Reviews (page 5 of 12)
Il y a des maudits bons grooves et le rappeur avec la voix plus basse a un bon flow. Par contre, l'autre rappeur avec une voix à la beastie boys et les loops de 1 mesure avec des bouilloires qui sifflent, des montres timex qui beep et des aiguilles dans un disque, c'est carrément obnoxious. J'imagine que c'est volontaire.
It was great to hear this again. I could relate to the lyrics and content when previously my pallet muddy
finally, music from when I was a kid which, coincidentally, is the only time music was every good. 4/5
An album with a reputation preceding itself, and managed to live up to the hype for the most part. Great lyricism, beats, and energy. Sounds a b it dated, but obviously very influential and relevant still.
Amazing production. Brilliant sampling
B+
I liked this much better than the other Public Enemy I listened to in this project. I’ve heard snippets from all over this album in popular culture and I did enjoy from front to back. Would likely do 3.5 but I’ll round up.
De context voor een revolutionaire plaat als dit sluit niet helemaal meer aan bij het huidige tijdsgewricht. Een album als dit enkel beoordelen op muzikale kwaliteit is daarentegen ook niet eerlijk. De politieke, intimiderende raps van Public Enemy zijn hard maar hartstikke funky. Ik vind het niet zo'n schreeuwplaat als andere hiphop uit deze tijd. Misschien ook wel door de beetje droge tweede rapstem en het gebruik van geinige samples en geluidjes. In veel nummers zit een alarm-achtig geluidje (Cold Lamping With Flavour) wat enerzijds irritant is maar je als luisteraar ook een beetje opfokt. Precies wat deze plaat (en de live shows) moet doen. Ik heb mij beter vermaakt dan gedacht! 8/10 Highlights. Don't Believe the Hype Caught, Can we get a witness?
I'm impressed enough with it for a 4, which is really unusual for me since I've avoided most hiphop in my music listening. It's got really high energy and great samples, plus poignant lyrics that must have been hugely influential in 1988. Flava Fav was kind of cringeworthy most of the time though. I went back and revisited "Bring The Noise", "Black Steel In The Hour of Chaos", "Caught, Can We Get A Witness" and I really liked the harder rock of "She Watch Channel Zero?!"
Such a great album. Really took me back. Definitely one of the soundtracks to my sophomore year of college. 😊
It takes skill for a group as politically charged as Public Enemy is to make an album that not only says a lot but presents its message in a fun and funky package. Few can pull it off and Public Enemy pulls it off expertly. I may prefer Fear of a Black Planet just a little more to this one. But that doesn't take away how great and innovative this album is.
Yep
This one commandeered my tape deck in the summer of ‘88 and held the top spot for weeks despite stiff competition from Guns ‘n’ Roses, INXS and the Cure. As a stupid suburban white kid, PE punched me awake to the anger and energy of rap beyond Run-DMC. I couldn’t believe you could say these lyrics, and make it sound so good. And damn funny! All power to Chuck D and Flavor Flav now and forever.
Great classic rap album! These guys have always been great! This is probably one of their best albums!
Sorti en 1988, "It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back", le deuxième album de Public Enemy n'a pas seulement défini son époque, il l'a dynamitée. Il a pris le hip-hop, alors encore dans une relative adolescence, et l'a transformé en une arme de conscience politique massive, un mur du son contestataire qui résonne encore avec une pertinence effrayante aujourd'hui. Pour être tout à fait honnête, en me replongeant dans ce disque, je m'attendais à une expérience similaire à celle de "Fear of a Black Planet". Un respect immense pour l'oeuvre, pour son importance capitale, mais peut-être un peu de distance, la sensation d'écouter un document historique plus qu'une pièce musicale que je ferais tourner en boucle en 2025. Et sur certains points, je n'avais pas tort. La production, signée par la légendaire Bomb Squad, est un maelstrom sonore, un collage frénétique et abrasif de samples, de sirènes, de fragments de discours et de rythmes martelés. C'est dense, c'est agressif, et ça peut, par moments, fatiguer l'oreille non avertie. C'est brut, c'est frontal, et ça ne fait aucun compromis. Pourtant, et c'est bien là toute la force de l'album, il s'en sort mieux que son successeur. Il y a une énergie brute, une urgence palpable qui transcende le poids des années. "Bring the Noise", "Don't Believe the Hype"... ces titres ne sont pas de simples chansons, ce sont des manifestes, des slogans scandés avec une conviction qui vous prend aux tripes. Chuck D est au sommet de son art, un prophète enragé qui mitraille des rimes complexes et politiquement chargées avec une clarté et une force de persuasion incroyables. Il n'est pas là pour divertir, il est là pour éduquer, pour provoquer, pour secouer les consciences. Et à ses côtés, Flavor Flav, avec ses ad-libs déjantés et son rôle de "hype man", apporte une touche de chaos et de folie qui, paradoxalement, ancre encore plus le discours dans une réalité tangible, celle de la rue, de l'urgence. Ce qui frappe à l'écoute de "It Takes A Nation...", c'est son ambition démesurée. Chuck D voulait créer l'équivalent hip-hop du "What's Going On" de Marvin Gaye, et d'une certaine manière, il y est parvenu. L'album est une critique féroce de l'Amérique de Reagan, une dénonciation sans concession du racisme systémique, de la brutalité policière, et de la manipulation médiatique. C'est le "CNN noir" dont parlait Chuck D, un bulletin d'information enragé et sans filtre, directement depuis le cœur du ghetto. Et cette dimension politique, loin d'être un simple habillage, est au coeur même de la musique. La production de la Bomb Squad, avec son utilisation novatrice et massive du sampling, crée un sentiment d'oppression, de chaos, qui reflète parfaitement la violence et la tension des thèmes abordés. Alors oui, l'album a vieilli et la production, si révolutionnaire à l'époque, peut sembler datée aujourd'hui, à l'ère du son ultra-produit et léché. Certains des samples, si percutants en 1988, ont perdu une partie de leur pouvoir d'évocation et pourtant, "It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back" reste un monument. Un monument d'une importance capitale dans l'histoire du hip-hop, et de la musique tout court. C'est un disque qui a prouvé que le rap pouvait être bien plus qu'une simple musique de fête, qu'il pouvait être une force de changement, un outil de contestation et de prise de conscience. En tant que vieux disquaire et animateur radio, j'ai vu passer des milliers d'albums. Et je peux vous dire que ceux qui ont cette force, cette capacité à vous secouer et à vous faire réfléchir, sont rares. "It Takes A Nation..." est de ceux-là. Il ne caresse pas l'auditeur dans le sens du poil, il le confronte, le bouscule, le force à ouvrir les yeux et les oreilles. Et c'est précisément pour ça qu'il est indispensable. Je lui accorde un bon 4 sur 5. Il n'atteint pas la perfection intemporelle de certains de mes disques de chevet, mais il possède une puissance et une pertinence qui lui assurent une place de choix au panthéon de la musique. Un classique, un vrai, un de ceux qui vous rappellent que la musique, parfois, peut être bien plus qu'un simple divertissement. Elle peut être une arme et Public Enemy, en 1988, a forgé l'une des plus redoutables qui soient.
A real revelation for me. Should have listened to this a long time ago
Really, really strong, and undeniably a powerful album top to bottom. Not to mention, it's a ton of fun. Very cool to hear the OG spots that other artists sampled/imitated in the years to come. It has that quintessential early-hip-hop-DNA which is phenomenal, but I think it perhaps reached a more diverse/nuanced/enjoyable iteration in the years and groups to come (my own opinion). Either way, I loved this.
Political and managed to land. Although I enjoyed it, every song felt a bit same-y which gets exhausting after an hour.
This is hugely influential on modern hip-hop and has some real highlights. Some elements do not age so well (the scratching, wearing a massive clock) but I did enjoy revisiting it.
Grabs you from the outset and shoves it in your face. Likely a game changer in hip hop at the time but is much more socially conscious than some of the other rap and hip hop listened to as part of this process so far and the better for it. Some of the beats sound a little dated now but I think it gives it that nostalgic ‘old school’ vibe which has been emulated by so many since.
нормально качает. а тексты понимать мне как всегда лень...
coincidentally got this back-to-back with straight outta compton. i actually preferred this. great beats and creative lyrics. sometimes hip-hop can get repetitive but this album didn't - every song felt fresh and innovative. i can only imagine how good this would have been to listen to 30 years ago. still a great listen today and is definitely one of the best hip-hop albums i've heard.
No doubt this is a groundbreaking album that assisted Gangster rap assessing the mainstream Risk taking and with great beats. With that said the anger expressed is not what I feel I need to listen to in these troubling times.
Cracking record. Fantastic energy, lyrically brilliant, awesome production. I get why there's a reason it often appears around the top of all-time lists of rap or hip-hop records, though it's just a smidge below full marks for me. Fave track on this listen: Rebel Without a Pause
this is some good ass shit!
It’s a classic for a reason. I take away 1 star because of Flavor Flav.
OG rap.
Fully charged and raw. This album has so much energy and depth to it. I particularly enjoyed the way that the group interacted with one another through the tracks. The instrumentation is crisp and particular to its time.
Obviously a super important album and I enjoyed it. BUT some beats a little annoying
There's some whinyness in a few songs which makes listening a bit offputting. Still a classic
Nice
Very good album, but... It's not the best rap album ever. (Not sure what I would put first, but I would put Stankonia, To Pimp a Butterfly, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, The Message, and Run-DMC all ahead of it.) There's only 50 or so albums I would give 5 stars to, and this isn't one. I get that it was lyrically significant with its focus on social issues. But Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel had already done that half a decade earlier.
Nothing crazy but I do see the appeal on this. Hell, technically it has the first ever nu-metal song "She Watch Channel Zero?!" on the album. Especially with that Slayer sample. Overall innovative but there are some complaints. There is a decent amount of filler on this and it does seem very overdrawn. Also, I want to say that the constant saying of "Terminator X" does get a little annoying. It is more so a nitpick if anything, but definitely a complaint. And I am not against producer tags, there are some ones that I like alot. But it is annoying especially on this album. Overall, I feel this is a must listen album for rap and metal fans, I will give this another listen in the future. I do recommend this album.
Damn. This is just pure and glorious rap. I don't exactly know what makes it less than a 5*. And I really don't understand why Public Enemy was ever targeted. 4.75*
One of the most significant rap groups of the era, and perhaps their most significant album. Fantastic beats, excellent political perspective, Public Enemy had a big part to play in educating this South Dakota white kid to what was going on in the world. Tracks still slap, and the Chuck D-Flava Flav contrast is so perfect.
Hell yeah!
vibing the whole time
this got me hyped up from the second i heard bring the noise but it's so funny to me there's a track on here berating women for watching soap operas and not watching real tv like....football....i need us to be so serious right now
omg this was fun!!! i really liked this!
Cracking album with some hooks that stood the test of time.
Absolutely packed with beats, each song distinct in its sound and story, and an absolute party at that. Imagine hearing this in 1988 🤯
Really interesting album progression. Feels like the first songs are the strongest, and then the album wanders into more experimental production and hard-hitting (but rhythmically challenged) lyrics. The top 5-10 songs would earn a 5-star rating, but the rest of the songs are just not at that level. A STRONG 4, but the quality wavers too much to be a 5. - I have never heard this before... The flow is impressive - Sounds like groundbreaking lyricism for the time. The production was either pioneering or fits rap of the time - 3rd song less enjoyable. Not enough to knock off a 5 though, and the 2nd half of the song is still strong - 2nd half of the album is dragging on. I like the lyrics but the production is... eclectic - Easy 4, want to listen to the top again. Don't think it's enough to make this a 5 - 'Black Steel...' is another good song. I think this is a STRONG 4 but not tight enough of an album.
Fun album, and it connected the dots on a lot of hip-hop references I didn't know about before. It wasn't my favorite Public Enemy album, but was solid enough to escalate above a three.
A classic
Very good
Another revisit - had forgotten about the live show framing throughout.
Bra skit! Roliga samples och feta flows.
Pretty funky, didn’t focus on lyrics too much and I got the feeling that most songs on this album sound similar but I enjoyed this vibe.
Classic. Bring the Noise / Louder Than a Bomb added to Liked Songs.
iyi
A nuclear bomb when it was released. I have so many fond memories of this album. In hindsight, I think Fear of a Black Planet is slightly better, but this is still my favorite by them.
Pretty powerful stuff that holds up really well decades later.
Great early hip hop record. It really set the tone for everything that came in the 90's. I liked it.
Definitely some bangers on here but all the beats are very similar and the album is a bit too long I think. If it were shorter would be an easy four potential five. Hard to argue the impact of this and straight outta Compton. These records defines the sounds of the following decade. High three low four for me
Сирена виє на інтро так само, як і за вікном. Поважаю Чака Ді і Флейвор Флев топовий хайпмен. Але на мою думку він занадто одноманітний по бітах і не всі діп катс на альбомі класні. Тому 4 мені видається справедливою оцінкою.
This album has to be one of the hip-hop records with most attitude that I've ever heard. I loved how Chuck D's serious character and impressive flow combined with Flavor Flav hyping persona and angry style of delivery. I did also find very funny every time the guy screams 'YEAH BOY'. It is thanks to the powerful perfomances that I've coming back to this record several times. Not that it is the only reason to return to it. The production is also insanely good, specially for an album that came from the early stages of hip-hop. My only problem with this album would be that I find some of the beats to get a bit tedious sometimes. An example would be the high-pitched "scratching" in 'Rebel Without a Pause' (I don't know what to called it, but I hope you understand what I mean). Fortunately, this doesn't apply to all the beats. I think how they used 'Angel of Death' by Slayer in 'She Watch Channel Zero?!' is absolutely incredible and fits very well with this record mood. In conclusion, this was a great hip-hop project.
Very good but the production being dated holds it back from being 5 stars.
I was a little afraid to listen to this Album, that I was growing up with, 25 years later. But what can I say...still one of the best Hip Hop albums I know. The Beats are brilliant and raw, Chuck D one of the best MCs. Flavour Flav annoying at times, but without him it would not be Public Enemy. Fav: She watch channel zero?!
Important.
A classic. Not much to say here about it. I wish it were a little shorter. But awesome nice the less.
3.5/5 Still a menace, 30 years later. Fave Track: Prophets of Rage Anchor: Terminator X I firmly believe Chuck D and Flav still have some of the best voices to ever grace the genre. No one will say Yeahh Boi like Mr. On Time himself. Bring the Noise is an all timer, and songs like Cold Lampin with Flavor, Louder than a Bomb, and Show Em Whatcha Got, and night of the living baseheads surely were direct inspiration for the Jet Set Radio soundtrack. For me, the boom bap style of the project, while still feeling fresh almost 30 years later, is abrasive in a way that gets in the way of the rhymes. Also cool seeing the metal influence on The Watch Channel Zero?! That latwr got picked up for the Anthrax version of Bring the Noise. Hip hop at this time was rebellious and counter culture, and this shows in spades, with scratches and sparse vocals adding depth to the bassy samples the always have you toe tapping. When it all works, it makes a relatively repetitive song structure get carried for 4 minutes straight. Songs like Terminator X, Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos, and Rebel Without a Pause do outstay their welcome with their abrasive backing samples. I understand the intention with these tunes was to be loud/in your face/abrasive, but they're so much so in a way that underserves the artistry on display otherwise.
I know most of the songs on this album but I've never fully listened to it before (1). It was pretty good, better than I expected. The Bomb Squad were really something in those days.
So glad I gave this a proper listen. ThisThe only thing that didn't work for me was Flavor Flav sounding like the weasel from the Riverbottom Nightmare Band.
Cool album, high energy with a lot of noise. Some really clever lyricism as well
A great album and innovation of the genre
Great example of socially conscious rap. I really enjoyed Terminator X’s use of sampling and his deft application of various DJ tricks. Chuck D’s flow is really something else (I’ve always had a soft spot for this older style of rapping that existed prior to the 2000s). The strident tone and overtly political messaging was revolutionary for its time and I think that makes it worthy of being an album worth listening to. That said, the glowing references to Elijah Muhammad, Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam, while keeping with a long running tradition of black nationalism, are cringe inducing.
probably legendary. i think
Really good :) sampled slayer made my day :) 4.6
Every time I hear Flava Flav rap I’m impressed. Public Enemy has some great beats and bars. Don’t sleep on em.
Great production
Main detractor from this album is how comical reality tv made "yeah boooyyyyy"
Dobre. 4/5. Kilka do zapamiętania. Fajny agresywny wyraz buntu.
This is the first Rap album on the list that I actually liked. Flavor Flav added just right amount of humor to make the serious topics on this album more tolerable. Chuck D has a commanding and clear voice that makes the listener stops what ever else they are doing and pay attention. Also, it kind of refreshing to hear songs with not a lot of curse words. Songs with too many curse words make the swearing less effective. Great album!!
Great impactful album
Hardcore rap, cuando transicioné desde el rock este fue uno de los primeros
E det her hevn fordi æ synes to Public Enemy-album på samme lista va litt i overkant? Alle gode ting e tre? Og for all del, det e jo ikke dårlig, men det har ikke akkurat vært en overveldanes mengde hiphop på lista så langt, så litt mer variasjon hadde kanskje gjort sæ.
Listens: 2 Standout Tracks: Don't Believe The Hype, Night Of The Living Bassheads "Brothers and Sisters!" Believe the hype. Public Enemy is the real deal. East coast, politically-motivated rap and hip-hop music. Great lyrics, awesome sampling and decent relatively minimalist beats (though, there are one or two that are really annoying); the result of which is a totally solid sophomore album. My only real complaint with this album is Flava Flave's wildly excessive use of "Yeaaaaa Boyyyyy".
I really enjoyed most songs here, which I'm a little suprised by, since from my experience 80s hip-hop has felt very inconsistent. The whole album is filled with memorable lines and beats that feel a bit ahead of their time.
A hip hop classic
heavy stuff
years ago, high school students used to draw band logos on their notebooks. being one of those bored students who wanted to be a record cover designer I particularly followed through with this trend. when one day one of my fellow metalhead asked me WTF I would be drawing that 'rap crap' on my book next my YES and Led Zeppelin logos I only came back with 'its a cool effing logo'. back then a lot of hip hop and PE in particular were over my head even though they came from down the road from me. However, now looking back after really listening to this music, I now get why so many people were put off by PE. Well good on PE, they innovated and spoke the truth. 4.5/5
I really enjoy the sound of this, it's very chaotic. There is so much going on. Chuck D's rapping has a great rhythm too. I think for a first listen it was so crowded I can't say I took a lot from what he was saying and since it's supposed to be quite a political record I might have to give it another go. There were bits were it cut to live audio from gigs which jarred a little, but overall it was pretty good. I think I'll be listening again.
Listen to a lot of these guys in high school. In fact, one of my senior pictures, I’m wearing a public enemy T-shirt.
Really good album.
Really enjoyed this
Very good album. Groundbrwking and raw. Lyrics are top notch and angst and inequakity are touched and raged about.
tough, bold and uncompromising
Great early hip hop
classic hip hop
I miss this style of hip hop.
J'aime les paroles, le flow. Mais niveau beat, c'est moins à mon goût.
Fresh as ever
Awesome hip hop album. I think they refine their style a bit more on FOABP, but this is still dope.
Political rap in true Public Enemy fashion. Definitely deserves another listen at some point but really nothing bad to say about this one.
classic hip hop. reminds me of a track from tony hawk bring da noize. cant help but laugh at flava flav being the hype man the whole time
Incredibly iconic, insane flow and great samples. Rated a four because I didn't like some of the beats but the rapping was great.
Hell yeah! Litt monotont i lengden, men fungerer fortsatt.
Overall: 8/10 So 80s hip hop tends to feel very "barbaric" in a way. It's the same as any new movement really, and most 80s hip hop albums tend to be bare bones and basic. This album suffers from that slightly but it's saved by the fact that Chuck was the most gifted lyricist of his time and he actually had something to say. Top that off with Flavor Flav's hype work and baby, you got a stew going! The beats also occasionally dip into some interesting sounds that other hip hop artists weren't really producing at this time. So I guess what I'm trying to say is that this album feels like an important stepping stone in the evolution of hip hop, and that alone makes it worth listening to. Fav Song: Bring the Noise Least Fav Song: Cold Lampin' with Flavor
La creatividad de instrumentales y cortes y como se entrelazan con el ritmo de las canciones. Los mensajes relacionados a una crítica política, social, de medios, de artistas y sus letras.
Have not been a Hip Hop guy - but the energy and power of this album is undeniable. I will continue to listen to fully absorb it.
Powder keg of an album that’s radical in its lyrics, sonics, and coolness. Chuck D is a relentless and proficient rapper who delivers valid social-political criticisms, particularly with race consciousness, with authority, power, and authenticity. He’s bringing you to school. The beats provide the backdrop to Chuck’s intensity, with head-bobbing groovy rhythm samples that often have noisy, abstract, or abrasive instrumentation on top. Flava Flav brings some comic relief. It reminds you to stay woke and stay angry, but still have a little fun.
Actually pretty good.
Really great. Maybe not quite as awesome as Fear of a Black Planet. Overall really wish I had listened to Public Enemy far more in the past. 4.5/5
I love old school hip hop, always have and always will. and this one is GOOD. I love the style of the 80's hip hop. You can hear the funk influences. I can tell that this was the blueprint. It's so good! Very political, which I like, it's what rap was intended for. To make a statement! Only thing is that sometimes the beats can be PIERCING. like very uncomfortable to listen to. Especially in Rebel without a Pause.
Old school rap, aaaawwwww YEEEEAAAAhhh. Good stuff.
Some classics and generally undeniable energy
Never listened to Public Enemy before. I didn’t know any of the songs, but I liked it!
8.5/10
Erste Überraschung, das war wirklich gut
Bit of a slog, but undeniably powerful
Absolute classic. One of the best rap albums released pre-91. D and Flava had such a good thing.
They brought the noise.
Top-shelf old-school hip hop… Flava Flavvv!
Any album that samples the Flash Gordon theme song is an automatic 4 for me
dont believe the hype!!! esse é meio clássico demais pra falar qualquer coisa negativa a respeito a nível de beat e flow não me agrada tanto, mas as letras são brutais
fortíssimo esse hein!! curto bastante os beats e as letras! brutal demais como eh bem atual 30 anos depois dito isso não me agrada o flavor flav gritando YEAAAAH BOIIII a cada 20 segundos
Revolutionary album; dated, but great for its time.
Nobody has had to carry the weight of a hiphop band like Chuck D. He is consistently phenomenal whilst having to deal with the clownshoes Flavor Flav cheesing up every song he gets his hands on. But D manages to bring home classic after classic after classic, just the best that old school hiphop has to offer.
Stenhårt. Politiskt. Tungt sväng.
Absolute fucking classic, incredible production, catchy hooks and Chuck D's best bars and performance. Favourites - Bring the Noise, Don’t Believe the Hype, Caught, Can We Get A Witness?, She Watch Channel Zero?!, Rebel Without A Pause
I understand for its genre it is a classic. Not something I would listen to regularly but I enjoyed the experience.
This still holds up! I really enjoyed it, a throwback for sure with the progression of language and terms over time. Hearing Flava Flav say cold medina so much was a trip in 2025. A classic!
There's a few bits that haven't aged especially well, but otherwise this is an absolute powerhouse of a record. Incredible sampling and production combined with the urgency of Chuck D's vocals just means that this always hits hard.
it is so funny i know Flavor Flav from reality TV and not his actual body of work????? that's on me but it's soooo funny marrying the version of him i know with this album (which is good!)
Chuck D & Flavor Flav get down to business on this one. Their personalities compliment each other so well. A really energetic project.
I love their rap style/flow, great beats, absolute legends. I "grew up" with the hip hop from the 90s and early 2000s, but the rap from the 80s really is my jam.
Flav doesn’t get enough credit
12/05/2025 2nd album in a row for these gents, i don't mind it.
A pretty nonstop groove sesh.
Chuck D's socially conscious flow, Flav's interjections, and Terminator X's scratching forrm the backbone of this densely produced masterpiece of a hip-hop album.
Pretty Banging, would love to hear this on some big speakers
Flava Flav in his prime. I appreciate Public Enemy and their message. They bring light a number of important issues and their style is slightly more hip hop and not just rap. They also have the DJ, spinning quality to it that makes it more.
I can see why this album has so many accolades. The lyrics are very meaningful and important, the rapping is next level, the samples all weave so well into their tracks, and the music under the lyrics is pretty impeccably produced. And while I appreciate how well done and influential this is, I have to go with a 4 because it's not necessarily something I'd choose to listen to all the way through very often, solely based on personal preference. This type of musical structure doesn't totally move me. I wanted to love it, but didn't quite get there.
This was fun. Expected it to be overly grim and preachy, but they're too energetic to let that happen. 'She Watch Channel Zero' is a great piece of rap rock.
Wow, I really liked this! Angry but fun. Ngl, Flav's "yeahhh boyyy" hyped me every time. High four stars.
Always have enjoyed this album
I could’ve sworn we already had this one but I guess not. Incredibly hard album title. I’m not sure the mixing of live and studio really worked but I’m guessing there’s some thematic reason for it. The rapping is strong, the style is dated and the lyrics seem almost trite now but maybe because this was so influential. Light 4.
Classic Rap. Gefällt mir sehr gut, hab schon lange keinen Rap mehr gehört aber die machen hier alles richtig.
Excellent production on this, what an achievement
Nice
3.6 Solid early rap album. faves: rebel without a pause, bring the noise
Classic Public Enemy. Hitting it hard
I learned a lot about this group and the impact it's had, so that was cool! I'm not super sure any of the songs stood out to me. Maybe "Rebel Without A Pause".
30+ years on, This is still as relevant as it was when it debuted.
I would have to listen ten more times (which I guess I might) to really comprehend all the lyrics, but the fact that they used the samples to create a new, chaotic sound is enough for me.
Terminator X is a dope ass DJ name.
I liked this a lot more than fear of a black planet. This was fun. Catchy. Good stuff. Flavor flav yeahhhhh booooyyyyy gets old fast though. That said I’ll give this 4 stars.
I like 90s rap
Clear to see why this album was so influential. Great listen. Engaging lyrics and fun instrumentals.
Really really interesting and very punchy (which I've been talking about a lot though). I very much like the use of sound in this with unconventional sounds being played into tracks to give a strong feel to them
Просто не мой жанр. НО. Понравились три композиции подряд. Caught, Can We Get A Witness? Show 'Em Whatcha Got She Watch Channel Zero?! это прямо крутяк!
Not my go-to music style, but the upbeat tempo and the complex lyrics had me fully invested in this album. A great second studio album from Public Enemy.
This album contained a few pearls I didn't know I needed but now I can't live without them. Such skillful rapwork. Music was definitely great too.
It's good, hard-hitting and powerful stuff. Beats are exceptionally funky and varied. Some of the tracks do tend to get a bit too much with repetitive yells and callouts.
They sampled some great grooves for this and layered on excellently enunciated politically conscious raps on top. Terminator X features perhaps the weakest sound, the whine in the background struck a nerve with me.
First listen although have heard many of the tracks before. Not someone to listen to whole albums of rap but this is good all the way through. No passengers here. Cant lose with Chuck D's voice. Great lyrics. Flava Flav: Ya, boiiii.
Heard them first on GTA:SA so a bit nostalgic. It gets a bit formulaic after half of the album("yeah boooi", gets old pretty quick). still I enjoyed it and didn't skip anything.
Good 90’s rap!
87/100. It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back by Public Enemy is a classic hip-hop record—groundbreaking, intense, and politically charged. Personally, I think it’s great, but some of the production is starting to feel a bit dated by today’s standards. That said, the "Side Black" half of the album stands out for me—it feels more consistent and features some of the tightest flows on the project. Still a powerful and important record in hip-hop history.
This is the best rap album we've had so far... By far... I appreciate the social message throughout the album, but it's not super "in your face" or vulgar (a la nwa) but the production is super good and the back and forth style of rapping actually works
Started off feeling this is okay okay... But somehow I began to enjoy it the more I listened- especially in the 2nd half! Didn't really understand the lyrics - the references and the cultural context (as is generally my experience while listening to hip hop) But the rhythm and the beats were so much fun! I also surprisingly liked the repetition (all songs sound kind of the same!) I think this is one of those albums I need to listen to more than once to truly like it! Songs that stood out: she watch channel zero, party for your right to fight, louder than a bomb Album rating: ⭐⭐⭐1/2 I should definitely listen to rap more! Makes me feel upbeat and optimistic about life without being sickly sweet!
Really dug this one.
Heel NWA, heel GTA San Andreas
“It Takes A Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back” remains profoundly relevant to contemporary US society, serving as both a historical document and a continuous source of cultural resistance. Released during a time when racial tensions and political oppression were rampant, the album’s incisive critique of systemic injustice resonates with current debates over inequality, police brutality, and governmental transparency. Public Enemy’s incisive lyrics—such as the refrain “Don’t believe the hype”—challenge listeners to question mainstream narratives and scrutinize the power structures that shape societal norms. This call to skepticism is echoed today, as citizens demand accountability from institutions and media alike. The album’s aggressive sonic landscape and politically charged rhymes mirror the ongoing struggle against marginalization and systemic racism. Lyrics like “Fight the Power” underscore a timeless ethos of resistance, encouraging communities to stand against oppression. In an era marked by mass protests and movements such as Black Lives Matter, the album’s message finds renewed urgency. The rhetoric of empowerment and defiance that Public Enemy championed provides a framework for understanding modern social activism. Contemporary discussions about reparative justice and equity often echo the confrontational spirit of the album, which argued that the voices of the oppressed must be amplified to effect change. Furthermore, the album’s innovative production and sampling techniques paved the way for future generations of artists who use music as a medium for political expression. Today’s artists continue to build on that legacy by addressing issues such as systemic racism, economic disparity, and the surveillance state. In essence, the album functions as a cultural touchstone: its messages of vigilance, unity, and resistance continue to inspire a critical examination of authority in a society where similar issues persist. Public Enemy’s work not only chronicled the struggle of its own era but also laid down a blueprint for activism that remains relevant in the ongoing fight for social justice.
Punk rock as all hell and with wild beats for the time. Loved it.
Fun listen and pretty groundbreaking at the time I imagine
Great samples, fun record to listen to and a staple in hip hop and what came after.
After a long streak of indie rock albums, this album really stood out. I especially enjoyed the raw sound which blended well with the rapping.
Damn near perfect album. So good. High 4s.
Really liked this. Chuck D is a great rapper love the samples and mixing and production. Flava Flav just ruins it at times with his shouting and blurring out nonscense.
Pretty cool album from a big hip-hop group. Must say that there were quite a few and hard-slappin tracks here like legendary 'Rebels Without A Pause', and 'Show 'Em What You Got', for example. Wasn't too impressed somehow after first playthrough, but now when skimming through a second round I don't know why I was so critical. This stuff is great! Almost all songs are very solid and cool. A few minor pain points is that I think their rapping style can get a bit tedious after listening through many songs. Also, their "broken record squeel" (or however you want to describe it) sample found on 'Don't Believe The Hype' and 'Rebels Without A Pause' for example, also gets a bit old. In summary I found this really cool, and well deserving of a 4.
There has been quite a few 80s rap albums and I can never really work out why I like some and not some others. Maybe it’s just my mood for the day? Anyway I liked this. It starts off with two heavyweight classics in “Bring the Noise” and “Don’t believe the hype”. Both has great rhymes, lyrics and beats. It really is Public Enemy at its best. The mid part of the album goes into a bit of a slump. The beats takes a back seat for sample loops which just drag. And then I find my number one rap enemy. Rap metal. It’s not egregious but “Shy Watch Channel Zero?!” is too close to rap metal for me. Luckily the tail end saves the album. Some really good songs at the end though I can’t decide if the tea-kettle-sample (is it a tea-kettle?) in “Rebel Without A Pause” is genius or annoying. Would be an easy 4 star if it was shorter and cut some things in the middle. Still think it deserves a 4 but a weak one.
did not use a private spotify session for this one as I just listened to this album Friday of my own volition. I like this album, hip hop with social commentary an album that takes itself and its message seriously, but not too serious with a little levity provided by Flav.
I don't normally listen to Hip Hop or Rap but this blew me away. Great album!
2 core memories prevail Prophets of rage supergroup, Live in Werchter in 2019 Then being a teen Playing Tony Hawk Wasted hours
Unapologetically militant and clever. The album flows like a live concert and is aggressive and focused like a revolutionary manifesto. That is, until Flava Flav does his thing. The skits take away from making this album a 5*
Pretty classic. Establishing the raw hiphop sound, and sets the tone for whats to come
Shoutout to Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 for bring the noise. First time hearing Flavor Flav rap, cold lampin was silly af. Enjoyable, 4*
Fajny album. Nie tak fajny jak nieco późniejsze Apocalypse, ale wciąż kawał dobrych rapsów. Mega podobały mi się sample i nawiązania do "Flasha Gordona" Queenów i "Fight for your right to party" Beastie Boysów (zresztą BB mieli jeszcze krótką wstawkę w "Louder Than A Bomb". Pewnie było jeszcze mnóstwo innych nawiązań do lat '80, ale umknęły mi. Podobały mi się też autocytaty, które pojawiały się w różnych miejscach. Brakuje mi jednak w tym albumie muzykalności i słuchalności. Muzycznie jest to ciekawe, ale mało płynne. Teskty i przekaz są dużo ważniejsze, niż wartość muzyczna (co zrozumiałe przy takim albumie), ale przez to będę miał mniejszą ochotę, żeby do tego wracać. Nie jest to dla mnie album, którego słucha się dla samej przyjemności obcowania z muzyką. Jeszcze mi przyszło na myśl, że ten styl PE mógł zainspirować pewne elementy twórczości Rage Against the Machine. Niektóre poglądy (MLK i Malcolm X kontra CIA) lub ich delivery ("The Revolution will not be televised") brzmiały jak wyjęte z RAtM. Takie słabsze 4.
Yeah boiiiiiiiii!!!!!
Amazing and explains a lot of phrases that would come out at the time.
Brutal and raw OG album. This is one of the first true modern hip-hop albums, paving the for what hip-hop was going to become. You have everything you might want from an album of this kind. The beats are raw, heavy and hit hard. The technique and delivery are spot on, the lyrics are clear and the flow is great. The themes are mostly political and deal with the oppression of black people in America, and criticizing the American society in general. You could say it's an act of fighting back against those who mistreated you. One final thing I have to add, the guys even sampled Slayer's Angel of Death on She Watch Channel Zero, what more can you say.
Great album
Yeah boyeeeee
Just an all around classic. YA BOYYYYY
Still holds up today even with Flavor Flav’s ad libs
Love this album. Borrowed this cassette from a friend in early 90s and gave it a good listening to. Having just moved to the US from Europe, this was an eye opener, and my first real taste of this type of rap.
I think these guys have been pretty consistent across all the albums I've heard. Once again, this is an album full of energy and I'm pretty on-board with it. I really like the mad squealing on all the tracks. Kna' what I'm sayin'? YeeeeeAAAH booOOOiiii. Side note: I've noticed a bunch of references from other artists. 'I'm the epitome of public enemy' is lifted by Weezer, and I've only just had the Tricky album that lifts the words from 'Black Steel In The Hour of Chaos'. 3.5 rounded up.
Great album, inspirational and lyrically profound and relevant today. Flavor Flav is okay. The music imo is not that great, even by the standards of 1988. Some of the beats are really good but the high pitched 4/4 repeating patterns can drive you insane. Great album, but probably wont revisit anytime soon.
This is a very energizing record. While there are a few songs that don't reach the same highs as the peaks, there is nothing but full-on explosive energy for the entire runtime. Going into it without much prior experience hearing Public Enemy, it took my by surprise in the most exciting and fun way. The cherry on top is the great ambiance and rhythm with record stabs and everything else coming from the turntables over the instrumentals. All around a great mix of bombastic bars, social commentary, and pure energetic expression.
Not what I'd ordinarily listen to but actually a really good album that I'd probably go back to listen to again.
For a rap album it ok
Нормальный альбом, люблю такой стиль, но в те времена были вещи и поприкольнее
Classic PE - this release has some brilliant tracks on it - no complaints.
I find the music is at its best when the samples have some colour i.e. not over reliant on the drum beats which becomes a bit of a repetitive trope, but with some piano and guitar. Exceptions are Bring the Noise and Don't Believe the Hype, which deliver densely packed raps delivered at high velocity. And you know they mean what they say - this isn't throwaway content. I prefer Black Planet, but this is up there.
Great rhythm and lyrics
appreciated. (⌐■_■)
The first time I ever heard Public Enemy was on a Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater soundtrack and in hindsight I think it was sort of eye opening to me. I had some openness to hip hop before then, but these guys were the first act that made me realize that hip hop could be done with a noisy sensibility that connected with my existing tastes. I’ve expanded my hip hop palate since then, but appreciate Public Enemy for being a way in. Many years later I saw them perform outdoor at a rock festival. Flava Flav hyped up that he was going to play a drum solo and everyone went crazy, then he played the worst drum solo in the world while everyone cheered him on as if it were incredible. That was a lot of fun.
Liked it MUCH better than I expected.
Rating: 8.5/10 A bit dated but great lyrics, energy, and production.
Didnt hate it
Grew up listening to Public Enemy with my dad. Not a stranger to their body of work or Flava Flav's constant "yeah boye". Solid album.
A classic of its era and genre
so significant and well done and awesome 4.5
4/5
This is hip-hop I can truly get into and enjoy! After my first listen, I immediately played the album back-to-back three more times—it’s that good. Lyrically, musically, and through its well-chosen samples, this album delivers on every level. It manages to be funny, powerful, and even intimidating all at once, showcasing brilliant craftsmanship. The variety here is incredible—different sounds, styles, and rappers all coming together to create something special. This album has it all. Favorite song: Don't Believe the Hype is an absolute banger, and I also loved Terminator X. Least favorite: Honestly, every track is worth listening to—there’s no filler or weak spots apart from possibly show em wathcha got. Album artwork: Not something I’d hang on my wall, but that doesn’t take away from the music
# Album Name: It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back # Artist: Public Enemy # Rating: 4/5 # Comments: Very surprising. I dont tend to like hip hop or rap but this album was quite good. Some quality tunes like bring the noise, dont believe the hype, can we get a witness, channel zero, rebel without a pause and prophets of rage. Much more enjoyable than most of the hip hop stuff ive heard so far. Biggest downfall of this album is the length of it. It seems to be the usual issue from the time. # Top Tunes: bring the noise, dont believe the hype, can we get a witness, channel zero, rebel without a pause and prophets of rage. # Would I listen to it again? Yes
4.5 Holy shit, it’s the Duke’s Mayo Bowl guy! Public Enemy is one of those groups that I really enjoy and admire, but for some reason I don’t go out of my way to listen to them nearly as often as I should. I mean, after all, their ideologies and aggression line up pretty damn exactly with what I like in my punk. And as for their music - well, this was a great reminder that that’s damn good too. There’s just something about the pairing of Chuck D and Flavor Flav that works so well for me. Chuck has a flow and a bite to him unlike any other rapper I’ve heard - it’s a kind of captivating fury that can’t help but command your attention whenever you’re listening. And then there’s Flav, who’s like the world’s best hype man - he doesn’t come off quite as radicalized as Chuck, but man, does he seem like the kind of guy you want at your party (dude’s also a musical prodigy who can play like fifteen different instruments). In some ways the two feel like polar opposites, yet they balance each other out perfectly in the music in a way that makes the tracks feel both empowering and fun. And man, is this thing filled to the brim with some of their best, including, but not limited to, Don’t Believe the Hype, Rebel Without a Pause, and Bring the Noise (though I’m admittedly a bit more partial to the version with Anthrax). Far and away though, my personal favorite track here has always been She Watch Channel Zero?! The Slayer sample is insane (to the point I would say it’s arguably utilized better than in Angel of Death itself), and it results in the most unique-sounding track this has to offer. That kind of leads to my nitpicks with this album though, being that, while the production of this album is fantastic and, in my opinion, better than Fear of a Black Planet, it’s much less varied. And while I wouldn’t go as far as to say that’s a bad thing, I do feel like the whole high-pitched tea kettle noise this thing has going on grows just a tad tiresome by the end. Still, for the most part, I would say everything is executed about as well as it can be, and I thoroughly enjoyed each of my listenings. One last thought, and one thing I forgot to include in my NWA review but surprisingly ended up being just as applicable here, was the amount of Beastie Boys samples - as much I love them boys, I really wouldn’t have thought they would have that kind of cred in the hardcore rap scene. Good on them, I guess. Despite my minor gripes, this album is a rap essential, and in my personal opinion, one of probably a handful or so to fuse music and politics perfectly (also looking at Rage Against the Machine and Dead Kennedys).
While not a go-to album for me, Nation is full of amazing songs with elite rapping and sampling. It would be hard to overstate the influence of this record. Copy/paste to read more: https://richcain.substack.com/p/project-1001-it-takes-a-nation-of
I feel more or less the same about this one as Fear of a Black Planet. I dig it, but am exhausted by the somewhat monotonous rhythmic onslaught.
I don't know why, By PE hit me in a certain way. Maybe it is because i listened to them a fair bit back in the 90s, but I enjoy their music a lot more than other rap artists from the same era. I would always listen to this album
Dnf
Classic hip hop album.
go back
YEEEAHHHHH BOOIIIIII! This album slapped so hard. It gave me big Jet Set Radio vibes, it’s probably why I liked it so much, there wasn’t really a bad song in the album. Classic old school hiphop/ rap is fantastic it’s so like. Boppin. Though sometimes the repetitive sound in the back got annoying SOMETIMES. Some of them hurt the ear, others are more subtle.
Never listened to this before, by all accounts seems like a seminal monument in hip hop. Generally enjoyed it, but do think it was probably more impressive when it was released 3.75/5
Exemplifies 90s hip hop in how it just samples differently than nowadays and has such infectious energy. Hearing Flava Flav yell "aw yeah" earnestly as part of a song instead of reality TV meme is great. Maybe a little long and without enough dynamics, but this is a great listen. (3/6 new albums so far)
This is great over all and there’s some really fab use of samples but it did NOT need to be that long my god. Favourite Tracks: Bring the Noise, Show ‘Em Whatcha Got Least Fav Track: Cold Lampin’ With Flavor
Public Enemy's It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back goes beyond being just another late 80s album, This marked a cultural turning point in the genre with its fusion of radical social commentary and groundbreaking production. At its core, Nation is a call to action. Chuck D’s commanding voice delivers sharp critiques of American society, black identity, and systemic oppression. Tracks like “Bring the Noise” and “Rebel Without a Pause” are anthems of defiance, challenging the establishment with relentless energy. Chuck D’s gravity contrasts Flavor Flav’s chaotic humour, creating a unique dynamic that amplifies the impact of each of their albums. What truly sets this album apart for its time is the production. The Bomb Squad’s dense, abrasive sound blends samples from rock, funk, and jazz into a chaotic yet thrilling sonic landscape. From the sirens in “Night of the Living Baseheads” to the layered, industrial production of “Don’t Believe the Hype,” the sound mirrors the urgency of the album’s message. The concept of “noise” was no accident—it was a weapon, disrupting the status quo and amplifying marginalized voices. The album’s visual presentation was equally powerful, with bold imagery that matched the revolutionary spirit of the music. The black power fist on the cover reinforced the album’s militant tone, making the visual aesthetic an inseparable part of its message. Critically, Nation was groundbreaking. It received widespread acclaim for its raw energy and unflinching social commentary, resonating commercially and proving that politically charged music could reach mainstream audiences. Post-Nation, Public Enemy’s sound and message evolved, but nothing matched the raw power of this release. It influenced hip-hop both in the U.S. and abroad, shaping artists like Nas, KRS-One, Dead Prez, and more. The title itself—It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back—is a call to the collective. Public Enemy didn’t want to speak for the individual; they wanted to empower millions to rise together and challenge oppressive systems. They succeeded, crafting an album that continues to reverberate with relevance today. In Nation, Public Enemy made a defining and deafening statement. It remains one of hip-hop’s most powerful works, and its legacy is undeniable.
Overally pretty great album. I love the start of it.
I have always had a weird take on Public Enemy. I really enjoyed Chuck D’s lyrics and message, but can’t stand flava flav. I also feel like if we were to remix a lot of Public Enemy with new beats I feel it would be way better, but that’s just one white guy’s opinion
Ah, don’t think I’m a rap girlie, but enjoyed listening to this influential album and heading Flava Flav rap instead of trying to find love
Yeeeaah Boooy! I especially liked Night of the Living Baseheads. There's a few reviews here calling out Flavor Flav as a weak point, but he's an essential component IMO.
Great album well sampled
Yeeeeaaaah boooyee! This album is very late 80s hip hop. Clever lyrics, strong samples and beats (some surprisingly modern), and the infectious energy of Flavor Flav carried me through the album. Fun, impactful and a worthy listen.
нормалек. не часто слушаю хип-хоп, но этот альбик довольно вайбовый и атмосферный. подойдет для вечеринок в американском стиле или поездки на лоурайде
Definitely have heard of these guys. I know this song, Bring the Noise. Really down to listen to this true hip-hop. Album is very cool. I can totally tell that there are a lot of samples used today from this album, even on some of my favorite dance tracks.
Listen, it’s a classic for a reason isn’t it! Powerful, aggressive, lairy boom bap hip hop at its finest! My word, they’re angry I aren’t they!
Good but not my jam
Chuck D is where music and message meet. Meshed with some heavy metal-hip hop and you have a groundbreaking labyrinth, that has since been oft-copied.
Really good album. Not the biggest Hip Hop fan but these guys are legends.
These guys hadn't hit for me over the last 35yrs or so. But thanks to this list, I've got three 4 star records to listen to. Could use a bit less of the rhythmic whistle/screech
last two songs bumped it to 4 stars, Prophets of Rage is amazingggggg
Scratchin’ may not be my favorite instrument but it has it moments. Public Enemy’s music is necessary. I’m not looking for this but when I hear it I recognize its import.
This album is very much of its time. But as a child of the 80s I have fond memories of that time. Sure it's dated, and the wordplay could be sharper and flow more easily, but I don't care. I enjoyed this quite a bit.
It's better than the last Public Enemy album I reviewed. The intro and the song after it were fantastic. I liked the beats in this album and the lyrics too. Soon, I'll be listening to "Fight the Power", the best Public Enemy song. Friday will be the day I'll hear my 200th album. 4 stars for "ITaNoMtHUB"
I would like this so much more, if the DJ didn’t lean so heavily on that high-pitched, whiny siren sound. It’s the hip hop harmonica. It’s clear that the intention was to sound the alarm. But it is too distracting and hard to hear the message. Wish it could be remixed to edit that gimmick down. Otherwise, this is legendary for a reason.
It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back (1988) is already a classic, an overwhelming and sophisticated sample of revolutionary music. The rappers press dramatic and paroxysmal in a jumble of rap noises, casual bandits, scratch improvisations (Terminator X, aka Norman Rogers, the scratch wizard) and electronic noise. The traditional kinds are massacred by the process of mimesis. Louder Than A Bomb's funk-like funk , the overwhelming anthem Rebel Without A Pause , the heavy-metal unleashed by Channel Zero , the oriental hypnosis of Shaw 'Em Whatcha Got , the dadaist cacophonies of Terminator X , the sarabandas funky-tropical Bring The Noise, the dissonant minimalism of Black Steel , are alienated by demented arrangements that enhance the tribal qualities. The real protagonist of this mosaic art is the producer and arranger Hank Shocklee (the leader of the "Bomb Squad" who is credited with the production): he is the one to construct with a meticulous method the pieces that the lyrics of Ridenhour transform then in war songs. Drayton is his giullaresco counterpart, and the alternation of tones of the two constitutes in itself an important novelty. A
Honestly a really strong album for a genre that's hard for me to get into. But I do really like the flow of the raps and the all around beat and prodution. That horn/siren/whatever sound that they used though grates on my nerves to the nth degree. Another thing that I dint think affects my score but I didn't like was the live hype bits which to me didn't flow with the studio tracks.. I think if they were craftfully edited in instead of fade in and out it would have felt more like they were part of the album. But as I said I think the rest of the album was strong enough to ignore them as a whole. (8.2) ★★★★
I right the old school beats on here. My favourite type of hiphop. 4.5 stars
Despite being an '80s rap album, I think it holds up incredibly well. There's a lot of modern elements PE pioneered, including more complex rhyme schemes, more dense sampling, and the shift to more conscious lyrics. Highlights for me are "Bring the Noise", "Don't Believe The Hype", "Rebel Without a Pause" and the goofy Flavor Flav showcase, "Cold Lampin' with Flavor". 4.5 Stars
Fun as hell hip hop album. I feel like a lot of 80s hip hop hasn't aged the best, but this one definitely still holds up.
Great album!
So much energy. Expected this to be vegetables and instead was an old can of 4loko. Almost a live album and kinda would prefer it to be a live experience. Wore on me listening sitting down in my living room after the first 3/4 or so but really enjoyed that time regardless
Completely uneducated when it comes to hip-hop but not completely ignorant. A fan of Beastie Boys and A Tribe called Quest so I enjoyed this. it definitely grows into itself and it also helps if you can tune Flava Flav out. There's only so many "YEAH BOOOOOOOOOOIIIII"s you can take. The guy was stealing a living. Highlights are She Watch Channel Zero?! & Prophets of Rage.
My dad has a collection of about 300 vinyls, even more if you count the ones he sold at some point in time. Only approximately 7 of them are of albums released after 1990. Even more rarely, only *one* (1) of them is a hip hop album. That album is Public Enemy's It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back. Someone else can be bothered to talk about just how incredibly influential and important this record is for hip hop as a genre, or how timeless the messaging on here is. But in spite of a few moments where the album does show its age, it's an absolute benchmark in rap history and masterclass in what makes it such a culturally significant genre. One of the greatest of all time.
A certified classic. Is Flava Flav sorta annoying? Ya but he earned it.
8/10
My second Public Enemy album in as many days. I’m a fan, although I liked Apocalypse 91 more. — 4/5 Highlights: Terminator X To The Edge Of Panic Caught, Can We Get A Witness She Watch Channel Zero?!
This is my second Public Enemy album. I found myself really enjoying this one- the Terminator X featured songs were bangers, and Flavor Flav actually came through with some good verses rather than just small soundbites. The instrumentals were varied and catchy- at some points getting really bombastic with horns and drums, which I loved. Overall- very solid hip hop album. I could see how it solidifed Public Enemy as a force in the genre
Boooooeeeeey! Quite liked this. Energetic, clever, impassioned.
I freely admit this album is not for me as a middle-class white man. However, the discontent and unrest present throughout this album is as prescient now as it ever has been in mid-November of 2024 (iykyk). It's artists such as Public Enemy speaking truth to power that has been at the core of hip hop since it's inception and keeps it as fresh as ever. Given that the themes are (unfortunately) evergreen and the amazing DJ skills of Terminator X on display, this album still holds up 36 years after release. Notable Tracks: - Bring The Noise - also love the lyrical and rhythmic allusions to this track throughout the rest of the record - She Watch Channel Zero?! - Night Of The Living Baseheads - Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos - Party For Your Right To Fight 8/10
Listened to this while playing The Loop. I lost. This album was pretty darn solid from the very start! I can absolutely understand why the "yeah boy" became such an iconic sound...ha ha. I enjoyed this so much more than I thought I would! Almost a 5...but just shy.
Most timely album ever
hell yes Flavour Flav kind of sounds like a more chilled out westside gunn I get why my dad loves this album. RIP Radio Raheem
This was great. Chuck D laying down truths and Flavor Flav doing his thing. My one complaint is that it’s so long. Maybe my attention span is just shot.
Gear: Hifiman Arya Artwork: 𝄜🕑😎 Production: 🔊🥊🔥 Music: 🛹🎮🏆 Rating: 🕛🕧🕐🕜/5
Public Enemy was a force within the genre. Even some great artists of the era suffered from toxic lyrics and glorification of violence, even if they exhibited brutal honesty between the lines. Public Enemy on the other hand focus on social commentary. The anger at the system comes through loud and clear. Chuck D and Flava Flav complimented one another's vocal styles. The music is forceful loud, fast, and abrasive, as it should be. This is their breakthrough album, at least as far as the rock kids knew. 'It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back' is a bit dated musically, only because it inspired so much else that would come later. Despite that, it has some of their best moments, particularly 'Black Steel'. Politically, the album is as relevant as ever. It shouldn't be as we've had nearly 4 decades to make more progress. But it's still a powerful anthem for change.
I think I like this! Will listen to it again. Good beats, good variety.
I’m not deeply into rap, but you have to respect this album. Yeah, it can be a touch repetitive, and the yeah bois year a bit thin. But it’s still awesome.
Bra album. Inte bangers rakt igenom, men det finns en hel del riktigt bra låtar på plattan. Inte heller tidlöst, man vet direkt att det här var 80-talet. Men man hör också hur många det här inspirerade och vad det ledde till.
Political, funky heavy beats, yum
7/10 some lovely beats n food rhymes
Classic. Yes it can be a little repetitive but I think the second side has so much variation in the beats and song structures that I don’t even mind some of the redundancies and “fat” that would probably be cut had this been made sooner. Anyway, a revolutionary album.
Im personally not that into old school old school beats, but good musicality.
This was great! A real mix in here but could get really into it. Interesting and captivating
Isn't it funny that I got Anthrax and Public Enemy back to back considering that they've collaborated with each other before? I think it is. You know what else I think? This is a great album. I think it goes without saying that It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back is one of the most influential hip-hop albums ever made. Fortunately, it's also an album that still holds up over 35 years after its release. The sound is quite good. The production is just phenomenal, especially for the time. The Bomb Squad really knew what they were doing with this one. The rapping is also great. It's quite fun, and I feel like Chuck D and Flavor Flav have a much better balance in this album than they do on the other Public Enemy album I've gotten for the project, Apocalypse 91... The Enemy Strikes Black. I think Flavor Flav works a lot better as a hype man than a stand-alone rapper. The writing is quite ahead of its time. Of course, you can still feel that this is, in fact, 80s group hip-hop. However, not every song on here is just "let's have fun rapping." You have plenty of songs with meaningful messages. I especially love "Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos." It really shows how meaningful hip-hop can be. Overall, while there are certainly hip-hop albums that I like more, there's no denying the impact that this great album has. It's great. High 4/5.
Strong! Angry! Flav lightens it a bit, fortunately 4.2
3.53.
Blast from the past. Fantastic lyrics.
Their best record.
Very cool. Good momentum, some great tracks. Glad I listened.
Classic 80s NY hip hop with driving beats and powerful lyrics, Public Enemy first got my attention in Do the Right Thing. I’ll bet no one would have imagined back then that Flavor Flav would become a Swiftie.
Energetic and fun. I really enjoyed this album. Helped that there were no skits.
Loud, angry and important. Chuck D's remains one of the greatest MC's to have ever picked up the mic. His lyrics and flow hit clear and true time after time. The beats strike like a punch to the chest and Flavor Flav, whilst at times annoying, adds his own je ne c'est quoi to many tracks.
My favourite public enemy album so far
The beats take a backseat to Chuck D's voice. His lyrics and flow are remarkable. but, that being said, these songs sort of blur together and his flow is mostly same in these songs. done with the album, flav is great hype man, does good with the backup vocals to chuck d. nothing gripped me so hard that i feel like listening to more of them but im glad i put in at least one listen to this album
Fun album. Funky having fun and gets political points in. Awesome beats and samples.
This was a fun album to listen to. Had me dancing in my kitchen. I’m a little too young to have been able to appreciate this album back in its heyday, but growing up watching Flavor of Love had me excited to hear Flav in his element. And I gotta say, it did not disappoint. His higher pitched YEAHHHH BOYYYY was a perfect play off of Chuck D’s lower vocals. I felt so much nostalgia for childhood and the rap music vibes from the late 80s/early 90s. I could see myself adding songs to playlists in the future, maybe I’ll bust this album out again for the right occasion. It’s crazy (sad) how the things they’re rapping about back in 88 are still relevant today. Actually thinking on it, I may do a deep dive on this band soon because it was a very interesting and fun listen. A glimpse into a world/time frame I’ll never experience, I guess?
Ja heel erg vet, maar ook wel vooral voor die tijd.
Jaja heel dope All time classic
Название на шесть звезд из пяти. По музыке я понимаю, насколько это важный альбом, но сам этого не слишком чувствую. Тем не менее, должен признать, этот альбом значительно лучше раннего-раннего хип-хопа, что мне уже приходилось слушать в этом списке. Лучшая песня - Show Em Whatcha Got.
More than 35 years on this album is still blowing the roof off and busting shit up. In your face politically, poetically and rhythmically. Truly, it takes a nation of minions
Great political rap album. Terminator x is underrated in just how much the dj used to play a part in hip hop
Public Enemy is the transitional form between Grandmaster Flash and NWA. Neat. Holds up pretty well.
Just great stuff. Chuck D maybe the best voice ever in rap. Wore this one out on cassette and CD. 4.25
I can’t believe I was a teenager in the 80’s and never heard the songs off this album. Overall I thought it was pretty good—songs that make a point while still being good songs to listen to. Aggressive and funky, a good combination. My one con was lack of dynamic. Everything felt at the same level to me—you can only shout something so long before your shouting is tuned out.
Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh boyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Raw, production is bonkers, bars. What more could you ask
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed listening to this. I knew Public Enemy by reputation, and went into it as open to it as I could be, wanting to find out why. But what I didn't expect was that the very things I liked about it were things that I'd often dislike or at least not want to listen to: it's abrasive, aggressive, full-on, and loud - certainly not a melodic easy listen - and it doesn't concede much to the new listener. Yet I found myself compelled by it, intrigued by what it was doing, and wanting to hear more. I'm not sure when I'll listen to it again - it doesn't seem right for most of the circumstances in which I listen to music - but I will make the time.
Yeah boiiiiiiiiii I had no knowledge of rap in the 80s (or 90s, for that matter) going into this, but this went HARD. It's powerful, militant, aggressive, bombastic. Flavor Flav (he gets a star by himself for being such a huge supporter of the US Olympics and Paralympics teams) is a great hype man and Chuck D is just angrily spitting poetry throughout the whole thing. This blew me away - it's unapologetically and assertively Black, and I think their political commentary is still relevant (unfortunately) 30+ years later. This album is funky, explosive, energetic, and feels fresh even now.
I don't like rap, but even I can see this is really good.
Classic 90’s hip hop with a powerful message. Love it.
I’m going back to 1988 and telling Flav that he’s going to be a beloved figure at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Still holds up in 2024, which means it must have been really special when it came out. Bring the Noise is an all time classic. The rest of the album is similarly high quality, even if it doesn't quite ever hit the same high as Bring the Noise.
Pretty good
Big boom bap banger beats with some stellar samples going on. Unlike some of the recordings from that era of hip hop, this stuff still slaps hard. Much of the political messaging unfortunately still holds up, which doesn't hurt it in it not sounding dated.
Great throwback jams.
One of the most important rap albums ever made. This is the Big Bang in the evolution of rap. Show Em Whatcha Got samples Darkest Light by Lafayette Afro Band. I’ve never heard the actual song but it’s got to be one of the most recognizable samples in rap/hip hop. Wreckx-N-Effect’s Rump Shaker, N2Deep’s Back to the Hotel, Jay-Z’s Show Me What You’ve Got, and hundreds more…but Public Enemy did it first.
Great album. Never heard flavor flav before actually rap lol
Definitely unique. I'm always last on lyrics in terms of my rating and Chuck D/Flavor Flav's lyrics are a plenty. The production is pretty hard hitting particularly for its time. It gets a little repetitive but on first listen it's not grating more just a bit of an intense experience