FIRST TIME HEARING Public Enemy - Fight The Power REACTION

[@Ferretbomber]

I'm a white boy metalhead grew up in the 70s-80s, but this album is one of the greatest albums ever made, IMO. We listened to this and Ice-T constantly. As important now as it ever has been. Things need to change.

[@nicolebrown1927]

Thank you for your compassion Jason 😢☺💙🎶. And I'm actually a metalhead myself.

[@PinkyPuff69]

I agree with you.

[@stever.1730]

Signed.

[@AnthonyStoneWilliams]

I appreciate you brother ✊🤜🤛

[@LeafGreen906]

metal and hip hop do share some unique aspects, they evolved in similar ways too in how they use aggression

[@lauraedwards442]

No internet/social media/cell phones back then. People SHOWED UP

[@Msboochie2]

Yes indeed, that was a real movement in NYC day! This song was for Spike Lee’s movie Fight the Power, and if I remember correctly Spike Lee’s store in Bed Stuyhad it’s grand opening that day.Hence , practically every young black person in NYC was trying to be in Bed Stuy that day. I hope they react to Public Enemy -“Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos”

[@hiiipoweriii2211]

No covid 19 either lol

[@ngonsainti]

It was for the movie (too)

[@intricatelytangled]

Yup!

[@bunnybunny3536]

@@Msboochie2 the movie was Spike Lee’s DO THE RIGHT THING.

[@pjpittman]

You are wrong that the world can't get better. I know it seems at times like it's hopeless. But I had never heard of you until this afternoon, and I've spent the last 90 minutes watching your videos. Seeing your reactions to these songs, watching a young man like you go through the process of learning new things has made my day. You just made the world better for me.

[@nicolebrown1927]

Omg, you literally made me cry with your beautiful comment PJ. Sometimes I feel hopeless and sad but I'm trying to keep my head up. It's hard these days though. The Twins never fail at putting a smile on my face and I'm greatful for the way they're bringing people together with love through music. Keep yourself safe PJ. 💙🎶💙

[@ellenmason3833]

Crying too! These guys have been the brightest light at the crappiest time. Pure joy!

[@robertware663]

@@ellenmason3833 he did not say the world can't get better he said it is not getting better

[@deehildreth13]

Facts💯 Same here, been watching all night.

[@karaamundson3964]

yes, the world *can* get better

[@robertreichle1]

Chuck D sounds so much better than 99.99 percent of rappers. Everything he says sounds cool. He could rap the phone book.

[@seelenwinter6662]

grandmaster flash, epmd, eric b or run dmc are good old ones too...^^

[@danusmc3]

Yep. actually, I refer to 1980-1996 the golden age of rap. Sure, some leak through now, but those years were amazing, wide variety and everyone was doing their own thing, not sounding like everyone else.

[@gaygambler]

Seen PE live in London 1989

[@josh0g]

He's just got such a powerful, booming voice... he just verbally boxing your ears.

[@Klgray7373]

add Bun B in that mix too

[@avalentine730]

Your comments in the video..if only you knew what the rest of 2020 had in store. I was around when this song came out, and they were fighting for some of the same things as we are now.

[@cinemeleon2808]

Sadly, those oppressive systems are still in place. Until those are torn down and rebuilt, things will not change.

[@tamcon72]

I am writing this on September 11, 2020, and just realized because of your comment that this video was posted _before everything started going down._ And got a chill . . . .

[@yvettecottman8677]

I remember this time so clearly and I agree, they were rapping about the same injustices we are dealing with today. Sad but true!

[@ireneugeba5282]

They got shut down for telling the truth and gangsta rap got all the support. That's why HipHop is what it is today.

[@annettehonsberger4915]

Sad damn truth!!

[@SuperDrefuss]

This was when black folks had a reckoning with ourselves, and our mis-education. It was when we didn’t pass one another on college campuses without a head nod, or a hello, when we had a major or minor in black studies, when we wore kufi hats and leather Africa medallions, we wore lines of unity cut into our fades and brows. This was when rap music had a message, or a lesson to teach. It really was a movement- possibly the one that would prepare us for what’s happening now.

[@marydiesch]

There really was a powerful movement at the time and it did wake many. White Gen Xers like me, across social classes embraced rap music en masse. As you say, the message was real, and it was undeniable. It’s how many of us became aware of the black experience beyond what was taught through high school. It felt like the movement only picked up steam after the Rodney King verdicts. But the politics boomeranged so quickly with fear mongering, crime bills and focus on increasing the prison population. 9/11 added the militarization of local police. And here we are in 2020. I hope too and pray that we are ready.

[@mydogsioux]

This is beautifully written, thank you.

[@1973tinytim]

Music was more powerful back then this song is still so relevant today as it was back then

[@jsump24]

They just released a 2020 remix that brings it up to date

[@sieteocho]

"Back then" means 1988 to 1993, the golden age of sampling. This was a period when a lot of hip hop producers were sampling music with impunity. After that, everybody got sued left, right and centre, and that severely restricted what could go onto a hip hop records. Obviously the caveat applies that some people used this privilege to sample anything and everything wisely, and others didn't. Coincidently or not, all of the classic Public Enemy records were made before 1993.

[@tatemitchell5020]

This song and Do The Right Thing defined a generation, man. You gotta see the movie after hearing this song.

[@shakarussanders9911]

Going down to Sal's famous for a slice

[@lyricessence]

Do The Right Thing lives in our streets over the last three months. Three decades later and Spike Lee's message is more relevant than ever. Let's make it make a difference this time.

[@DBrown-gu4ry]

@@shakarussanders9911 a slice? You mean TWO SLICES

[@DBrown-gu4ry]

@soli Sanchez You've probably never seen the film, because you obviously didn't get the point. The whole movie is about the senselessness of racism

[@lyricessence]

@soli Sanchez You sound like a character in the film. Unfortunately, Spike's film is as relevant as ever and you just willingly provided the reason.

[@TARLEASE02]

I'm late to your reaction, but yes. People really showed up for PE like this. Those were real people from the neighborhood and the Power is the system and racism. As for things not changing, a friends mom once said that people don't change they just get older.

[@v.j.3029]

The Message - Grandmaster Flash O.P.P. - Naughty By Nature Insane In The Brain - Cypress Hill Supersonic - JJ Fad It Takes Two - Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock

[@KateMahoneyNTP]

YES TO ALL OF THESE!!!

[@joyhead342]

This made me remember: My Way or the Highway

[@marydiesch]

I second grandmaster flash. Never disappoints across all types of people. Unlike anything else out there.

[@jessheart4570]

They reacted to It Takes Two...check it out. They liked it.

[@Yosoyamcamc]

This song is still relevant today. Makes me sad you are so young and sounding like there is no hope. There is always hope. Keep the faith. I know it’s hard, you don’t sound depressed. Just almost accepting of the status quo. As a Latina this song resonated with me when it came out. Keep the faith. A change is going to come. 🙏🏽👊🏽

[@w1llystyles]

Black people were a little more together back then. We could get together for stuff like this, we even had BLOCK PARTIES, ask your old heads about those.....Oh and nobody died from those either

[@DrHilliman]

Yes. In NYC, summertime meant block parties, dancing, and socializing. Crowds like this would pop up all over; And we listened to all genres. I wouldn’t trade my childhood for anything. It framed the adult I’ve become. Although in ‘89 I was in the Air Force...I missed this block party 😃

[@artiste1954]

And I can tell you in the 1960s and 70s we mixed! Big Be-Ins and Love-Ins. Look at the groups of that time. All races, only requirement? Great musicians.

[@Girlzonfirellc]

Facts!!

[@barbara8321]

Love from Australia ❤️

[@BlaccTony69]

I went to my 1st and one & only BLOCK PARTY back in the day. I’m not from the East Coast, but we had one on the West Coast, blocked off the block and partied up. I got so fuck up that day & night from drinking, I think I blacked out. Just glad I didn’t wake up in jail. I don’t know how I got home.

[@laurahendrix4064]

YOU are making it better! Twins are bringing people together by showing us what open hearts and minds can do!

[@lionmanx]

It was a rally against police brutally also Spike Lee had people come out shoot a video for his movie DO THE RIGHT THING.

[@michelecalla928]

It breaks my heart to hear you say that it isn't going to get better in January 2020 and to know how right you are in August 2020.

[@lisablodgett5759]

And a week later another straight up murder by the police in Kjnosha, WI. We been having the SAME conversation since Fear of a Black Planet....since MLK's March on Washington. I don't get it. Enuf!!

[@letsnotforget7154]

Fight the power 2020 ft Nas, YG public enemy. Check it out

[@sjcflawless]

James Jones Nuff said!

[@htx8257]

I commented on your last reaction.... This is when rap stood for something... PE was huge in the day!

[@xoxxobob61]

When RAP & HIP HOP had a Conscious...now we have "Mumble" rap....SMH !

[@gonzo2495]

@@xoxxobob61 And many other artists who make still good music like Joyner Lucas, NF etc.

[@MadAngel209]

"Fight The Power" means fighting against injustice.

[@Hartbeat1555]

True Indeed! BY Any Means Necessary....

[@revettefarrow4111]

Its Also Talking About The Government

[@susanhicks3336]

PE was the thinking person's group and they still are! Check out ALL of their their raps. Chuck D was the absolute truth!

[@cassandradennard6323]

I'm glad he did too

[@claudiavalentijn1457]

Still is!

[@neonvandal8770]

People forget the PRIDE that PE made you feel. Brilliant!👊

[@IENetworkTV]

i sit here and cry because i am raising a 7 year old I wish she knew what it felt like to be black and proud now she afraid of being black its scary and sad

[@scenxad]

Public Enemy were by far the most important Rap group of all time.

[@seanp3302]

and rap is the most unimportant genre of all time.

[@TheGuitar5150]

Bad Religion 🤘

[@danielprudhoe647]

@@seanp3302 Why is it? More unimportant than something like black metal?

[@danielprudhoe647]

Along with Run DMC and Beastie Boys, yes

[@googelle7555]

*One of the

[@ursulabklyn_mia6148]

Its Brooklyn you can start a block party at the drop of a dime.

[@BDavinci06]

Pretty much!! Guys like me coming from the Bronx coming all the way down to Brooklyn for the block party. We always had a good time with friends and family.

[@TSmith-no7kn]

True... Like Dave Chapelle did

[@acmalin927]

This kid is wise beyond his years... would have fit in JUST FINE in 89'

[@IENetworkTV]

he sure would have

[@v1005970]

At high school I looked up to chuck d. Being Maori i could relate as how were treated here in New Zealand.. public enemy for life

[@JoJoGigglessss]

“Do the Right Thing”, Spike Lee A must watch movie. BLM Movement is going to make a difference all of us together to fight evil.

[@johnbrowne3950]

Could you please ask BLM not to burn and loot so much?

[@johnbrowne3950]

@Marie Riegel I agree. You are probably one of the good ones.

[@mickymouse2445]

I watched this film the first time in 2019 I think and I liked it a lot!

[@johnbrowne3950]

@Marie Riegel White armies have been battling other white armies for centuries. Same goes for blacks and native Americans. That's the way of the world.

[@katyas-mom]

@@johnbrowne3950 they're not. Do your research.

[@greg_1492]

Funny, lots of metalheads here. In my experience in the late 80's every metalhead I knew loved this album. Definitely one of the greatest albums of the century. To me this album is when Hip Hop became the new Rock & Roll. Music with a message speaking to its generation!

[@dandillinger23]

Public Enemy - 911 is a joke. Do that one next young playa! Classic ish

[@TSquared2001]

And "Can't Trust Em", "Black Steele in the hour of chaos", "Night of the Living Basehead" & "Work it Out" are ones to have as 'on-decks'

[@charlesjonessr3684]

Midi Weighs A Ton, MPE and Yo Bum Rush The Show. 911 is a joke wasn't that good.

[@euwalk]

Don’t believe the hype! Very actual!

[@ellenmason3833]

It’s 2020 and we are still bumpin this. And yes all those people showed up for PE. Still do.

[@purplebeard1526]

I'm so glad you got to Public Enemy, probably my favorite rap group of all time. I would consider this song to be an essential listen for just checking them out. Other ESSENTIAL TRACKS: Don't Believe the Hype, Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos, Rebel Without a Pause, Burn Hollywood Burn, Brothas Work it Out, Welcome to the Terrordome, She Watch Channel Zero, Bring the Noise (original), 991 is a Joke, Shut Em Down, Get the F* Outta Dodge, Can't Truss It, .....

[@mikecaetano]

Excellent list!

[@dd22musicfan1]

I'd also add "Show Em What Cha Got" and "By the Time I Get to Arizona." Public Enemy is so great! My favorite rap group of all-time.

[@melissa2688]

Public Enemy was one of the best. This middle aged white lady wears her P.E. Fear of Black Planet tshirt proudly. Fight the Power!

[@baronesselsavonfreytag-lor1134]

LoL that's the word I used, too - essential

[@daniellemisin4049]

Melissa Ann Nevin Hell ya! Me too! PE was a huge part of the soundtrack of my teens and 20’s.

[@coachmeifucan3429]

Chuck D is one the few rappers I’ve seen who sounds exactly the same live. Great show!

[@emeldaleemiller305]

This is exactly what ignorant folks are terrified of... Education and power

[@chefmarianrene5251]

#SAID

[@makeoverme]

Such a great group. Glad you reacted to this one!

[@cassandradennard6323]

The Best glad he did too

[@louispulitano7087]

You really need to start reacting to more old school hip hop... "Kool g rap" "Eric b and rakim". "Mob deep". "Slick rick". Etc.....

[@purplebeard1526]

LL Cool J, NWA, Wu Tang Clan, Salt N Peppa, MC Lyte, Beastie Boys, 3rd Bass, Stetsasonic, EPMD .... lots of good old school to get into....

[@justawhisperintheuniverse8257]

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five

[@michaelbaldwin8484]

Afrika Bambaataa, Kool Moe Dee, Big Daddy Kane

[@tyruskelebon6917]

Add the humorous ones like Sir Mix A Lot and Digital Underground

[@sargonsblackgrandfather2072]

De La Soul

[@vaidabalbieriute1484]

Check out A tribe called quest

[@23duff]

Scenario from The Low End Theory.

[@guycarter6692]

This song will always be sentimental to me. It came out the year I graduated high school, 1989. Before the movie "Do The Right Thing" came out, the entire school got passes to a screening that Spike Lee actually attended. He sat in the theater & gauged the reactions of the audience. There was actually a scene where Rosie Perez danced for an extended period of time while this song blared & people were like "Alright Spike." It was crazy because seeing the movie in the theater months later when it was released, the scene was shortened. I ALWAYS yell out 1989 when this comes on the radio. Great memories!... BTW.. Please check out "By The Time I Get To Arizona."

[@Gunnercv]

“Self destruction” is a good song too

[@doreensarcone4346]

I still have the "single " on cassette

[@devynjohnson317]

Yes!

[@adonisrivera354]

Fight the power by any means. By speaking truth, by supporting your neighborhood, by being involved, by reading, by walking marching listening reading learning loving,

[@andreastudebaker3722]

You saw the future in your comments for this song, and now we are there. And it's beautiful.

[@Talim540]

This song was one of the reasons record companies started pushing groups like NWA and "Gangsta" rap. Conscious music was bringing us together. You should do some BDP.

[@margaretcunningham1274]

Yessss

[@Tiffanyhlcmb]

So Very true they were against unifying through music with a message. Glorifying gangsta rap was the agenda for violence, disrespecting us women, drug use and more. That's exactly when rap went downhill for us all even still to this day smh.

[@cherneking6550]

Late 80's and 90's we breathed, slept, and lived hip hop... Very different then today.. We woke up TO to it and went to sleep with it... Our fashion, movies, everything... Thats when conscious rap, fun rap existed... There Always a knuckle head acting a fool.. But it definitely got worse... You have a great platform to plant seeds of change👏👏👏

[@KBH27]

Their jam "Public Enemy No. 1" , is the first one i heard on the radio. Please do more "Old School" jams. Different styles too. Schooly D Steady B Mantronix Biz Markie Word Of Mouth Eric B & Rakim Original Concept Newcleus Jonzun Crew HASHIM Rodney O & Joe Cooley Kurtis Blow 3rd Bass MC Shan Boogie Boys T La Rock Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five Afrika Bambaataa & The Soul Sonic Force Planet Patrol Kid 'N Play Beastie Boys LL Cool J Run-D.M.C. Whodini

[@WessexMan]

Mate, I'm a 50 year old white English guy, I bought Fear of a Black Planet 30 years ago, it is possibly the best album ever made.

[@yvonne2965]

This was really revolutionary when it came out .. & i like how you always hit the nail on the head with a simple sentence bcuz yes this was bumped when it came out

[@D.Antony]

This is one of the greatest rap songs of all time! Can't believe you haven't heard it before but better late than never. Public Enemy is the vanguard of hip hop.

[@GG.1900]

Twin we always have hope, these are the days that the BIble speaks of, how love would “wax cold”, You continue to let your light shine , this channel is helping so many, their will always be someone who can’t be helped and we jus pray 4 them and continue to do our part, know matter how small...THANKU, you are making a difference 🙏🏽

[@purplebeard1526]

I wouldn't go with it being PE's break through video/song but I will give you that it + Do the Right Thing the movie that it was for was a big deal and the popularity and message of the movie really did help this song take off.

[@KimMahan]

This was my high school football team's theme song. Class off '88, Oxon Hill High, just outside of DC.

[@terkstevens7971]

You went to Oxon Hill in 88? I went to Friendly

[@KimMahan]

@@terkstevens7971 Nice! The OHHS/Friendly Football rivalry was the highlight of every fall.

[@robertburns4429]

Be educated. Be mature. Be responsible. Be considerate. Be respectful...You will be powerful.

[@mikecaetano]

Yeah, they brought out all those people for their video. Public Enemy was always the real deal. "Fight the Power" is the lead cut off their third album "Fear of a Black Planet." For me personally, hearing it again reminds me of my college days running errands at work and listening to KDAY over the AM radio in the truck. If you're not familiar with AM radio, the signal travels over considerable distances. So I was able to pick up a station from Los Angeles even though I was in San Diego. And better still that station played hip-hop rather than golden oldies or sports talk or what have you. Sadly, KDAY no longer exists. Hip-hop jumped over to FM radio and KDAY lost its audience and was sold.

[@lisablodgett5759]

Are you talking about fighting within our own communities? It's true this was a unifying song/album in many ways. There's a lot of historical references to 1987-1989

[@cookypuss8603]

Public has a ton of great songs. I would recommend Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos, Shut em Down, By the Time I Get to Arizona.

[@BushidoBrownSama]

Truth

[@MsTexas73]

Yes!!! “Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos” and also “Night of the Living Baseheads”

[@pastense]

This was the crew that influenced the rappers that influenced the rappers that influenced the rappers...u get it...

[@guestlistlimousine3222]

Its good to see young men listening to old skool jams like PE.. I grew up with them.. I'd love to see you react to "Bring the noise" ppublic enemy with antrax.. Its awesome!!!!$

[@msmilligramm]

Yes, back in the day "they were PUMPIN" THIS!!" See the Spike Lee film this song was feathered in..."Do the Right Thing."

[@AZColt1971]

Chuck D...….miss hearin that dude! He can make a simple "Hello" sound cool as hell.

[@kikiki4592]

Miss him? He hasnt stopped. New PE album with Flav came out 4-1-20, has another album wiht B-Real and RATM called Prophets of Rage.

[@teddennison344]

Public Enemy just released a new album today. He also fronted Prophets of Rage, which put out one of the best albums of the last 3 years.

[@ellenbantz3896]

I know it's easy to get discouraged. Don't underestimate your own power. You add positive energy to the world. You are helping in your own way to make this world better.

[@snap2snip]

Me an hour ago: Welcome to the Thunderdome To myself one hour later: Welcome to the Terrordome, stupid

[@purplebeard1526]

...Terrordome....

[@snap2snip]

purple beard I’m an idiot, hahaha, I get that title confused with that Mad Max film. Welcome to the Terrordome

[@helenewortham1840]

Got it right

[@lynette.]

You take your joy where you can you make the change by spreading the love .

[@wileydawgknows5326]

30 years later we are still fighting the powers that be!

[@marioandrade4499]

Great choice man! Public Enemy gets shit hyped up like no other. Used to jam Public Enemy in the locker rooms before football games and wrestling matches. On a more serious note, you are right about communities needing to help each other out.

[@ronaldray8129]

Your reaction to phil collins in the air tonight video was on CBS news this morning 7 am national news yesterday they showed your reaction to the drum break really cool bro. Be blessed from NY.

[@Risse227]

Wow! I was in that video somewhere! That was a great day in Bed Stuy. Those of us who got there early enough got a t-shirt and KFC.😂

[@ropersf]

Awesome. You should check out Burn Hollywood Burn, Public Enemy + Big Daddy Kane + Ice Cube.

[@If6turnsouttobe9]

Aint heard that long time i went straight and listened again when i saw your post. Agreed!! React twin!!

[@pjmills4866]

One Of The Most Important Songs & Groups in recorded History!! Chuck D Voice Demands Respect

[@paulkersey1007]

For the record, young man, this world can get better but the key is, you must be the change you want to see in this world. That is the message of Public Enemy.

[@If6turnsouttobe9]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍💪absolutely. Be humble , be open , be meek, but dont mumble, , be dopin' or be weak.

[@heavyproductions6058]

Change is in us. You see how big music is to our culture imagine if we listen to music to give us pride vs degrading n killing our spirits. It’s coming stay at it

[@DJDionP]

Public enemy wasn't just a rap group. Public Enemy were fucking ROCKSTARS. They were already huge way before fight the power but this was HUGE because it came from the movie soundtrack. Watch the movie do the right thing for context on this video. When you guys do these videos, I think you should do maybe a little background research on the artists, just to know a little about them. ✌🏿✊🏿♥️🖤💚✊🏿 Stay safe out here young black brothers, keep the channel going 🔥🔥 peace

[@AngelRDiaz-ie6ww]

Oh yeah react too Welcome too the thunderdome my favorite from PE (: But they got so many banging tracks (:

[@tonypepperoni1370]

Chuck D Public Enemy 🔥🔥🔥

[@Reneb1978]

Back then the power was in the 'Hood" and they supported their own. If their was jealousy or a 'beef' it was handled respectfully.

[@M66-j7t]

Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Terminator X, Professor Griff and the S1W'S YEAH BOYEEEE

[@darranwells8768]

Young dude what's going on is the same thing that's happening today, WAKE UP AMERICA, BECAUSE WE ARE READY

[@asdfqwer1234zxcv]

there is a much older song by The Isley Brothers called "Fight The Power", same meaning but most of the lyrics are different, they do say "We got to fight the powers that be!" Public Enemy's version of this song was at the beginning of the movie Do The Right Thing, I turned that one into an mp3 cause it's the best version. As far as Public Enemy's breakout is concerned, their entire second album is it, It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back "Night of the Living Baseheads" "Rebel Without a Pause" "Don't Believe the Hype" "Bring the Noise" "She Watch Channel Zero" "Black Steel In the Hour of Chaos" "Prophets of Rage" "Terminator X to the Edge of Panic" play that one driving down the street :) I really do feel sorry for the young music lovers that were not around when this album came out and THAT'S THE TRUTH RUTH!!! haha

[@justawhisperintheuniverse8257]

Yeah, people are always gonna be the same, but if you want change, it starts with you. Be the change.

[@If6turnsouttobe9]

Cant like it but once so here 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍lol

[@Kim-dm4yb]

Please know change is coming...yes these are sad times but there are more people standing up for change than the ignorant!!!

[@D.Antony]

Amen, amen, amen. Can't say it any better than that. Be the change you want.

[@Armygirl-xb6ev]

Back in the day, we, Black people, came out in support of our own. Yes, all those people came out for Public Enemy. Same problems we had back then, we have now but there was a respect of life. We have power with our dollars, Voices and votes. That’s what PE stood for. You need to read the lyrics...

[@chealaMcphee]

Check out the song “self destruction” various rap artist came together.

[@tyruskelebon6917]

Chuck D had a very powerful and unique voice, great rapper.

[@soniatovar1884]

Do MC LYTE!!! Paper thin! De la soul!

[@MrRelationshipMD]

You got the like and SUB because you said "If we can stand together as 1" and stand for what's right. Young man, talk that ish...peace and blessings.

[@b00jen81]

You NEED to do Public Enemy's "By the Time I Get to Arizona." And if you do, the back story on the song/video: Back in the late 80s/early 90s, the governor of Arizona cancelled Martin Luther King Jr Day for the state, saying basically who cares that he did a lot for black Americans. Later an attempt to reinstate it was voted down by Arizona voters. In the video, of course the fight that they show Chuck D and company bring to Arizona and the governor is just a fantasy. However, everything else they show depicts what really occurred during the Civil Rights struggle of the 60s - the police attacking protesters with dogs and spraying them with high powered hoses, black people not being allowed to sit on buses or eat at the same counter as whites (and how racists reacted to that when blacks and whites both tried to protest it), and the assassination of Dr. King are all shown in the video as well. And of course, even though the fight for Civil Rights was won back then, racism is still alive and well in the US, and Arizona particularly has continued to have very serious issues with racist practices within their government and police force, so it's still very relevant today.

[@Browninharlem]

Nope. Just for the video. You have no idea how dope the 90's was. My God. They were the hardest Black Evolutionary Rap Group ever. Their words were epic! Chuck the voice, Flavor the Flavor, The FOI, I mean just epic.

[@robertsterner2145]

It's interesting to see your reaction to this almost 7 months later, when it feels like so much has changed after the death of George Floyd and the BLM protests across the country. Things seemed stagnant for so long and then *kapow* they moved light years

[@mickcrick5346]

Saw PE in Sheffield in 2013. Just so powerful. Brilliant lyrics, brilliant sound.

[@paulc4091]

Very wise young man. The black community stands in its own way. Hope that changes.

[@slappyslapstick4045]

Fuck you.

[@srimmingtonify]

The community stands in its own way? No. Where did you get that from?

[@huskerchickmissy]

Black Power and Pride hell ya we where bumping this shit!! Public Enemy was one that preached about equality the black Community we need more artist like this. ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾👍🏾🤘🏾 I saw them live in Omaha Nebraska not to long ago it was an amazing show!!

[@sanatahalexander3880]

This was more than a music video.... it was a protest! I was 8 when this came out

[@holly7869]

You absolutely took the words out of my mouth. The sixties and seventies optimism and fearlessness to make things better, to work through it and make changes for everyone. Women in the workforce, equality for every damn person on the planet. Our behavior would change, use better words to describe each other, equality in schools. We just KNEW we could do it. 2021? It's heartbreak. Nothing but a heartbreak.

[@peteypete1216]

Chuch D later walked back on his racist comment on Elvis saying he picked him because he was an icon for white people not because he was a racist

[@celiasmith8662]

What was racist bout his comment? You young ppl know nothing. Elvis profited off black music, stole it from black folks and was marketed as 'the King of Rock Roll) when black folks had released his tracks well before him. He was the racist one who despite stealing black music, sad that the only black he associates with is the black polish on his shoes!

[@spartandogs3126]

Celia Smith there is nothing more entertaining than listening to dumb asses like you pretending like you know what you’re talking about Elvis wasn’t racist at all You need to educate yourself there’s always at least one D-BAG!!! in a bunch congratulations that you.

[@peteypete1216]

@@celiasmith8662 im not saying his comment was racist , im talking about Chuck Ds lyric in the song which he later took back, if you take the time to look at Elvis back round youll find that he grew up on black music and gospel so he didnt steal it , he just took music he loved to the masses , as for the comment about polishing shoes that whole thing wasnt true and made up

[@geraldjohnson4013]

It wasn't a racist comment. It was the truth. It reflected the thoughts of those of us who knew Elvis Presley was a cultural thief.

[@geraldjohnson4013]

@@peteypete1216 I know about Elvis Presley. You need to study Otis Blackwell the obscure blues singer who he got his vocal style from. Colonel Parker, his manager sent Elvis tapes of Blackwell to listen to so he could mimic his singing style. Otis Blackwell died broke by the way.

[@baronesselsavonfreytag-lor1134]

Really glad to see Public Enemy, was going to recommend them. Essential listening.

[@danusmc3]

Do yourself a favor and check out "Self Destruction". It's a song by a TON of rap artists at the time about gun violence and so forth!!! A must listen/see!!

[@lamstar1]

This song was everything in the 80’s, woke a lot of people up. Including me, a young girl growing up in Canada. My school didn’t teach black history, this was the song that inspired me to learn about black history, history of slavery, racism. This song was and is so important.

[@usermo]

The Isley Brothers Fight the Power

[@teeroh99]

1:35 If I understood your question, you wanted to know if all those people were there for the filming of the music video, or if the musical performance was part of some larger event. I think the answer is yes, they all showed up to be part of a Public Enemy video, which was being directed by Spike Lee. Lee has said in an interview that the intention was to "reenact a march". And a skilled director such as Spike Lee is able to make things look a lot bigger on screen. What I mean is, the people who showed up may have numbered in the low hundreds, but through the use of clever framing and whatnot, the impression on screen is that there were thousands. (For all I know, thousands actually showed up. My point is that it wouldn't take that many people to give the impression of a massive rally or march.)

[@23000tc]

you predicted it perfectly.."this world is gonna get worse"

[@crystalcroft8318]

I hear you Tim.

[@StoryTimewithMissAnna]

Watching your reaction to this song 5 months after you posted it, with all that has happened in the world since then... well, I have your George Floyd video open in another tab, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts. My love to you and yours. #BlackLivesMatter #FightThePower

[@fayetaylor4275]

I've just scrolled through all your videos praying this is on here. One of THE best albums of all time END OF! I still remember every word ✊

[@number1sun]

Chuck D is still fighting the power with Prophets of Rage and supporting Bernie Sanders! It's not for show the dude is for real - power to the people!

[@user-DJDreamworld]

I am 50 and it has not changed since i was young

[@jaycoopz2152]

Dont lose faith brother,there was a time where it wasnt as bad..I know people like to point out that there were problems but it wasnt all the time shit was better man and I grew up on food pantry food and assistance to a single mother of 5 but those times were much safer and better....If it can happen once it can happen again..

[@TwinsthenewTrend]

I feel you brother 🙏🏽

[@celiasmith8662]

Unfortunately it wont as black folks have lost their way. No community ( it was community and respect for elders that got us through, despite our disadvantaged position) today young ppl barely know how to say please or thank you, much less give back of themselves. No unfortunately those days are long gone.

[@jaycoopz2152]

@@celiasmith8662 cycles bro shit moves in cycles...

[@agnesthepoetess9073]

You and your brother are changing the world. You have brought together all types of people from all over the world every type of person. We feel a lot better after watching you and your brother ❤ would have liked to see him with this one. Hugs

[@kcleebs]

P.E. was (and IS the real deal). When Chuck D said something you listened. I got to see them in a club and it was an epic night. P.E. shined a light on a lot of stuff that white kids like me had no clue about. Go back and listen to their whole catalog. It's motivational. Also watch the Spike Lee film, "Do the Right thing." You can kinda get a feel for what things were like 30 years ago. And how some things haven't changed enough.

[@vermilliongecko]

Absolutely. I'm a white Brit, and Public Enemy was my introduction to Black History, the stuff they don't teach you in school.