Public Enemy has gone through many lineup changes over the years, with Chuck D and Flavor Flav remaining the only constant members. Co-founder Professor Griff left in 1989 but rejoined in 1998, before parting ways again some years later. DJ Lord also joined Public Enemy in 1998 as the replacement of the group's original DJ Terminator X. In 2020, it was announced that Flavor Flav had been fired from the group. His firing was later revealed to be a publicity stunt that was called an April Fools' Day prank. Public Enemy, without Flavor Flav, would also tour and record music under the name of Public Enemy Radio which consists of the lineup of Chuck D, Jahi, DJ Lord and the S1Ws.
Public Enemy's first four albums during the late 1980s and early 1990s were all certified either gold or platinum and were, according to music critic Robert Hilburn in 1998, "the most acclaimed body of work ever by a hip hop act". Critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine called them "the most influential and radical band of their time". They were inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. They were honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the 62nd Grammy Awards.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_Enemy
Studio albums
Yo! Bum Rush the Show (1987)
It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back (1988)
Fear of a Black Planet (1990)
Apocalypse 91... The Enemy Strikes Black (1991)
Muse Sick-n-Hour Mess Age (1994)
There's a Poison Goin' On (1999)
Revolverlution (2002)
New Whirl Odor (2005)
How You Sell Soul to a Soulless People Who Sold Their Soul? (2007)
Most of My Heroes Still Don't Appear on No Stamp (2012)
The Evil Empire of Everything (2012)
Man Plans God Laughs (2015)
Nothing Is Quick in the Desert (2017)
Loud Is Not Enough (2020) (released under the name Public Enemy Radio)
What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down? (2020)
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There are three other groups named Public Enemy:
2) The first Public Enemy, an Oi!/punk band formed in 1984 who released one LP album (England's Glory) and one 7 inch (Skinheads). This band was never white supremacist and has no connection to the "revived" Public Enemy:
3) White Power group from the UK, formed by Paul Burnley (of No Remorse). Released 3 CDs: “Paul Burnley Is The Real Public Enemy”, "There is only one..." and “Archives”.
4) Public Enemy was a Hardcore/Punk group from Tuscon, Arizona.
RISE
Public Enemy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You got to tell 'em JUST LIKE THAT, you know what I'm sayin'?
Cause yo, man let me tell you a little somethin' man
All these brothers around here fiendin' for that crack-a-lack-a-lack
You dig what I'm sayin'? Yo man, all they wanna do is get what you got
But when you ain't got nothin', then they wanna cut you off
So what you gotta do, you gotta play 'em long distance
You know what I'm sayin'? I mean long distance
C'mon, kick it!
Back one more time, here to put the message in a rough rhyme
It's important that you knowin' the time
Cause I'm seein' the program, know what I know and
Until we get together we will never be up for sure
So I wreck like I'm posessed by Malcolm X
See the feds want us dead, we too complex
I always speak the truth, comin' from me to you
We movin' as a unit so you know we refuse to lose
I got my eyes on the lies from Washington
I'm a survivor, I know how the West was won
See a show and tell, the way the CoIntel
Undermine the real hip-hop so the cops can trail
But know bad boys move in silence
Save us all from the pain of a life of violence
They tappin my phone, full grown and knowin'
And still prone to refute the lies, won't stop until we rise
[Chorus]
Rise up! "C'mon, ah-c'mon"
Rise rise up! "One more time"
We rise rise up! "C'mon, ah-c'mon"
Rise rise up! "To the beat y'all"
I'm a hard truth soldier to the bone for change
Demonstrate and separate the fact from strange
Blame companies killin' our children
When the villain's on the record
Never think for a second that's the way we live
Wanna squeeze on the fleas at MTV
We quiz knots for the cops at BET
Seize the time, always rhymin' combinin' the antidote
For dope Interscope and fake gangster quotes
Cause I can recollect times when records set
Collect a dead brother you mind if you silence it yet
Rest the program, defeat the beastie
Cause on the street they do as we influenced by what we see
And yes it "Weighs a Ton" I say it once again
That's why the Enemy is down with Paris and KAM
It's all fam, we collide we live
Better decide on which side you ride, won't stop until we rise
[Chorus]
Y'all don't know, y'all don't know uh
Y'all don't know, y'all don't know uh
Y'all don't know, y'all don't know uh
Y'all don't know, y'all don't know uh
I know the power of fame, ain't never playin' no games
Never croonin' is provin', that we ready for change
Never simpin' but they pimpin' my people, for the dollars
So I holla back it keep us from evil 'til them devils are collared
And like I said it's on, I say it once again
Better know the plan to keep us ignorant
Brother to brother, ain't no other can smother
Or erase my case, we marry words with bass
Just another wicked rhyme that I'm rappin' on
S1's got my back if the clappin' come
Pass on the work, makin' sure the words are known
Keep 'em nervous, make 'em understand we servin' foes
Keep it goin' strong, nevertheless, know the enemy
And never back down, you can take it to press
'Less the mic like the art dart told you before
We for the prize emphasis the fight, now c'mon and rise
[Chorus]
Public Enemy's song "Rise" is a powerful statement of resistance against the status quo, addressing issues of government oppression, media manipulation, and societal inequality. The track starts with a spoken dialogue among members of the group, discussing the reality of drug addiction and exploitation in their community. Chuck D then launches into verses full of sharp critique and political insight, calling out the hypocrisy of those in power and demanding change.
One of the key themes of the song is the importance of unity and solidarity in the face of oppression. Chuck D emphasizes the need for people to come together and work towards common goals, rather than succumbing to the divisive tactics of those in power. He references historical figures like Malcolm X and the Black Panthers as examples of strong, unified resistance against systemic injustice.
Another major focus of "Rise" is the media's role in perpetuating harmful stereotypes and falsehoods about marginalized communities. Chuck D skewers networks like MTV and BET for promoting shallow, commercialized versions of hip-hop culture while ignoring the real issues affecting black Americans. He also criticizes record labels like Interscope for promoting fake gangster personas and profiting off of black suffering.
Overall, "Rise" is a powerful call to action for anyone who cares about justice and equality. It speaks to the urgent need for collective resistance against oppressive structures, and reminds us that change is possible if we come together and fight for it.
Line by Line Meaning
Back one more time, here to put the message in a rough rhyme
Public Enemy is back to deliver their message through their music
It's important that you knowin' the time
The current state of society is important to understand
Cause I'm seein' the program, know what I know and
Public Enemy is aware of the systems and programs in place that are causing inequality and oppression
Until we get together we will never be up for sure
Injustice will continue until people unite and take action
So I wreck like I'm posessed by Malcolm X
Public Enemy is inspired by Malcolm X's message and passion for justice
See the feds want us dead, we too complex
Government authorities fear and try to suppress the complex and powerful message of Public Enemy
I always speak the truth, comin' from me to you
Public Enemy values honesty and authenticity
We movin' as a unit so you know we refuse to lose
Public Enemy is united and determined to continue their fight for justice
I got my eyes on the lies from Washington
Public Enemy is aware of the lies and deceit from the US government
I'm a survivor, I know how the West was won
Public Enemy has overcome struggles and obstacles much like the pioneers who tamed the American West
See a show and tell, the way the CoIntel
Public Enemy exposes the Counterintelligence Programs that monitor and undermine the truth
Undermine the real hip-hop so the cops can trail
The government tries to use music as a means of controlling the population and seeking out dissenters
But know bad boys move in silence
Those who fight against oppression sometimes have to act covertly to protect themselves and their message
Save us all from the pain of a life of violence
Public Enemy seeks to bring about change and justice without resorting to violence
They tappin my phone, full grown and knowin'
Public Enemy is aware of government surveillance and attempts to control them
And still prone to refute the lies, won't stop until we rise
Public Enemy will continue to oppose lies and fight for justice until they succeed
[Chorus]
The chorus calls for people to rise up against oppression and injustice
I'm a hard truth soldier to the bone for change
Public Enemy is committed to bringing about real change and addressing the root causes of inequality and oppression
Demonstrate and separate the fact from strange
Public Enemy seeks to expose the truth and break down false narratives
Blame companies killin' our children
Corporate greed and unethical behavior is harming children in society
When the villain's on the record
Public Enemy is critical of public figures and influencers who use their platform for selfish or negative purposes
Never think for a second that's the way we live
Public Enemy's message is not representative of their lifestyle, but rather their values and beliefs
Wanna squeeze on the fleas at MTV
Public Enemy criticizes mainstream media for seeking to profit from exploitation and sensationalism
Seize the time, always rhymin' combinin' the antidote
Public Enemy believes in using music to inspire and educate towards positive change
For dope Interscope and fake gangster quotes
Public Enemy is critical of music labels that promote and profit from fake, harmful messages
Cause I can recollect times when records set
Public Enemy recalls a time when music and art had real cultural significance and meaning
Collect a dead brother you mind if you silence it yet
Public Enemy is deeply affected by the loss of black lives and the need to keep their memories and message alive
Rest the program, defeat the beastie
Public Enemy seeks to dismantle harmful systems and structures in society
Cause on the street they do as we influenced by what we see
Public Enemy recognizes that music and art can influence behavior and mindsets
And yes it "Weighs a Ton" I say it once again
Public Enemy's message is powerful and heavy, with real weight and impact
That's why the Enemy is down with Paris and KAM
Public Enemy works with other artists who share their values and beliefs
It's all fam, we collide we live
Public Enemy considers their movement and those who support it to be a family that is united and powerful
Better decide on which side you ride, won't stop until we rise
Public Enemy calls for people to make a choice and align themselves with the fight for justice
Y'all don't know, y'all don't know uh
Public Enemy recognizes that many people are ignorant or unaware of the injustices in society
I know the power of fame, ain't never playin' no games
Public Enemy understands the role that fame and influence can play in society, and takes it seriously
Never croonin' is provin', that we ready for change
Public Enemy refuses to compromise on their message or values, proving their readiness for real change
Never simpin' but they pimpin' my people, for the dollars
Public Enemy is critical of those who exploit and profit from black culture and struggle, without seeking to address or fix systemic issues
So I holla back it keep us from evil 'til them devils are collared
Public Enemy will continue to fight against evil and injustice until those responsible are held accountable
And like I said it's on, I say it once again
Public Enemy's message is clear and consistent
Better know the plan to keep us ignorant
Public Enemy is aware of the government's attempts to keep people uninformed and oppressed
Brother to brother, ain't no other can smother
Public Enemy values solidarity and support between black men
Or erase my case, we marry words with bass
Public Enemy uses music as a tool to spread their message and amplify their voices
Just another wicked rhyme that I'm rappin' on
Public Enemy uses their music to deliver their message of social and political change
S1's got my back if the clappin' come
Public Enemy's DJ S1 is a trusted ally and source of support
Pass on the work, makin' sure the words are known
Public Enemy seeks to spread their message and inspire others to act for justice
Keep 'em nervous, make 'em understand we servin' foes
Public Enemy seeks to disrupt the status quo and challenge those who benefit from oppression
Keep it goin' strong, nevertheless, know the enemy
Public Enemy will continue their fight for justice and be aware of those who oppose them
And never back down, you can take it to press
Public Enemy will continue to speak truth to power and challenge those in authority
'Less the mic like the art dart told you before
Public Enemy's message and impact is akin to a weapon that can wielded to do harm or good
We for the prize emphasis the fight, now c'mon and rise
Public Enemy is focused on the goal of justice and equality, and calls for others to join them in this fight
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John Lydon, Bill Laswell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind