Public Enemy

US rap band. They became the most controversial rap outfit of all time with their outspoken lyrics and revolutionary musical techniques, and also one of the most successful, with albums including It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold us Back (1998) and Fear of a Black Planet (1990). The group are also known for recording the soundtracks to several Spike Lee films, including ‘Fight the Power’ for Do the Right Thing (1989), and the soundtrack to He Got Game in 1998.

The group was formed in 1982 in Long Island, New York. The members of the group have changed over time but the nucleus of the group is Chuck D (born Carlton Rodenhour, 1960- ). Flavor Flav (born William Drayton, 1959- ) is another long-standing member of the group. Their first album was Yo! Bum Rush the Show which was released in 1987. Although Public Enemy's political lyrics and musical innovation brought them much critical acclaim and chart success in the early years of the group, their 1994 release, Muse Sick-N-Hour Message, was perceived by many to be dated, and many fans had also been alienated by controversial comments made about ethnic groups by members of the band. Chuck D suspended the group in 1995 to embark on solo projects although the band reformed to record the soundtrack for the film He Got Game.