Chuck D on Dissing John Wayne & Elvis on "Fight the Power" (Part 7)

Part 8: • Chuck D on Flav Saying...
Part 6: • Chuck D on Lord Jamar ...
Part 1: • Vlad Calls Chuck D "Th...
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In this clip, Chuck D speaks about making "Fight the Power" for Spike Lee's iconic film "Do the Right Thing." He explained that the original version sounded nothing like the version that everyone knows, and Chuck also addressed calling out Elvis and John Wayne on the song. To hear more, including being affiliated with the Nation of Islam, hit the above clip.

[@powderedtoastfacekillah734]

“Most of my heroes don’t appear on no stamps”

[@yell0wberry]

........ They do now

[@ualreadyknow2332]

@@yell0wberry those are your heroes

[@yell0wberry]

U ALREADY KNOW You definitely haven’t looked at stamps lately

[@ualreadyknow2332]

@@yell0wberry i have...i just dont recognise the people on them as my heroes

[@Marvins_Gaye]

Illest hip hop lyric in history.

[@sarahgordino6695]

I grew up thinking Elvis was racist. I’m black. And that’s just what we were raised to believe. I had no interest in Elvis or his legacy. I started doing research out of interest of the time period in music history, and became fascinated by Elvis and his story, and quickly realized that his connection and history with the black community ran deeeeeeeeeeeep. But is not talked about. It’s funny that Chuck D read Jim Browns book who called out John Wayne for Racism, but that same Jim Brown was friends with Elvis and had spent time at Graceland multiple times. It’s unfortunate though, Elvis didn’t deserve to be grouped into that mess of Hollywood racists. He has his faults, and was surely no black advocate publicaly, but privately, he lived his life honourably and equitably and I’m not talking about him buying cars for random black people (what most white people source as irrevocable proof of his lack of prejudice 😅). I’m not saying that Elvis didn’t have his prejudices, but I have discovered that he was actively working on them. Researching and learning black history in America. Also, the man never claimed the title of King, never claimed to be a better singer, dancer or performer than any other black contemporary, and going all the way back to the 50s always gave credit where credit was due and held black music in the highest regard and esteem. His knowledge of black music history and artists ran so insanely deep. I mean; he was a fan of Sam Cooke when he was still a part of the Soul Stirrers in the 50s. The first performances Elvis had in Memphis were at “colored only” talent nights and reviews. He used to hang our with quartets in Orange Mound etc. He’s a really fascinating man, and I hope that Chuck D is able to do more research on him one day and really discover Elvis roots.

[@andreselectrico]

I understand what you say Sarah. Actually Elvis was in fact a far more complex personality and somehow a puppet of the circumstances around him. Kind of a tragic figure. I also grew up sort of angry with that "King" thing and with the fact of him profiteering from songs he had not even written but had failed to give proper credit for. Then I learnt that this was the rule and not the exception in the music business at that time. The terrible omissions still hurt. It is the gatekeepers´game, not necessarily the artist´s (although John Wayne was a f.... racist to me). And many good people have got tragically embroiled in this game and have allowed themselves to be categorized for someone else´s sake. As an artist, and this is quintessential, you should not allow yourself to be typecasted. Fail to do that at your own legacy´s and sense of self´s peril. I think that an artist has a responsability when advancing her vision of the world, not necessarily a political but an ethical one. Of course, you don´t need to be a preacher or something, but you do need to be clear about the kind of people you do not want to be associated with. Maybe this is the kind of critique I would have for Elvis. He was politically very conservative (to the point of alarming Nixon), and the game he allowed himself to be brought into somehow ran parallel to this sensibility. So, at many points in his life he just did not see the need of making distinctions cause the business was going well. He knew and respected black culture and music a lot but did not generally see the need of publicly acknowledging them (although I saw him do it once, in a 1968´s comeback concert he made, after years making stupid movies), he did not see the need of separating himself from a racist industry, which was making him "the King"; even when he, as a person, would have not proceeded in the same way. And this way of behaving brings us to Dr. Martin Luther King (who was quoting Dante): "The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in a period of moral crisis, maintain their neutrality". Elvis Presley was probably, all in all, a good man. He surely, to his credit, did not choose hate. But, as a public figure, he chose confort and convenience in times of challenge and controversy. And this will ultimately shape his legacy and ultimate measure. I think it is in this context when I really appreciate the raw way in which Chuck D brought the subject into discussion.

[@sarahgordino6695]

@Tone Yak That's actually not true. I've become absolutely obsessed with getting to the bottom of this question. When I say i've done my research, I genuinely have read a disgusting amount of books on him, Memphis musicians from the era who knew him, childhood friends, girlfriends, dates, family etc to get a more accurate picture of what he was about off stage. What Elvis is guilty of is not publicly joining the civil rights movement in the mid to late 60s or speaking publicly on race when he should have. He heeded the advice of his manager in avoiding politics and social commentary. That was not the case early in his career. But in the late 60s when his career was fledgling and the movement was picking up steam he sat out when given the opportunity to support which is disappointing. I understand the reasons for it (I think he suffered from being generally inarticulate and unable to confidently speak on those issues, he wasn’t sure if his career could handle the blowback of speaking out in support of civil rights, doing do opening the door for him needing to give an opinion on issues like Vietnam war (which he supported) and women’s liberation (which he didn’t support). On the heels of a comeback and in the early 70s a tour potential, it was safer to just stay quiet. Which wasn’t the best decision through the lens of time). Privately however, based on everything i've read, he was shockingly equitable and actively attempted to be anti-racist (that doesn't mean that he always was. Like I said, I believe he held his prejudices. He was a Southern Man of a particular time. But for HIS time, not evaluating him through today's lens as our barometer of acceptable behaviour keeps changing, but rather evaluating him based on the barometer of his day, he wouldn't be considered a racist man, he’d have been seen as progressive. Not even by todays standards. I do think he would be considered mildly prejudice today though, and that's not supported by anything in particular, that's just my opinion in recognizing that we all hold our prejudices. But he did things off stage/quietly supported the black community, artists and performers, people etc without fanfare. I didn't buy it before I started doing the research. I was actually so moved by it i'm thinking about starting a KZbin Channel about this topic by trying to quantify and objectively evaluating and bringing to light a lot of the stories. The fact is, biographers and the media are incredibly racist and through the preservation of his story they have completely whitewashed his legacy, ignoring, removing and denying those who were major parts of his life or had larger roles in his life than we knew. There has been a complete erasure of what he called “his roots”. Damn, I discovered only last week after years of research that he and his cousin Gene Smith had a double date in 1951 when they were 16, with a pair of black cousins from the black projects across the street from where Elvis was living in the white projects (the courts). He details the events of the date some occurrences, but the story was dropped from his final published Elvis biography (most of which came out in the 80s). The unpublished account was then captured in another biography. The information is out there, you just really have to dig for it. I've had to borrow books, go into the newspaper archives. Speak to people etc to bring his full story to light to get a better view of who he really was. Complex is an understatement.

[@bernardzevenhuizen3309]

It's the other way around in criminal law: you're innocent until proven guilty.

[@OneTwo-kc4ui]

In early July 1969, Hamilton suffered a massive cerebral hemorrhage at his home in New Rochelle, New York.[1][25] He was taken to New Rochelle General Hospital where he lay in a coma for more than a week. On July 20, 1969, he was removed from life support and died.[25] Hamilton was 40 years old. Some connected his earlier illness that caused his retirement to his death, although a connection was never proven.[20] In a 2017 documentary for the BBC, Hamilton’s son Roy Hamilton Jr. revealed that Elvis Presley sent Roy's wife, Myrna, a rose every day Hamilton was in the hospital. When Hamilton passed away from complications of his stroke, Presley sent Myrna flowers for the following six months. At the time of his death, Hamilton was heavily in debt, forcing him, a week before he died, to borrow heavily on his insurance policy to pay off back taxes. This prompted his widow, Myrna, to publicly seek funds for his burial. Elvis Presley is said to have covered Hamilton’s outstanding medical bills and funeral costs. At Hamilton's funeral service, messages of condolence sent by Presley, Mahalia Jackson and B.B. King were read out to the mourners.[26][27] Roy Hamilton Bio Wikepedia

[@flnielsen]

White guy from Denmark here - I was heavy into breakdancing and hiphop in the 1980's. I truly don't think Elvis deserved to be dissed like he was on the Fight The Power track. Back in the 1950's, black music wasn't even recognized by the mainstream as proper music, so if it hadn't been for Elvis and the succes he gained with the mainstream audience (and their purchasing power) nationwide and internationally, black music would probably never had been lifted away from obscurity and disrespect, and into the limelight going up through the 1960's, 70's and onwards. Elvis broke the ice, and thank goodness for that. Peace!

[@kamuelalee]

Chuck D -- Legend. Public Enemy -- the most important hip hop group of all time!

[@roberttaylor6694]

FEAR OF A BLACK PLANET!

[@kamuelalee]

@@elreysincorona1939 YES!!

[@roberttaylor6694]

@Jamaal Davis 911 Is a joke!

[@roberttaylor6694]

@Jamaal Davis FIGHT THE POWER!!!!!!!

[@devyhnwiggins5589]

PUBLIC ENEMY AND NWA THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL GROUPS

[@AlmondGlazedSunrise]

Vlad should just let Chuck talk and then ask his questions.

[@jazzboneplaya]

Amen. I generally can't take these vids for that reason. However, it's Chuck D.... So i had to endure haha 😅

[@devyhnwiggins5589]

Vlad shut the fuck up

[@td315]

No doubt, Shut up nerd!!!

[@KenSherman]

Yeah, we missed some valuable information there if it wasn't for the interjections. Plus, it's not good interviewing when the interviewer interrupts the guest like that. I'm sure vlad's well informed and/or experienced & admires his interviewees but respect still needs to be adhered to. Just keep the interruptions at least to a minimum.

[@MrAlonzo2006]

VLAD’s viewpoints are always rooted in White Supremacy within his interviews . Look at 5:13 on this video how he interjects that Elvis was not a racist . I hate the fact that OUR most beloved and revered actors , politicians and influencers of our culture come and interview on his platform . I unsubscribed from him a while back . I encourage others to do the same . Even during a couple of the Lord Jamar interviews , he is called out on his degradation of black people regarding money , savings etc. He doesn’t understand or pretends to not understand the plight of our people and lack of opportunities because of our skin color . “Pull yourselves up by your bootstraps “. He’s by far an agent sent to disseminate mis / disinformation to our people . I challenge everyone to listen more closely to these interviews in the future and pay attention . The devil comes at you , not as your enemy , but as your friend with an attractive package and displays a fake interest in you and your cause .

[@kw3915]

My Dad, KRS One and Chuck D taught me self love ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

[@lukekhalid896]

Love you added your father !! Respect

[@qwammienewsome1357]

✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

[@DonTheMoron716]

Awesome.

[@tobietera]

Those three people taught you to masturbate?

[@Johnny-gm9wo]

@kw3915, Why do blacks need someone else to teach them to love themselves? White people don't need someone to show thm how to love themselves. Blacks are full of self-hate.

[@andrewlentner]

I thought Vlad would be a bit more respectful because he's interviewing Chuck mfing D. But no. He's cutting him off quicker than he does normally.

[@duccyoh3ad216]

cutiing him off every question. vlad might as well just interview himself

[@juicegawwd504]

how???? 🤦🏽‍♂️ some people just complain about everything.... i bet you get pissed off when it rains huh?!

[@andrewlentner]

@@juicegawwd504 if you can't see that Vlad is cutting him off and interrupting, then your parents obviously didn't teach you proper manners

[@juicegawwd504]

Andrew Lentner nope your just sensitive... and has you so eloquently put it he is Chuck MF D.. if he felt a certain type of way about getting interupted... i'm sure he would say something.

[@Israel-nb7ip]

@@juicegawwd504 yeah, it's gotten silly at this point with all this Vlad hate in the comments. What's most ridiculous is that he's cashing in off that hate cuz its these fools giving him views, subscriptions, and overall monetizing activity. Just watch the interviews and shut up already. We get it, Vlad is a culture culture, he sucks, he talks about himself etc etc...then what? Oh, that's right, you're gonna come back for more. SMH

[@stoteles2]

“there is evidence that Presley donated money to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and other civil rights organizations.” Perhaps, as some noted, Elvis’ actions did some of the work that Martin Luther King, Jr. dedicated his life towards-bringing America and Americans together to advance humanity.

[@km7943]

When a OG like Chuck speaks all you can do is listen

[@hhhh6ful]

unless you're djvlad

[@thegreatdel9679]

I just hate how Vlad trys to tell him his stories. Like man he lived his life not you

[@km7943]

Hood Nigga With a opinion exactly Chuck lived it lol

[@marcus.6487]

yezsuh'...✊🏿

[@3rdJose]

Not if ur name is Vlad

[@finegojoe4520]

“John Wayne was a racist, he didn’t really like black people...neither did John Wa...”(VladTv Static noise).🤣🤣🤣

[@allencarpenter3023]

I don't kmoe nothing ant John Wayne I never even watch one movie so u mite be right abt him I don't know anything but I know alot abt elvis and have seen tons of interviews abt elvis loving black people and helping them and alot black said they loved elvis and his maid and back up singers loved him he bought black people cars and gifts to

[@gabaduran3333]

@@allencarpenter3023 is true

[@allencarpenter3023]

@@gabaduran3333 I know elvis wasn't I don't care what anybody said

[@adonisguy3243]

Former US army General Patton was a racist and non racist. He accepted all races under his command. However, he believed that the black soldiers aren't as bright as white soldiers.

[@SirLeDoux]

John Wayne was married to a Mexican woman…twice and he was accepting of everybody regardless of their color or beliefs. Elvis didn’t like ‘The King’ moniker and always said JESUS is King not me. If Elvis was racist then why did his singers and other big stars who were black praise him and say he wasn’t racist? Due to Elvis sounding black he opened up the music to everyone regardless of what color they were. If he was just another crooner then “black music” would never had been as excepted as it was as soon as it was.

[@beatstar2]

The issue I think Chuck D has with Elvis is that Elvis did, in fact, appropriate large swaths of black melodies. This is because he grew up in one of the blackest places in America and was took influence from the black gospel music in the religious South. The first single Elvis, "That's All Right", was written by black musician Arthur Crudup. It took decades for him to get paid for it. However he frequented black clubs during segregation, signed to a label that integrated black and white musicians (Sun Records), and he the gave the credit to black artists numerous times when pressed in interviews. There was a rumor that he was a racist was because of a comment a black magazine attributed to him, but the magazine itself called it a "rumored crack" and there is no evidence of him actually saying it. Way less bad than John Wayne, who was actually racist.

[@MWPintheD]

Good points. Elvis covered black and white artists...Elvis was about doing it his way...he was a badass. Love P.E. and FTP but they're doing Elvis wrongly.

[@iainrobb2076]

Elvis was one of the least racist people it was possible to meet, and was influenced by everyone he liked and not just black artists. Being inspired by other artists is not the same as exploiting your influences. I've always had a problem with that line about Elvis in 'Fight the Power.' It's clear that Chuck D just came up with it because he knew it would have a shock effect. And it's a low blow, based on the actually racist assumption of how much white forms of music have been influenced by black music. Influence has always, cross-racially, been a two-way process. The earliest example of syncopated jazz can be found in the second movement of Beethoven's last piano sonata. The great jazz musician Fats Waller began as a Bach organist, and idolised Bach. Jazz as we know it was not singularly a black creation but rather a form of music developed by black, white and Jewish musicians at roughly the same period. Rock and roll was not only based on the blues but also on country, and it was pioneered simultaneously by both white and black musicians. And hip hop, if Chuck D wants to go there, would not exist in its currrent form had Krautrock not existed. Anyone can tell that instantly who's ever listened to the much sampled drumming of Can's Jaki Liebezeit or Kraftwerk's Trans-Europe Express.

[@thomaspgreen6302]

Arthur big boy Crudup's royalties were held by Lester Melrose, Crudup's manager. Crudup didn't see his royalties from Muddy Waters or CCR, Little Walter or BB King either and his name is on the record. To blame Elvis for that doesn't make sense. Same with Thortan only getting paid 500 for singing Hounddog. The people that stole were the record companies and agents, not Elvis. They sued Rufus Thomas for his answer back "Bear Cat" that made no sense either. In the 1956 Charlotte Observer interview Elvis talked about (Old man) Arthur big boy Crudup.

[@raycarter8070]

My grandparents always agreed with Chuck D's thesis. We agree. We're now trying to collect different black families stories with the help of the family and friends in Tupelo. Unfortunately, alot of that history has been wiped away!

[@karendalsadik7119]

@@iainrobb2076 wtf hip hop wouldn’t exist?

[@S58985]

“I actually wrote fight the power” - Gianni Russo

[@kamuelalee]

I knew it

[@torriecheltenham9798]

😂😂😂😂

[@JonesRudolph]

LMAO

[@devan1715]

Who tf is that

[@JonesRudolph]

@@devan1715 the mob guy that VLAD interviewed..

[@andrewhartlett676]

I counted 1 black pastor 15 black legendary artist and 5 band members and 2 black DJ's who knew Elvis and other poo legends who knew Elvis but Chuck d had one source said he is a racist .Elvis show me where he said he was the king of rockin roll.he was kind giving to all that truly knew him.i am a fan of public enemy but I disagree with public enemy on Elvis being a racist.

[@colvincruden9608]

1989 the number.. Another summer (get down) Sound of the funky drummer..

[@dr.mo7773]

Music hitting your heart 'cause I know you got soul!

[@colvincruden9608]

Hossein Mohagheghian (Brothers and sisters, hey) ✊🏾

[@redsimmons6791]

✊🏾Brothers And Sistas👊🏾

[@redsimmons6791]

Ha as a Youngsta I wanted to be in the Video walking with the Crowd 💯

[@colvincruden9608]

Red Simmons The video was dope. It also reminds me of “do the right thing”. Mookie, Sal, Radio Raheem, Sweet D*ck Willie, Love Daddy and of course “Mr you stepped on my brand new white Air Jordan’s I just bought” Buggin’ Out. He was a sh*t starter 🤦🏾‍♂️😂😂😂

[@asatvs]

« I got a letter from the government, the other day … » Greatest opening line in a song … EVER !! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@zxcccccc1]

The story just makes it so much profound, now I understand why it never left my head.

[@erikrichardson6239]

FAAAAAAAAAAAACTS 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@olive2292]

along with "hey ho let's go" (the Ramones)

[@brianoneil9662]

Except you never got a letter telling you to report for basic, let alone that you were being sent to Vietnam. The letter would tell you to report to the local draft office/processing station to determine if you were eligible for conscription. This happens even if you already have a draft card. If his uncle had already been processed he would get a standard letter in the mail. Unless somehow his uncle was totally unlike the other 1.9 million men drafted during Vietnam. And if you want to say that it happened because that's the way a seven year old remembers it, look into how accurate human memories actually are.

[@Dakatari]

Hip Hop and the World could use Chuck D and Public Enemy at this moment in life.

[@Dakatari]

@@SilverWealth_Draper_Mint If he is a puppet than what does that make you a sheep?

[@DRock-zd8gl]

@@SilverWealth_Draper_Mint And who are you? You probably weren't even born in 1988 when Public Enemy dropped It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back. Stay off of videos commenting on things or people you have no clue of who they are. Chuck D a puppet? 😂😂

[@roberttaylor6694]

It's legendary when create something that can also apply to this day re: FIGHT THE POWER/BALL OF CONFUSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@roberttaylor6694]

@@DRock-zd8gl Way to go!👊

[@roberttaylor6694]

@@Dakatari 👊

[@fred3893]

He accused Elvis of being racist based on a famous / infamous statement that Elvis supposedly made. This statement has been debunked by many publications (including 'Ebony' Magazine.). Instead of apologizing for writing in his lyrics that Elvis was a 'Straight up racist'...'Mother ### him" he now changes the narrative and says 'what I was trying to say in this record... ' was that were recording at the same time who who were not called The King'. These are two completely different arguments. It is a pity that he does not have the courage to admit his mistake (I don't know if he has addressed this elsewhere, but he should take every opportunity to correct his offensive accusation) (Little Richard) “I thank God for Elvis Presley. I thank the Lord for sending Elvis to open that door so I could walk down the road, you understand?” (Mohammed Ali) "Elvis Presley was the sweetest, most humble and nicest man you’d want to know.” )James Brown) "I wasn't just a fan, I was his brother.

[@dominicc6941]

When I was a youngster and FTP was popular, many of us believed Elvis was racist because of that song. Chuck D messed up spreading falsities on someone...

[@z0ee996]

Lol and most likely a racist af… just cuz he had black grin doesn’t mean he wasn’t a racist piece of sh*t! 🤣🤣🤣 F$ck that mediocre saltine!

[@raymondloya175]

Straight up 💯 🎯 That's the thing people talk out the side of there neck and there's no accountability He should have maned up and corrected himself

[@TONE60643]

Elvis never apologized for not crediting black people for his music either we need that apology

[@fred3893]

​@@TONE60643 Do white people need an apology from black artists who have never apologized for not crediting white people for their music? I don't think so.

[@dominicc6941]

Chuck D is legendary to me, BUT he screwed up dissing Elvis with no real evidence of racism. Elvis was tight with Red Foxx and Sammie Davis Jr. No rich racist is going to run with Black ppl period!

[@johndoughnut9350]

Ask the Sweet Inspirations with Whitney’s mom Cissy who worked with Elvis. Ask his cook Mary Jenkins that he bought a house and a Cadillac for and was one of his good friends in life. Elvis pastor and congregation was majority black. Ali wouldn’t strike up a friendship with Elvis if he had the slightest inclination that Elvis was a “racist” . He was just a sweet person who had a utterly fabricated quote or “RUMOR” attributed to him with Zero evidence and he’s not here to defend himself. I’ll always take up for Elvis and his legacy. This is Horseshit!!!!!

[@time2work430]

Professor Griff, Terminator X and the SW-1’s were the energy behind and the main reason I and my friends loved PE.

[@clarencedavismba5042]

S1-w's. No bad.

[@carlosgibson2911]

But elvis presley was not racist even Whitney Houston's mother said so she sung background for him in the 60s not too mentioned the man was close friends with Jackie Wilson and Sammy Davis Jr .

[@gabaduran3333]

Yeah and James Brown said in a video the truth about Elvis... he was talking like Elvis was his brother

[@Azteka2007]

That was a weak explanation about Elvis. That was foul. And chuck knows it. But he can’t just retreat.

[@RapFanatic4ever]

Chuck D is a legend . Love "Fight The Power". Such a groundbreaking record in Hip Hop.

[@raycarter8070]

One of my all time favorite albums. That Janet’s Rhythmn nation. Can’t beat that for me lol!

[@lotsamacha1112]

Not really.

[@kellymcquay2626]

He's a pathetic loser

[@nihilo616]

​@@lotsamacha1112you probably listen to pop 😂

[@r.rivera3507]

When you humble yourself, listen, and learn, it makes you not only look better, but is in itself indicative of the presence of knowledge within you.

[@cappriment]

Vlad has never heard The Isley's "Fight The Power"!

[@km7943]

xed exactly that’s why he should listen and take notes lol

[@km7943]

DJ Akademiks Supreme Hoodie 😂

[@Mike-ii1vz]

Neither have I or anyone else I know.

[@samson7842]

Because Vlad has zero knowledge of Black culture. He thinks Black culture begins and ends with Hip-hop. Typical white fan on the outside looking in with no desire to learn what he needs to, to fully understand what he’s seeing.

[@km7943]

samson7842 facts

[@SmartDave60]

One of the greatest sounding voices in rap. Thanks Chuck!

[@ChevyboyCaprice_]

Right? He's got that voice you recognize anywhere... I recognize it in every song I haven't heard yet

[@raycarter8070]

My grandparents grew as Elvis's neighbors when they were kids. I used to believe the public enemy line, but not any more. They did quite a lot of black families way before fame or money. I will say though- that his criticism is correct- My grandparents felt like Elvis totally blew off the whole town and black community once he became rich or famous. In fact, we did not know they were his neighbors until a few months ago. Chuck D is a legend and hopefully more stories will come out-post the elvis movie!

[@stoteles2]

@@raycarter8070... his criticism is not correct- !!!! Elvis stole nothing, LIttle Richard who was a friend of Elvis said: "Elvis was an intergrator, he opened doors for us to come through" He also said "He was the most electrifiying artist to see live" Elvis had his first hit "Thats Alright Mama" in 1954. Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Bo Diddiley all had their first hits in 1955. ELvis was influenced by Big Boy Crudup, Willie DIxon, Muddy Waters etc from blues One thing that seems to be ignored is Rock and Roll was not just blues-it was a combination of country, blues, pop of the era and gospel music. All 4 of these became rock and roll. BUT he was also influenced by Eddy Arnold, Hank Snow, Hank WIlliams etc from country music. And influenced by Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole and others from pop music of the era NOT to forget he was born in Tupelo Mississippi and lived on the poor black side of town where he went to black and white churches and loved gospel music. He "organically" was drenched in the black culture of the south, I must point out that Chuck Berry was influenced greatly by country artists-his first hit "Maybelline" was actually a country artist Bob Wills song from the 40s "Ida Red" that Chuck wrote new lyrics for and sped up. No one says Chuck stole from country-he was influenced by country. Ray Charles had several hits with "cover versions" of country songs-some of the first music he heard as a child was from the " Grand ole Opry on radio. He was influenced by country-no one says he stole from it. BB King who was a great friend with Elvis said: "Once a music is exposed to us, anyone can take or add to it -music is for everyone" and he added "to me they did not get it wrong when they called him the King"

[@stoteles2]

@@raycarter8070 his criticism is not correct- !!!!

[@raycarter8070]

You brought up some great points!

[@Ghanaquankel2776]

Currently much discussion about John Wayne being a racist. It was confirmed recently in 1971 interview that he stated that he didn't respect black people (straight out of John Wayne's mouth) Orange County officials currently discussing renaming the John Wayne airport.

[@maitreyas.4902]

I don't respect most black s either.

[@bilialeilan9038]

@@maitreyas.4902 Poor thing Sounds you have a problem that can't be solved. Not my problem. Your problem

[@js4187]

The duke was right though . They cant govern themselves or run shit right .

[@martyrmane]

Lets U know how far ahead of the times Chuck nem was

[@Peopleofthesun386]

@@maitreyas.4902 But you are a nobody though.

[@geecheetone8550]

Vlad (gets quiet, starts thinking): "Wait a minute, the Isley Bros had a song called "Fight The Power"???

[@TheodorePendergrass]

Who didn't know that, Vlad still don't get it, each music Genre, birth another Genre, How can you not put Marvin Gaye's " What's Goin on" in that conversation. "Fight the Power was played heavily on radio, and some stations Bleep "Bullsh*t going down" , while other played it through. How can you top that?

[@williamallen2565]

@@TheodorePendergrass Yes, I remember. I was maybe nine or ten when it came out. It was and is very powerful.

[@foodtaliban]

Only people in the 60's know about a song from 1975.

[@mikebriggs1234]

Greatest rap group but they got Elvis wrong he wasn’t racist

[@gk_knight]

5:27 love PE but lost some respect for Chuck there as he clearly can’t explain why he called Elvis a racist. And Vlad does a poor job of challenging him on this point. Would have more respect for Chuck if he just straight acknowledged he got that lyric wrong back in the day.

[@ILLAILLS]

Let Chuck talk

[@marlonhayes9708]

Black steel in the hour of chaos is my favorite PE song of all time! I never considered joining the military because of that record.

[@hmosesmamulu6491]

The first 20 to 40 seconds in this video I'm yelling "STFU Vlad"

[@fredrickjohnson7711]

Shit pissing me off

[@queque810]

Same here yo 🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️

[@williamtownsell743]

VLAD the culture vulture.

[@XMANE2]

Vlad if you let him talk he'll tell you

[@RumbleFish69]

Wow! I am beside myself. To think, I used to look up to these guys..... Questioning why Elvis is the king is not the same as calling him a racist. I love Chuck D's back-pedal here but it does nothing to get him out of what he recorded. Chuck D said it and it cannot be unsaid! And by the way, why blame Elvis for the "King" title? It's not like Elvis came up with that name and then went around expecting people to call him that. In fact, during interviews, Elvis said many times that he felt very uncomfortable reading "The King" on concert posters and with people calling him that. If he truly did his research, he'd know that about Elvis too! The truth is that Chick D called Elvis a racist without knowing a damn thing about him. It would just be simpler, and more noble, if Chuck D would just come out and say: "You know, I was young, and I wasn't the best at doing research...And, because Elvis was white, I just assumed he was racist." That would be more noble, but most of all, it would be the damn truth. Yes, this is a simple case of Chuck D looking at Elvis, seeing that he was white and celebrated, and just assuming that he was racist! Any person who knows any real history of Elvis, how he grew up and where he grew up, would know that he not only supported black artist, he gave black artists credit and he paid them when he sang songs they wrote, which is a lot more than rap artists did to the soul artists, people like James Brown, who they sampled and stole from - rap artists who include Public Enemy. If Chuck D had truly done his research, as is suggested in this interview, then he would have known all of these things. It can easily be said that Elvis did more for Black artists, than rappers did for black artists who they sampled beats from. Even today, the estate of long dead soul artists are fighting to get money from rap artists who took their music. Elvis grew up with BB King, Arthur Crudup, and was friends with Little Richard... By the way, Arthur Crudup was the man who wrote Elvis' first hit single. Elvis grew up in black neighborhoods, white projects that were adjacent to black projects. Elvis' neighborhood friends were black and he spent time in black-owned night clubs. Elvis openly said, many times, that these clubs were the places where he learned and honed his craft and skill. And sure, I will give conceded that John Wayne was eventually proven to be racist, but I am pretty sure that reading it in a Jim Brown book, years before it was established, does not qualify as verification. And to say that: "I read in Jim Brown's book that he was a piece of shit, and that was good enough for me" is utterly irresponsible! Jim Brown, a proven batterer of woman and arrested on numerous occasions for assault battery on women, is supposed to a credible source on racism? And for Jim Brown to call anyone a piece of shit is laughable! The irony here is that as a black man, Chuck D knows what it means to be on the other side of judgement and assumptions. However, here he is, assuming racism without knowing a damn thing. I'm not saying that he should be crucified for making a mistake, because I do believe it was a mistake, but, he should be taken to task for the bullshit excuses that he is offering today. Back then, he was a kid who was angry at an oppressive system....Today, he is a grown man who should own up to his mistakes.

[@trh917]

Chuck D. So much Respect. “Hoover Music.” ...one of my favorite PE tracks of MANY!

[@MorrisB3]

Love Public Enemy and Elvis. That line never set right with me. False as hell but the rest of the song is fire.

[@TheDarkSidePoet]

"189.9.9%"- Flavor Flav

[@jimmieleepatterson]

Cuz no one's perfect

[@Mike-ii1vz]

🤣🤣🤣ikr

[@pigmentrich224]

😁🤣😂

[@loucaruso3971]

110% BIG THANKYOU TO CHUCKS UNCLE"S SERVICE IN MARINE CORP, & VIETNAM !!!! THANKYOU AGAIN FOR YOUR SRVICES....Stay Strong....Peace

[@shazbotsmash2422]

Chuck: " what I said about Elvis wasn't true but I don't take it back"😂😂😂

[@alamaaustin3097]

and with good reasoning

[@dwightlove3704]

@Mark Cazan Elvis might not have been a racist but he was surrounded by people who were the media played a role in his career.

[@JJ_SDWR]

Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, and Little Richard all made comments about Elvis being racist/discriminating and/or him being a culture vulture. It's not like it was completely made up.

[@dwightlove3704]

@@JJ_SDWR Ray Charles was asked about ELVIS being called The King and Ray said The King of What.White ppl heard his music just like they heard his and the biopic backs up what he said.Quincy worked with a person who accused Elvis of being a racist.Little Richard said that Elvis was a blessing because nobody was listening to his music they had a boycott of black artists.But Elvis was not a racist but he was surrounded by people who were and the media played a role in his career shoving this phony title of The King of Rock and Roll down the throat of White Americans.

[@shazbotsmash2422]

@@JJ_SDWR comments without evidence?

[@mrgerrytube]

Mista Chuck D - a real hero to many ✊✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼

[@chrisa4695]

Every black person who grew up in the 70’s & 80’s, possibly the 60’s always heard from older people that Elvis once said, “The only thing a black man can do for me is shine my shoes and buy my records.” I researched that for many years and have never been able to validate it. It’s probably an urban myth. I once saw James Brown in concert and he shouted out fellow singer-friends who has passed. Elvis was one of them. I have also seen pictures of him with Little Richard, Jackie Wilson and other black icons from the 60’s.

[@ivanodefazio9077]

Hi Chris there is a great document called Elvis and the black community how the black people viewed him they all loved him

[@slickrick8046]

That was a lie and Chuck didn’t know what he was talking about.

[@chrisa4695]

@@ivanodefazio9077 I think a saw that. I have been looking for it but cannot remember the title. They interviewed the black pastor or the black church he attended.

[@UNINOIZ3]

The fact that it's not documented doesn't automatically make it an "urban myth." Elvis threw a pool cue at a woman in a bar and paralyzed one of her titties. I have heard celebrities mention this on TV, but try finding any trace of it on the internet.

[@chrisbecker5472]

Chuck has the most solid rap voice in almost all of rap history. On top of that hes a switched on dude with a good moral compass. i love his lyrics that call out injustice and racism. Sorry im a white dude but grew up with PE cassettes in my walkman in adelaide australia and loved him ever since.. legendary OG and flav too

[@curlywurly70]

Public Enemy set the standard for todays popular rappers who are making revolutionary protest songs with a positive message. Oh wait... Nevermind.

[@pornoonsteroids]

You had me there for a second lol

[@dantemoore859]

Childish Gambino, this is America but ain't much for lyrics

[@dantemoore859]

J Cole n Kendrick but none got that fire n strength like p e

[@williamallen2565]

@@dantemoore859 True that. They set a standard that hasn't been surpassed. KRS is on that level, but more universal.

[@thegreatdel9679]

It’s few & far in between but they’re there. Cole, Lamar, Anderson Pak., & a couple more

[@azulsimmons1040]

I always like Chuck D. His voice had such power. It was funny to see people showing up to his concerts that he was making songs against calling out their ancestors and even parents. He wanted to blow up with a message. He did it. And the base music was great too. Very unique group and viewpoint.

[@pentz1]

I Love this, Chuck is just checking Vlad all through the interview

[@pentz1]

@nauticadon Vlad knows who the real ones are from the Lill Waynes and Boosies

[@dh1163]

"You're greater than what you think of yourself... without it going into narcissism." This is the essence of self esteem / self worth. Well said.

[@vincentwilliams5271]

Elvis wasn't racist. His ex wife said that he wasn't racist and Elvis even said that he never made any racist comments about the black community. That interview was conducted by Ebony magazine.

[@MrKvane77]

Meanwhile Elvis has such strong ties to the black community. He grew up in black culture with black people and always respected black culture. It’s deeper then stealing a sound because you can’t steal a sound that’s yours by birth

[@koppilork]

Pathetic to label him a racist, so much BS.

[@raycarter8070]

So very true!

[@pigatt1]

@@koppilork he was racist and he was a thief of the culture. John Wayne was racist too.

[@biguprochester]

More like he didn’t give credit to the culture. I don’t consider that hate towards a race.

[@montana01971]

@@biguprochester You are right, but who did back then...

[@wemadeitpodcast]

I met him in Santa Barbara a few years ago, real nice guy.

[@user-jt3xu1hy6s]

I've lost count of the people who met Elvis and said he was a nice guy.

[@lg6400]

Fight the Power's message blew the doors off of asking for equality. It didn't ask, it down right demanded it and as a young man in Chicago listening to them you couldn't tell me nothing bad about my people.

[@Satans_Financial_Advisor]

Demanded it 30 years ago and still ain't got it. Must of not been that convincing.

[@draines9237]

That song made me realize at 8 years old that my future opportunities in America was going to be different from those opposite of my skin color.

[@brynellsidney3983]

Preach!!

[@robbyrodriguez9984]

@@draines9237 Everybody has the same opportunities. It's what you do with that opportunity that matters.

[@fredleinweber2819]

@@draines9237 You are not oppressed, grow up!

[@disturbedangels3342]

Chuck d is one of the reason why people think Elvis is racist growing up I said I liked Elvis and I mixed. And this girl said he was racist I said no how and she. Responds I just was told that

[@devinjackson3372]

Damn Chuck........Chuck a deep brother.....him and Krs 1 are the great minds of hip-hop.

[@peaceful671]

Elvis was immersed in all music that was in the air as he grew up,he was just the best singer regardless of colour....I don't see colour I see talent....cheers...

[@aaronflowers8881]

He wasn't the best but he was cool.

[@Notbadjattz]

one of the Greatest Lines ever said on HipHop Record !!!

[@user-rk4ey7wh9q]

FACT!

[@pornoonsteroids]

Yeah it gives me chills

[@feodiente9460]

At the time I was about 9 my uncle were HUGE P.E. fans... and that song came out and that line shook my little world...✊🏾 I been woke after since

[@redsimmons6791]

I was like” they Can say That”.....Holy Shit Fuck’em👊🏾

[@palexstarks5553]

Its a quote that stands out.............

[@susanfit47]

Best quotes ever! Public Enemy was a definitive rap/hip-hop group of all-time. Fight the Power incorporates various samples and allusions to African-American culture, including civil rights exhortations, black church services, and the music of James Brown, as well as Afrika Bambaataa's electronically processed exclamations, taken from his 1982 song "Planet Rock". The samples are reinforced by textual allusions to such music, quoted by Chuck D in his lyrics, including "sound of the funky drummer" (James Brown and Clyde Stubblefield), "I know you got soul" (Bobby Byrd), "freedom or death" (Stetsasonic), "people, people" (Brown's "Funky President"), and "I'm black and I'm proud" (Brown's "Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud"). The track's title itself invokes the Isley Brothers' 1975 song of the same name.. It was the theme song of Spike Lee's 1989 movie Do the Right Thing. It plays through the movie. It plays in the opening credits as Rosie Perez's character Tina dances to the song, shadowboxing and demonstrating her personality's animus. The song is most prevalent in scenes with Bill Nunn's imposing character Radio Raheem, who carries a boombox around the film's neighborhood with the song playing loudly and represents Black consciousness. I also like the remixes of that song as well. The track features only two live instrumentalists: saxophone, played by Branford Marsalis, and scratches provided by Terminator X, the group's DJ and turntabilist-Marsalis also played a saxophone solo for the extended soundtrack version of the song. I also like all their songs Public Enemy #1, You're Gonna Get Yours, Rebel Without a Pause, Bring the Noise, Don't Believe the Hype, Night of the Living Baseheads, Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos, Welcome to the Terrordome, Brothers Gonna Work It Out, Burn Hollywood Burn, 911 is a Joke, Can't Do Nuttin' for Ya Man, their rock remake of their song Bring the Noise (feat. Anthrax), Can't Truss It, Shut 'Em Down, Nighttrain, Hazy Shade of Criminal, Louder Than a Bomb, I Stand Accused, Give It Up, What Kind of Power We Got?, So Whatcha Gonna Do Now?, He Got Game, Ressurrection, Do You Wanna Go Our Way??? and . Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Professor Griff, and Sister Souljah were the voices of power to the people and the voices of reason.

[@allaboutthemurzic]

Culture isnt about skin color

[@billyjacc]

I was there with Spike while he was doing the editing and on the phone with Chuck.. When all was said & done and we stepped up to the premiere.., I knew both the movie and the song were gonna be classics.. 😉👍 TK Kirkland Fight the power yall. ✊🏾

[@leolyin2874]

Favorite RAP Verse EVER!!!✊🏿

[@Steelersbaby]

It would be my favorite verse as well if it had been true.

[@projectc.j.j3310]

@@Steelersbaby lol facts

[@Steelersbaby]

@@projectc.j.j3310 👌

[@Steelersbaby]

@Roberto Ribeiro I thought u was about to provide evidence for Elvis being a racist which simply don't exist but I see you're on point with your info.

[@goranh624]

Admit it Chuck already. Elvis was not a racist. You were wrong for saying that. Man up. Don't always dance around that thing. You said it. There are million of evidence what a great artist Elvis was and he opened doors for many..Black or white. Not to mention he hung around black people, there were black memebers in his show bands all the time. I mean..the guy loved and was influenced by many black artists. James brown, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, BB King and many others had nothing but respect for the man. Nuff said. You wrong for this one Chuck. "I wasn’t just a fan, I was his brother. Last time I saw Elvis alive was at Graceland. We sang ‘Old Blind Barnabus’ together, a gospel song. I love him and hope to see him in heaven. There’ll never be another like that soul brother." - James Brown. "Elvis was an integrator. Elvis was a blessing. They wouldn’t let Black music through. He opened the door for Black music." - Little Richard. "On a scale of one to ten, I would rate Elvis eleven." - Sammy Davis Jnr.

[@brianglazegibbs6414]

@ Chuck D powerful interview. (FIGHT THE POWER)

[@ftl06]

How was Elvis racist if he grew up in extreme poverty and housing projects his entire childhood? Chuck obviously didn’t do any research on Elvis at all. He didn’t steal black music, he sang and danced like the people he was friends with and influenced by growing up.

[@russellwright1422]

I’m sorry but how could you ever mistake Elvis Presley for being a racist! That’s just totally wrong! He was raised up with the black community. Not to mention The sweet inspirations Who were simply a part of his soul in music and he had great human compassion and love for his girls. As a matter of fact, when do Houston Astrodome back in the late 60s, told him he could perform with his band as long as he didn’t bring “them black girls”, Of course using an extremely foul expletive, Elvis said “ The girls are part of my show and they’ll be there in Houston or we won’t be there at all” i’m just not sure where you’re getting any of your facts there buddy! There’s so many historical documented facts about Elvis on the theory of race any quality and it’s absolutely incorrect to even so much as suggest that he would ever be a racist. I’ll let history, research and all of his fans of mini Diversant backgrounds of color creed and religion speak for Elvis Presley.

[@carlforpresidentanthony4574]

I fully endorse all Chuck D messages 💯🔥🖤🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@calvinharrison21]

Got that right !!!

[@projectc.j.j3310]

Including lying saying Elvis was racist?😂

[@carlforpresidentanthony4574]

@@projectc.j.j3310 from a financial cultural appropriation perspective on the music yes, from a personal angle no. He wasn't a racist his more just stupid. but also buckled to his racist friends that judged him surely. so thats why chuck calls him racist. life is grey my friend

[@PayminatorX]

Hear hear!

[@Wyndu777]

This brotha is SOLID!!!!! Love Chuck D.

[@leanneblake4248]

From Australia. I saw Public Enemy in Sydney in 1992 or 93. Awesome & Powerful.

[@barty2381]

When Rebel Without A Pause first came out here in the U.K, had a massive impact on the Hip Hop community, awesome record!

[@fa1a2ha]

Always remembered those lyrics about presley and john wayne

[@GUYFAIRCLOGH88]

Unfortunately the one about Elvis, is absolutely wrong

[@kcl7201]

@@GUYFAIRCLOGH88 And the one about John?

[@reneebush2399]

@@kcl7201 for the amount of info out there to show that Elvis wasn’t racist, the is just as much to show that John Wayne was

[@simionthecounselor1856]

Respect, True and inspirational PE💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@bbey7246]

Chuck the shit!! Salute the Master!!! We love you 🤎For blacken the culture as you carried hip hop PERIOD !!!🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🔥🔥👑👑☀️☀️☀️🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

[@progrockman]

This is one of your greatest interviews ever! Chuck D always speaks the truth and does it so eloquently. And, as usual, you asked some great questions and had a good dialogue going with him Vlad.

[@TheColdrush22]

It sucks bad because he didn’t. He just essentially said Elvis is racist because of a knee-jerk reaction. It’s depressing. I don’t think he actually believes it.

[@StefanBorglycke]

Best voice in hip hop till this day

[@BL77357]

Ice Cube

[@johnmurphy6556]

wisdom, knowledge and intelligence equals Chuck D.

[@Makadocious88]

Probably one of the best interviews Vlad has give to us

[@MrRegaldamc]

I met chuck d, he so knowledgeable and humble

[@nathangraham5438]

My favourite line in music ever !✊🏾

[@JAFanClubPrez]

Yeah and was FALSE....on Elvis. John Wayne true.

[@patrickoconnor9700]

It's not true though.

[@gabaduran3333]

We know Elvis wasn't racist

[@cacckg0701]

Admire the way Chuck points out the Isley Brothers did the first Fight the Power song.

[@JT-vg1qn]

Isn't it funny that even back from 1989 'Fight The Power' is still relevant today? Chuck D speaks some truth...

[@colossus112785]

James Brown is The King

[@inewdayi541]

Chuck berry didnt actually invent rock and roll bill haley did and chcu k got famous less than a year later... elvis just evolved it... yall stop shit being fucking racist... they both had hands in making rock and roll what is was so did little richard and buddy holly,

[@stanspliff92]

@Jihad Da God and Ike Turner

[@stanspliff92]

@@inewdayi541 bill haley didn't invent shit. Fuck outta with that. Rocket 88 is widely considered the archetype for Rock n roll, which ike turner is uncredited for. There were elements of Rock n roll in some jazz records in the 40's all by black artists and in the south especially Memphis Rock n roll was played in clubs and bars frequented by white country artists in the late 40's early 50's. Before it was a genre it was a slang term in the black community for fucking.

[@BarbaPamino]

James Brown wasn't Rock and Roll. And I doubt any one on this message board actually listen Rock and Roll more than an hour a year. Obviously Elvis wouldn't have been the megastar that he was if he was black. But if Elvis were black he'd be as revered by the black community of his day as Jackie Wilson or Sam Cooke.

[@inewdayi541]

@@stanspliff92 bill haley the king of rock and roll

[@KLartrandM]

Sometimes when Chuck is talking he resembles Spike Lee to me. Is it only me?🤔

[@TerrellThomas1971]

you have a point

[@MaggillaKutz71]

Chuck you have the right to say what ever but I’m going to believe BB King, Redd Foxx, Mary Jenkins and Cissy Houston and by the way if you had the opportunity to speak with Jim Brown u could have asked him about Elvis they made two movies

[@dallaswebb9021]

Everything a white man does nowadays successfully is a racist. Elvis was NOT racist!! He loved what was at the time called black music. He's the King of it because he sold the most records and sold out the most shows. Not unlike Michael Jordan being the greatest basketball player, basketball... a game invented by and played first by white men. Research.... every black entertainer of the time loved Elvis. James Brown called him his brother and was at his funeral, cried for hours. Sammy Davis Jr.said he was my friend! Whitney Houston's mother worked with him and said he was not a racist. Elvis was supposed to do a Houston rodeo show. They told Elvis not to bring his black back up singers, Elvis said without them he wasn't coming!! He bought houses, cars and gave cash to everyone including black people. To be talked about by someone like this is an insult to what a man he was. Do better research. In the words of little Richard, "every black artist at the time made money from the doors Elvis opened". As a "Human Race" Lets all recognize rare beautiful talet. Worship God whatever the color of skin. Stop the hate on both sides. "Wak a mile in my shoes"

[@biglance]

PURE GOLD.

[@ruipacheco2939]

My wife is a HUGE Elvis fan - I've been listening to PE since this record came out - well, this line always stuck in my head (after I met her and she told me how Elvis was THE artist) and I come to it on a regular basis, everytime I learn a little bit more about Elvis, and after being to Graceland. As much as I love PE, this line simply won't apply to Elvis - I can understand what Chuck says about Elvis not being "king" to his eyes - I'm Portuguese and I couldn't give a rat's ass about most Portuguese things - Fado, soccer, wine, etc, etc). But one needs to draw the line and be factual - John Wayne, yup. Elvis, not a racist. The things he did for the people he love are all over the place - go check it out - color was definitelly not an issue for him. Cheers from Portugal

[@Mybabymomlooksbetter]

That’s your opinion, fact is you weren’t around Elvis to make that judgement whether or not he was racist . Your “opinion “ is not a fact, people basing their judgement off hearsay is ignorant.

[@ruipacheco2939]

@@Mybabymomlooksbetter Happy new year to you too😉

[@fredrickbrown6206]

I really appreciate that interview with Chuck D I believe that was one of the best interviews yet.

[@iamLexxKelsey]

I promise if i heard the last 2mins when i was a kid it would have changed my whole life but its going to change my life going forward

[@robbyrodriguez9984]

Fight the power is actually my least favorite public enemy song because of the lie that Elvis was racist. In that documentary, Chuck basically called Elvis a racist because he was the most successful artist in a predominantly black music genre. He even admits that at 5:30.

[@papaversomniferum5247]

Black people call everyone racist because they can’t act formal and proper. They think they can do whatever they want. It’s sickening to me cause I’m black and have to live in a world with these racists... my family grew up poor now we are upper middle class, black successful family without drugs or anything illegal, if you actually work hard and not buy shoes with your rent money, I promise you, you will thrive brothers!

[@fidelbell4855]

@@papaversomniferum5247 lol you most have the whitest hands for a black person. I saw your video and of melting stuff down😂your hands clearly white. Nice job “brother”

[@mattwitwicki1387]

As someone who loves and respects Chuck, I was very disappointed to hear of this. You don’t sling stuff like that because someone has become popular.

[@fidelbell4855]

@@mattwitwicki1387 lol you’re so soft. Go cry boomer

[@mattwitwicki1387]

@@fidelbell4855 I'm actually Gen X..so you've missed there mark there..but I'm not sure how "soft" is used here when speaking about facts and accuracy..? I'm guessing that I was listening to Chuck and company before you were part of this world.....but carry on..

[@kushiteprince1755]

That’s probably one of my all time favorite quotes in hip hop! Hearing that back in 1989 was powerful 👍🏾

[@depper]

The same people that would call Elvis a racist, without knowing or caring about A THING about him, would say he stole music or entire songs. Elvis credited every song owner for every song and on every album. No exceptions. Never stole a single lyric, song or signature dance move. Elvis was a creative supernova. A legendary song arranger that would interpret music in new ways that attracted young people. Noone else had that kind of ability back then. Black, white, or anyone else. Johann Sebastian Bach some call the greatest musician of them all. Yet all he did was interpret the music before him better than anyone else in his century. Classical music is a loooong way from Rock and Roll... but its the same art form, music. Black song owners like Little Richard, Chuck Berry and Otis Blackwell loved working with Elvis. They had a routine .... Elvis would buy the song rights, then Elvis would send royalty checks to them based on his own sales. In addition to that, their own record sales would skyrocket as America would seek out the original artists to songs Elvis would record. So black songwriters would get three new income channels that would exist solely because Elvis covered their song: 1. song rights. 2. royalty checks in the mail. 3. Their own album sales would skyrocket. THIS is how Elvis began to tear down racist barriers in the music business and he legit opened it up to everyone. And the corruption of the record CEOs were so bad... even black record execs were ripping off their black artists. Exhibit A: Big Mamma Thorton. Big Mamma was paid $500 for her work on Hound Dog. Given to her by Don Robey, gangster and owner of Peacock Records because he know she was illiterate, she couldn't read or write. So he made her sign all her profits over to him and he fed her almost nothing in return. He made her sign contracts that he knew she couldn't read. Legally, nothing could be done about it. She died almost penniless. He stole Millions of dollars that belonged to her. And he mismanaged her career in clubs where he knew the owners and got paid directly.

[@curiouslymavismade]

Much love for you, Chuck D, i love Public Enemy. Hate what Flav became after those days.

[@ComicPower]

Chuck is so wise and is a walking museum of hip hop history and knowledge. Legend.

[@tcity6334]

Elvis was not a racist.

[@westyraviz]

Chuck D is so very modest. He repeatedly deflects Vlad’s praise to instead give praise to Spike Lee, Isley Brothers, and others.

[@clarencecarter2361]

I went to the Million Man March in 1995 at 20yo. I was there walking amongst my Bro's. Nobody came close to trippin about anything. The clothes and haircuts were different, but WE were definitely united that day in DC with Farrakhan.

[@seanwright5287]

Love Públic enemy and Chuck D! That' era of rap, music in general was about Black artistry , Black pride, and Black beauty!

[@jermainezinnerman7450]

Elvis wasn't a racist! Chuck D was in his feelings when he wrote that 😄. Besides why get mad at Elvis because people called him "the king?" He never called himself the king and always paid respects to the black artist that came before, during, and after. Elvis wasn't a damn racist. Stop

[@williamtownsell743]

Obviously you don't remember, "black people can't do nothing for me but buy my records and shine my shoes", a quote attributed to E, which he apologized for later.

[@soulman7429]

@@williamtownsell743 uh no. 😂 Elvis never apologized for that .... because he never really said that. People that have researched this online over the years come to realize real quick it was just a made-up rumor. Even Chuck D learned it wasn't true he has spoke about this and interviews Jet Magazine went after Elvis back in the day after the rumor broke that he made that supposed statement. Elvis said it was bulshit quote that someone falsely attributed to him. One of the most respected black Journalists of that era (Louis Robinson) admitted after talking to Elvis, as well as talking to many of the black folks that knew him going all the way back to his childhood in Tupelo Mississippi, said Elvis was not capable of making a bigoted statement. He was one of the few rare open minded, integrative white Souls around. People that research this all know this by now Chuck D got called out after his Fight the Power album by James Brown Little Richard and BB King. They all made him sit down with them one day and told him quit believing made-up nonsense rumors abt Elvis. Chuck learned that Elvis never "stole" from any of them, and Elvis was really the type of white brother that called out white folks on their bigotry. He also beat up a racist for harassing a black man in 1967. Go ahead and research this a little better. In this day in age no one wants to be considered a speaker of Truth while at the same time pushing false rumors that have been proven untrue

[@michaelcrawford5083]

@@williamtownsell743 LOL that was debunked along time ago, he never once said that

[@michaelcrawford5083]

@@soulman7429 Damn, James Brown called him out? Source?

[@shazbotsmash2422]

@@williamtownsell743 that's not even close to being true

[@god-king2164]

Greatest Hip Hop song ever

[@rhianhegarty3383]

I fucking love this man. Icon.

[@KikinProductions]

This won't age well. The new Elvis movie will factually shed light on Elvis and his closure with black music with the likes of B.B King.

[@chrisbecker5472]

Elvis fkd a 13yo and moved her into his house. That aged like a prune If shrivelling and looking grotesque was being called out for being on the "pedo" spectrum, within a decade of dying😂

[@zapataalonzo9177]

WHO CARES, ELVIS IS DEAD!!!!

[@cmarie6157]

He was simple & plain 😅

[@Supadan75]

Wait so because there’s a movie about Elvis every thing in there was factual? He was a paedophile, Pricilla was 14 when they met, what on earth was he doing with a girl that age?!!

[@RayTAllen]

@@cmarie6157 mf him and John Wayne💪🏾💪🏾

[@zekerodgers5683]

Chuck is the reason I love hip hop !

[@roberttaylor6694]

PREACH!

[@5x7m]

Chuck D IS Hip Hop

[@raycarter8070]

I agree.

[@raycarter8070]

My grandparents grew as Elvis's neighbors when they were kids. I used to believe the public enemy line, but not any more. They did quite a lot of black families way before fame or money. I will say though- that his criticism is correct- My grandparents felt like Elvis totally blew off the whole town and black community once he became rich or famous. In fact, we did not know they were his neighbors until a few months ago. Chuck D is a legend and hopefully more stories will come out-post the elvis movie!

[@josephn6108]

Chuck D is Great, but Elvis Was not a racist. He definitely didn’t do his homework on that…

[@novapitman28]

Chuck D is legend✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿