Chuck D: Hip Hop Rose Up When New York City Was Left For Dead

[@briesthoughts2261]

Chuck D is not aging at all!! He’s a truly brilliant and inspiring man.

[@ttacking_you]

Black don't crack , unless we're talking Flava Flavs habits

[@tommyt1971]

And it ain’t fair!! More power to him! #FightThePower

[@ce311]

I was just about to write in the comments I'm guessing it's KZbin that puts the closed captions on, but when he said his 62 years ( same as me!) The CC wrote 72. Lots of funny mistakes all the time, but I'm grateful I don't rely on them.

[@witchypoorose5196]

I love him so much! 🖤✊🏻 #PEFOREVER #CHUCKDGOAT

[@djmaestro249]

@@ce311 God bless you man, long live.

[@roywilson4514]

It takes a nation of millions to hold us back is a masterpiece

[@dolandblanford4641]

Greatest album of all time.

[@seanyoung9014]

@@dolandblanford4641 Yup.

[@InertiaCreeps]

As is Fear of a Black Planet. I was probably the only white kid in a hick town who knew that entire album word for word. Decades later and I can still remember most of the lyrics. *Eye opening* album that touched topics I had never even heard discussed before.

[@robfromvan]

I sometimes still listen to it. I’m 50 now. I used to listen to it when I was 15.

[@mafoomatty7494]

Utterly brilliant

[@DJKevvyKevCoolBreeze]

You could talk to this man for HOURS and barely scratch the surface. One of my Heroes. . .Never forget: it ALL started with that incredible Spectrum City radio show!!!!!!!

[@ecamp6360]

I love it when he lays down the specific history. I grew up in the South Bronx in those days and remember the fliers, the street jams, the "throw-ups", breaking. All of it.

[@22221mm]

I feel all that were witness to historic moments, which the birth of hip hop is one or many of those are historians in their own right. I salute you.

[@beentwolong11]

Chuck D changed my life in 1985 1st time i heard public Enemy i was hooked.

[@jamesdavis1201]

SAME!!!

[@royw-g3120]

His voice is so clear and strong like a decent politician crossed with a preacher, but no lying unlike those two groups.

[@jonnyjaywick]

Fight The Power has already aired on the BBC. i watched all four episodes yesterday, and it is brilliant. Superb cultural, political, social history, told by the people who were there, and a superb soundtrack, obviously. "HIstory doesnt repeat itself, it rhymes"

[@nicolapowell7730]

Thanks. I was wondering how I'd get a chance to watch it. Maybe a co-production between the Beeb and PBS?

[@1medsy]

Mate, thanks for this. Just found it on iPlayer 👍🏻

[@jonnyjaywick]

@@1medsy your whelk :)

[@hassanburton669]

MOST OF MY HEROS DON’T APPEAR ON NO STAMP… CHUCK D IS ONE ☝🏿 OF THEM! ✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿

[@AudioPervert1]

Chuck D servant of the American Empire... an assholx... Now serving the American Empire (Mass Murder) and pimped by KZbin.

[@roiblack8587]

What an artist. Wow, we all owe HipHop a great deal.

[@JRAWJRAW]

One of the most important song writers of all time. This guy has given his adult life to educating people all across the world through art. I have had the pleasure of being to live shows and meeting him too. Someone who has only constantly wanted to make the world a better place than its past history.. Thanks Chuck for continuing on. Fam not fan!

[@pennychristopoulos4944]

Chuck D showed the world why we needed hip-hop in our lives. Some of it did little to improve a bad situation. A lot of it lifted hopeless children up in this world. Thank you for giving the world, some meaningful music.

[@jamesmarie]

"Don't push me cause I'm closed to the edge" still ringing true in 2023 in America

[@ChineduOpara]

I grew up on "The Message" . It's an eternal classic to me and my peers

[@chermainebigby5238]

No doubt

[@earthcitizen3939]

Yeah, but it takes time to change things.

[@erasmusherzen]

Gotta say Lewis Cato and the band have miraculously maintained the sublime quality of music on this show since Jon's departure. Very brilliant and moving to welcome Chuck D to the stage with that snippet from Living for the City

[@colettemcnabb7365]

I never thought that I would love anyone as much as I loved Jon, but I SERIOUSLY love Louis. An out of left field surprise. Stephen had lightening strike twice in my opinion.

[@akrobatik7154]

This man is my hero, and I am forever grateful to know him as a friend and collaborator. Chuck D. is who I want to be when I grow up!!

[@Only1Science]

One of my all-time heroes! Chuck D!

[@Ryan_the_Caffeinated]

I see Chuck D, I click. Public Enemy is the greatest rap group of all time.

[@briesthoughts2261]

Agreed!!!

[@groberts638]

FACTS

[@witness1013]

Not even close

[@dolandblanford4641]

Mr Incognito, your statement has to be true, because Public Enemy is the greatest musical act of all time in any genre. Bar none.

[@Roy-G-Biv]

same

[@houseoflongevity]

My first show ever was Public Enemy at the 930 Club in D.C. (930 F Street) in 1989. It was amazing (and loud). I went alone and was blown away. I wish I'd had someone to share the experience with at the time, but I'll never forget it.

[@rodneystevenson4057]

Talk about a throwback....930 club 🔥🔥

[@TabethaAurochs]

Damn that's THE 930 Club, where I started hanging out in '91 - I was a 13 yr white girl who was looking for something, anything: but instead of assholes who spelled trouble, I found a place to go where no matter who was playing or if we were just hanging out, I was treated like I deserved the same respect as anybody else there - maybe even a bit more. They relocated the 930 club in 94 or 95, and it's a legendary club for many a good reason, but I still call it the "New 930" cuz that old 🕳 in the wall was the first best thing that ever happened to me. Chuck D must've blown the rats all the way to the Black Cat 🙀

[@kevingibson2519]

I could listen to Chuck D talk about the history of hip hop for all the damn hours. Dude's an amazing story teller on and off the mic.

[@kazheadrest3626]

Saw Public Enemy at UCLA in the 90's. Awesome show. Always loved Chuck D, his knowledge and positive vibes. Great interview.

[@nadiaddis1145]

I lived in Dykstra Hall. Met Flava Flav in the elevator. I learned a girl on the 7th floor was his Goddaughter!!. Im 5ft11, mt friend from Sierra Leonne, Eula McKinney, was 6ft1. Flav was literally looking up at us! "Dang, Whattup Gs!!

[@robertodelosangeles3247]

As a 10 year old white kid in 1990 (when Fear of A Black Planet came out), my family and friends were not at all accustomed to the ideas so gracefully and eloquently expressed by Chuck - almost always without a single curse word. He enlightened me and all the other 10/11 year old kids I played his records for, and I’d like to think he (along with Tribe and De La and KRS and Ice Cube and Ice T) exposed me to ideas I might not have otherwise come across until MUCH later in life. Chuck D formed the adult mind I have today - probably more than any teacher or work of literature I’d been exposed to as an impressionable kid with all types of problems. A true pioneer, up there with Chuck Berry and Little Richard and Miles and Byrd and James Brown and George Clinton, a living god walking amongst us still. Thanks for being out there Chuck, and for still being more than relevant…

[@femmec6644]

Seeing Chuck D made my heart smile. I remember dancing to their music when I was a teen.

[@jamesdavis1201]

SAME!!!!

[@brucebennett5338]

Chuck D! So smart and insightful. I've seen Public Enemy in concert every chance I could. He is truly an icon and a voice for the people!

[@stevemoore6853]

Chuck D is an amazing man. His lyrics are truth and knowledge. His approach to life is an example. Hip-Hop is not where it is today in society if it isn't for him and Public Enemy. Many suburban folks learned about life from him that are my age. Beyond the music, he had opened eyes to things that were not shown to people and he should be looked at as a hero of not just a culture, but to human kind itself. He is louder than a bomb. One of my American heroes.

[@colettemcnabb7365]

Absolutely

[@Goatchild90]

Chuck D is a damn legend

[@calmastorm5144]

Facts!!!

[@mafoomatty7494]

Facts

[@user-qr3em2zp8h]

FACTS. Even as a white kid growing up in the midwest, I recognized the power of Public Enemy the first time I heard them.

[@mariepanimdim4303]

I graduated from catholic high school in 1984 and when I first heard Chuck D. and grandmaster flash I was HOOKED! Skinny Italian girl rocking it like a champ. I was also key in informing my friends to the music, including NWA's "Straight outta Compton', Bob Marley, Steel Pulse and also deep into punk rock lol. I dove off the stage in 1984 at the Santa monica civic center at The Damned concert w/ 45 grave. Some random guys threw me up there and I had to get off lol. Friends used to come to my house since I has so many records, late 80's / 90's - were the best! AND damn Chuck you look awesome for 62!

[@hawsrulebegin7768]

Legend. A true artist with a message. Something missing from todays stars.

[@phrog9884]

Fight the Power/Bring the Noise. Chuck D. May god be with you.

[@percypercerton2125]

The best rap VOICE of all time. Back when RAP was REAL.

[@earthcitizen3939]

If you listen to Yo and Nations, his voice is booming. His voice is one of the reasons why PE works.

[@melindamccormack4721]

Chuck D is such an intelligent, enlightened and beautiful soul. You need to have him on more and for longer! It would be a public service!!

[@earthcitizen3939]

One of those that made me think about political things. To me PE is about more than music, not many bands mean that much to me.

[@fornlike]

That voice, always a pleasure to hear that. Chuck D and Public Enemy are imponderable.

[@theadrenalizedartist6843]

I am 52 years old. I don’t know life without hip-hop. I barely remember hip-hop without public enemy in it. Chuck D is one of the most brilliant minds among us. I cannot wait to watch this documentary.

[@zeeox]

I might be someone born and living some 3,500 miles, away, but I could listen to Chuck speaking wisdom for hours without tiring. Legend.

[@sonofaseawarrior]

One of the most brilliant humans to have ever walked this Earth. I first heard PE back at the age of 15 in 1991, split my mind...! Over 30 years later I am still in total awe of this man: the genius lyricism, the angry, cynical but somehow optimistic perspective, the relentless pursuit of pushing things in a better direction... Chuck. D. Forever. ✊🏻🔥✊🏿

[@scout4cool]

God bless Stephen Colbert for bringing focus to this important documentary and book! I can’t wait to see the app for cultural media!

[@seanyoung9014]

As a kid, Public Enemy helped me understand the transformational power of music. They deserve every honor heaped upon them.

[@vonslagle]

I saw Public Enemy open for the Beastie Boys in 1986 at the Cap Center in DC. An amazing, memorable night

[@colettemcnabb7365]

Holy shit! This man, this man! I am a 52 year old white woman and this man's voice has moved me for years. This interview was just a peak into how his voice has made a difference in my world. I hear that voice and I crank up the volume- it truly speaks to my soul...and this interview highlights why. He is HUMAN and is speaking to HUMANITY. Thanks for having him on your show. To Louis and the band- congrats on sharing the stage with one of your idols. Once again, I am LOVING Louis Cato!

[@robertkennedy9188]

Public Enemy’s music blasted into our lives and was something entirely new, it was a sound like no other. It made the hair stand up on the back of your neck.

[@AlerieHightower]

So true. I must have listened to It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back a thousand times.

[@hwizell7478]

Refuse to lose Thanks Chuck D 🙏

[@carlos64030]

I love, LOVE listening to Chuck speak in interviews! He's such a well spoken, intelligent and knowledgeable person to listen to.

[@thatcarlchick7655]

Chuck D is a fan of The Beatles, and Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones is his hero? This man is FASCINATING.

[@colettemcnabb7365]

I had the pleasure of seeing Ronnie Wood backstage of a Stones show once. He watched Mick and Keith get draped in towels at the end of a show and quipped in an hilarious way, "where's the love for me?" He was seriously joking like he was left standing in the cold. I thought " there is a man with an incredible sense of humor that is truly wondering how his life is SO INCREDIBLE ". I TOTALLY GET how he could be Chuck D's dude from that one witnessed moment.

[@AlerieHightower]

Thank you for giving this brilliant man a mainstream platform! I've been in awe of him since the 80s.

[@hugomego7329]

I love this clip. Fight the power fight the power and be ... glorious. Hip hop changed my life - whirled wide love.

[@naylas3908]

“Fight the powers THAT be”, not ‘and be’.

[@hugomego7329]

@@naylas3908 that's glorious but not notorious

[@deenad3562]

*👑 Hip Hop Royalty right there. Carlton Ridenhour aka Chuck D, not only a natural at visual arts but studied graphic design in college, And he came from a militant family so I know his "doodles" are Powerful!* 🔥

[@JillKnapp]

Man, I wish this interview could have been a week long. Chuck would just get going and Stephen had to switch topics to make sure they touched on everything... but what I would have given for a deeper dive. Cannot wait for the documentary. When Chuck D talks, we owe it to him to listen. He's one of the most important voices of our time.

[@snowdoggydog6167]

Chuck D 4 president!

[@livelylibra420]

HUGE fan of Chuck D's brain since the Air America days!

[@curseovdialect5534]

Public enemy changed the world …best education for a young mind about historical injustices 🙏🏼

[@hustonmann452]

Chuck D and Public Enemy, reached all the way out to me in Boise Idaho. The 90’s were a magical time for music. Public Enemy influenced me and my friends to think differently and actually -hear- the world of difference amid indifference . Chuck D can NEVER be upstaged in anyway because his beliefs of unification and “ it doesn’t mater what color you are!” Makes he and his band timeless and amazing. What he and PE spit, even today, hold SO much weight and power! Thanks for being a major part of my childhood Public Enemy ❤👏🤠👍

[@TheLovely990]

Chuck D a living Hip Hop Legend. Public Enemy is one of my favorite groups. He is another vampire aging backward😊❤

[@jboogie283]

When you say Hip Hop, and talk of the Culture. The voice of Chuck D has to be heard and most important understood. Infact we need a course at school under Chuck D and the class should be called culture awareness. Salute 👑

[@RapFanatic4ever]

Chuck D is a legend in Hip Hop . Vlad wasn’t lying when he said that he’s the greatest concious Hip Hop Artist . Dude is defenitley influential

[@earthcitizen3939]

Him and KRS-One

[@marcianodemidof7135]

Oh man, legendary Chuck D🙏🏾 frontman from the legendary hip hop band Public Enemy. Not only the greatest but most definitely one of, if not the most important Rappers ever.

[@sugwilliams6257]

Thankful for your contributions, definite fav for years 👍🏾

[@bryanjackson405]

I'm 57 and to this day The Message is one of my favorite Rap Songs! When ever I hurt myself and my wife says what's wrong I tell her "I broke my sacrophiliac"

[@dallasborn8574]

Living in a sea saw.

[@Gamer12051]

what a legend; a living hero

[@Pvnk_Eternal]

Man, the wisdom leaking out of this man is intense. I'm so glad I learned about him and could tie his name to a song I heard on my mom's itunes as a child. Wow. I can't wait to see this documentary

A true legend!

[@carleenmulloy481]

Chuck D a humanitarian we must keep fighting the power.🙏🇺🇸⚖️

[@neglyricallab]

Waouw Chuck D is 72 years old now 😯 One of the best rappers of all times

[@Jivolt]

Greatest voice in hip hop.

[@hobocat33]

Chuck D. is an international treasure✅

[@mismissy]

Chuck D!! Can't Truss It ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

[@BePatient888]

Chuck D is one of the greatest early MC's of hip-hop. He was part of a cadre of emcees that really took the mic work to a whole new level, ditching simple vowel-based rhyme schemes, and producing more structurally complex poetry (Rap is a form of poetry, after all). Public Enemy took over the late 80's rap scene, ushering in a 5 year dominance of conscious rap on the East coast - that was a stark contrast to the nascent (more deliberately violent and vulgar) gangsta rap of NWA, that would eventually take over the industry as a whole.

[@Junksaint]

We'll always come back stronger.

[@barnabaswannabe4652]

In them speaking on the quantification of hip hop, it almost seemed like SC was maybe looking for a different answer. King Chuck being the hip hop scholar/legend he is did a great job educating SC on the origin story. Completely negating typical stereotypes made for a refreshing delivery.

[@jeffclement2468]

I'll always appreciate a well spoken musical ambassador, whatever genre. From Vladimir Horowitz to Bob Marley. 😻

[@MrJacksonentzulo]

Fear Of A Black Planet, Stone Cold Rhymin', 'Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em'...and New Kids On The Block Christmas albums--is what my little sister bought, cos' I wasn't even into music yet. '911 Is A Joke' is what changed things for me and 'Can't Truss It' was on the radio already♪ Chuck D and Public Enemy broke open the door for Rage Against The Machine, politics for Nirvana & Pearl Jam...even flipped groups like Beastie Boys, Radiohead, Bjork in terms of a pathway for people to Get Down without losing any flava'

[@jaundice_japlin]

Rebel without a pause is a masterpiece

[@amystewart177]

I wish his visit was longer than one segment but I appreciate you having him on the show. He is brilliant, creative and entertaining.

[@friendswitdadealer]

Watching this interview made me think Chuck could have his own late night show. Dude is so charismatic and completely controlled that interview without being an asshole about it. As soon as he sat down he was in charge and ready to teach.

[@catwrangler7907]

Chuck still rocking man works so hard for us saw him over 30 years ago in England

[@clarencerobinson5697]

How hip hop changed the world ...shit...how public enemy changed my damn life...chuck d is a LEGEND 👍🏾✊🏾

[@fandyllic1975]

Public Enemy and Chuck D are the Renaissance masters and Da Vinci of Hip Hop/Rap.

[@luciamiller1555]

I love that he converts his hotel room into an art studio and creates art during his “downtime “! So cool

[@mauriceldisgreecanadahaspr9560]

Live long chuck d happy birthday 62 rapper all time

[@decencywarrior9598]

From the streets of NYC to one of the greatest stories of our generation ! 💚💜✊🏿🇺🇸

[@deecohen1383]

YO I WAS EARLY 20’s DURING 90’s CHUCK D DAYS. IT WAS AND IS DA BEST. MTV RAPS WAS IT

[@whatudoin1]

Love that he shows love to the teacher who rarely gets mainstream love

[@scorpios_corz]

Grew up listening to a variety of music from country, top 40, rock, electronic, etc, but Hip Hop changed the music industry as a whole and for the better, not a massive fan of gansta rap back in the day but listened to vast array since and understand their awesome contribution to the art. Public Enemy resonated more to me; as I was more influenced with rap as a platform of expression in a raw never heard before linguist mastery, sure there were others on the scene at the time but none stood out to me more than Public Enemy, Chuck D's voice extremely unique and Public Enemy's contribution to the entire Rap & Hip Hop culture is cemented in nostalgia and often overlooked, huge respect ✊🏽

[@Taia-school]

Thank you for that segment 👍🏿

[@normalhispanicdude]

I have admired Chuck for so long, and this video summarizes the reasons why. Brilliant individual in US art and culture.

[@Kodakcompactdisc]

Damn Chuck is looking well, hasn’t changed a bit.

[@MrAlexkiddd]

I took my 2 daughters to see Public Enemy when they were in their teens and at 1st they were not keen cos of the Flavour Flav show it was showing then,but during and after the concert, they loved it! They realized they saw legends of Hip Hop and music history

[@benjamingarton6216]

Very enligthened perspective and such an inspiring person. I'm stoked Stephen just let him speak too. Great!

[@bajanconcepts]

been a PE fan since Bum rush the show, Welcome to the Terrordome to this day is still my all time favorite hip hop track.

[@yurielcundangan9090]

Chuck made our DAY:

[@4A5R6T]

This was great!!❤❤❤❤

[@ahmedlago6651]

His words, wow. What a presence. Dope. Chuck

[@miahleslie6183]

Thank You

[@keifsavage1090]

This is Chuck D/Public Enemy....THE GREATEST GROUP INFLUENCIAL GROUP OF ALL TIME

[@email5023]

*INFLUENTIAL

[@Adrian13rams]

Such a poet! Love it!

[@ScottOrd]

"Down time? Nah, it's art time." - I know what I'm doing with my 'down time' from now on, inspiring stuff indeed!

[@loomspace]

Public Enemy in concert with the S1Ws doing their thing on stage was something else, felt like an extension of the past into the present looking to the future. Such a strong singular identity but everyone I know rocks to it, that's a trick. ✌️

[@louiebee6745]

Once again back is the INCREDIBLE...✊✊

[@jamesgrant5541]

Rhyyyme animal....

[@Metacognition88]

I fight the power everyday. Thanks chuck.

[@ryanm4319]

These guys are from a time when rap was a real story from real guys like Chuck, it wasn’t murder, steal, guns and drugs fueling inner city kids to be criminals on dirt bikes. This guy is a well spoken and traveled educated man, stand out without having to stand out or act like a fool. Great to see him barely aging man we need more guys like this.

[@MothGirl007]

I wish it had stayed like that.

[@St.Linguini_of_Pesto]

I'm happy to see another documentary series is being released about this influential music genre. I've watched every episode The Evolution of Hip Hop on Netflix _twice_ and The Defiant Ones three times. I've grown up hearing this music on my little clock/radio when I was 8 or 9.. and have loved it ever since.

[@ryanhie2829]

Chuck D is one of the greats. Public Enemy number one.

[@Karim-vt1xb]

"it takes a nation of millions to hold us back" is the greatest rap album of all time!

[@Hiphopdatruthnohate]

I thank hip hop for making my life worthwhile and confidence in everyday life. Go Chuck D .