Public Enemy

They brought a political consciousness to hip-hop.

Founded

1985 in Long Island, New York

Full Name

Date of Birth

1985 in Long Island, New York

Still Alive

Date of Death

Influenced By

Grand Master Flash, Melle Mel, Run DMC, Huey Newton, Gil Scott-Heron, The Last Poets

Later Influenced

Gang Starr, Jungle Brothers, A Tribe Called Quest, N.W.A., Nine Inch Nails, Rage Against the Machine

Public Enemy. From left: Norman Rogers, William Drayton Jr., Carlton Ridenhour, Richard Griffin

About The artist

When Public Enemy exploded on the scene with their debut album, Yo! Bum Rush the Show!, they immediately claim the position as the racial conscience of Hip Hop. Chuck D was unmatched as a lyricist and vocalist, and his thunderous voice was backed by dense, layered beats. Flavor Flav acted as the group's court jester, but he was no buffoon. Many of his verses hid trenchant social commentary.

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Prominent Members

Chuck D. (Carlton Ridenhour), Flavor Flav (William Drayton, Jr.), Professor Griff (Richard Griffin), Terminator X (Norman Rogers)

Did you know...

Public Enemy was one of the first Hip Hop acts to blend rap with heavy metal. They recorded with rock bands such as Living Colour and Sonic Youth, and they've toured with Anthrax and Rage Against the Machine.