here. For that reason, I'm looking forward to listening to it. Notable Tracks: Bring The Noise - Incredibly solid start to the album. I dig it. It's funky, the sample mixing is solid. BRING THE NOISE. Caught, Can I Get a Witness? - My favorite track. I love the beat, I love the samples, and most of all I love the lyrics. Good shit. Night of the Living Baseheads - Weakest song on the album. Solid lyrical work, good beat, but whatever sounds like a broken clown horn in the backing track got to go. Slightly headache inducing. Post Listen: YEEAAAA BOOOIIII. I absolutely loved this album. It was a fun listen, the sample work is incredible. The lyrics got several laughs out of me, and has some decent political commentary too sprinkled about. Nothing crazy deep, but I always appreciate a good call to action. Terminator X is a clown, one I can appreciate. This is classic Hip Hop, and I can recognize their influence in several more modern artists I like, that I never knew was there. I'll definitely be revisiting this album, and will likely add some tracks from it to my playlist. I may revisit this review and bump the score after a couple more listens. I believe the hype, 4/5.
How not to take Chuck D's delivery seriously? Classic band, classic album. Even though it's a bit dated musically, the strong lyrics and powerful singing more than make up for it.
This was an interesting selecton the day after I got the Dizzee Rascal album which in many ways was similar in a lyrics and message stand point, but from a musical standpoint I fare prefer Public Enemy. Maybe it's because I'm an old-o. Also, it's always very sad when a 30+ year old album seems to be responding to issues of today.
I have respected Public Enemy from the first time I heard them (or read their lyrics). They have things to say worthy of your attention, and it's almost all political, not saturated with bragging and misogyny like a lot of later rap. But I've never really liked the underlying tracks. The beats are solid, but the sampling is often distracting and too often random-feeling to me.
At times this was extremely repetitive and there were some whiny samples that just hurt my ears. This was the first time during this project that I’ve actually skipped anything on the album. That aside, this album was great! I will definitely be re-listening soon. 4/5.
Maybe it has been the other rap albums on our list recently, but this album is rather enjoyable. I would listen to PE and probably sold them short back in the day.
This album is definitely one of the 100 greatest hip-hop albums. Loved it!
Not too bad and not too blend
I listen to lots of 90s British dance rock (Blur, Stone Roses, Inspiral Carpets) but it's cool to see how much inspiration they took from early hiphop groups like Public Enemy sound-wise. The instrumentals on here are awesome
Don’t believe the hype, decide for yourself that this great
fav songs: bring the noise don't believe the hype rebel without a pause confrontational, energetic, aggressive 70/100
Really like how they padded tracks between interludes from live concerts
Great production and very influential for years afterwards.
8/10
Production is rough sometimes but still good energy and chuck d is awesome
Chuck D' powerful protest lyrics, Flavor Flav's court jester persona, and the bombastic production by Terminator X and The Bomb Squad make It Takes A Nation... the statement that it is. Packed full of black power and anti-government sentiment. It's hard not to feel some amount of revolutionary spirit when listen to Public Enemy.
Brill - loved it then love it now
The samples on this album are crazy. This is an album that stands out ahead of all the lame 80s rap that was coming out...I'm looking at you beastie boys Highlights: Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos, Don't Believe The Hype
Of all of hip hop's foundational albums, this may be the one that sounds the least like where hip hop went in the 90s. The chaotic, sample-heavy production is much busier and less beat-driven then their contemporaries, and this sometimes sounds more like rock than hip hop. Despite this, or maybe because of it, this has aged well and retained its power. Chuck D's booming voice delivers compact, clever rhymes, and while his flow is a bit limited his presence makes up for it. Flava Flav plays an important role as hypeman. The lyrics are still relevant today, standing out from the typical boasting or wordplay of the time (I could do with fewer Farrakhan references, but Public Enemy are hardly unique in that regard). While this could use a little variety, the fact that so many lines from this are still referenced in rap shows how much of an impact it rightfully had.
Я бы даже сказал репчик
This is my favorite brand of hip hop and arguably the best representation of it. The only thing keeping it from a 5 is that wears a little thin by the end.