“A lot of people been asking me, ‘When is Public Enemy going to reunite?’” Flav said. “We never broke up to reunite. We just took a long break.”
“There wasn’t no beef,” he added. “I love my partner, man. And I know he loves me, too. You know what I’m saying? Sometimes, you know, you don’t see eye to eye on everything.”
Flavor Flav and Chuck D had a brief reunion to perform at the iHeartRadio Music Festival back in September. To be fair, it also hasn’t been that long since Public Enemy dropped a new album, as their last one was in 2020 with What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down?. During their recent concert, they even premiered “Everywhere Man,” a new single that they have planned for a future release.
“One thing about me and Chuck, we always manage to pull it back together to see eye to eye and to keep moving forward,” Flavor Flav pointed out about their specific dynamic.
Check out the clip of Flavor Flav discussing how he feels about Chuck D above.
Public Enemy is one of the most revolutionary early hip hop acts of all time. The group stands beside the likes of N.W.A. and X-Clan for their politically charged rhetoric and lyrics. With critically acclaimed hits such as “Fight The Power” and “911 Is A Joke,” the group is a significant influence on rap acts today. Though several members have come and gone throughout the years, co-founders Chuck D and Flavor Flav have been ever-present forces.
Public Enemy’s first four LPs have all received platinum or gold certification from the RIAA, and they are widely recognized as the most acclaimed discography of any hip-hop act, praised by critics and fans. As a group, Public Enemy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. Further, the group received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 62nd Grammy Awards ceremony. Since their formation in the late 1980s, each member of the group has gone on to achieve massive success.
Terminator X
CHICAGO – JULY 1990: DJ Terminator X and rapper Flavor Flav of Public Enemy signs autographs and greets fans backstage prior to their performance at the U.I.C. Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois in July 1990. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)
Terminator X served as the original turntablist for Public Enemy, crafting iconic scratches and beat selections for the group. Unfortunately, a 1994 motorcycle accident left him permanently injured and unable to focus on the group full-time. In 1998, the DJ retired to his home, where he continued to raise African black ostriches. After leaving the group, X took a step back from the limelight, choosing to live outside the public view.
As a founding member of Public Enemy, X received honors alongside the group, including their Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Further, the group credited him on their 2015 release, “Man Plans God Laughs.” The former DJ married Robin Dugger in 2018.
DJ Lord
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 18: DJ Lord of Public Enemy performs onstage during the 28th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on April 18, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Kane/WireImage)
After Terminator X left the group in 1998, the remaining members of Public Enemy began a search for his replacement. After witnessing his set at a Vestax Battle in 1999, Professor Griff, an on-again-off-again member of Public Enemy, recruited DJ Lord. Lord has since appeared as the group’s full-time DJ, taking on the turntable at subsequent world tours and reunion shows. In recent years, DJ Lord has collaborated with other rap groups, including 2MP, Prophets of Rage, and Cypress Hill. In 2019, he joined Cypress Hill on tour, maintaining the boards and taking on a solo set before the headlining act.
Professor Griff
Professor Griff is easily the most controversial member of the group. The so-called Minister of Information for Public Enemy has been embroiled in controversy over the years due to his homophobic and antisemitic statements, causing him to have an on-again-off-again relationship with the PE brand. Following his departure from Public Enemy, Griff continued his solo spoken word career. He also penned several books espousing his philosophy and knowledge. In 2017, Professor Griff married Kansas City femcee Solé.
Flavor Flav
NEW YORK – 1989: Rapper Flavor Flav of the rap group ‘Public Enemy’ at the filming of a video for their song ‘Fight The Power’ directed by Spike Lee in 1989 in New York, New York. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Flavor Flav is a household name due to his larger-than-life persona, eccentric style, and tenure as a reality television star. Like many rap pioneers, Flav has invested his hip hop wealth into a host of thriving businesses, including numerous restaurants across the country. The Public Enemy founder also starred in television ventures, including The Surreal Life, Strange Love, Flavor Of Love, I Love New York, and I Love Money. Flavor Flav was also the subject of a Comedy Central roast in 2007.
In 2020, Public Enemy was scheduled to perform at a campaign rally for Bernie Sanders, without Flavor Flav. Flav’s attorneys reportedly sent the hip hop group a cease and desist letter, alleging that they could not utilize the Public Enemy brand without Flav’s consent, which he would not provide for the event. Following this, lawyers from both parties presented a series of litigious arguments, ultimately leading to Chuck D allegedly expelling Flav from the group entirely.
Chuck D
Shortly after the feud, Chuck D revealed that Flavor Flav’s firing was a hoax, designed to stir up media attention. The apparent hoax was intended as a commentary on media disinformation, according to the Public Enemy founders. During the legal discussions, it was revealed that Chuck D is the sole owner of the trademark and title “Public Enemy,” aligning with his de facto leadership position in the group. Despite this, they continued to create music together as a team.
In 2019, Chuck D received over $1 million in unpaid royalty money from Terrordome Music and Reach Music Publishing after pursuing legal action against them. The rapper has also appeared in numerous television outings, feature verses with other rappers, and political events. Most recently, Chuck released a four-part docuseries on PBS titled Fight The Power: How Hip Hop Changed The World. The PBS series aired in February 2023 to mostly positive reviews. The Public Enemy founder has remained a political rap figurehead for generations and left an indelible mark on history through his contributions to culture and art.
Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, Rick Ross, Method Man, Chuck D, and French Montana have joined forces with Power to the Patients to call for healthcare price transparency. This groundbreaking collaboration comes ahead of the House of Representatives voting on a healthcare price transparency bill. Taking A Stand Rappers Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, Rick Ross, Method […]
Audible announced that Will Smith will be hosting his podcast titled Class of ’88, which will delve into the origins and influence of hip-hop. The podcast will feature guests like Queen Latifah, Chuck D, Jazzy Jeff, and more. Audible Presents: ‘Class Of 88,’ Hosted By Will Smith On September 21, Audible, the online audiobook and […]
A powerhouse lineup of hip-hop legends, including Fat Joe, Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes, Method Man, French Montana, and Chuck D, has teamed up with Power to the Patients to release a compelling public service announcement (PSA). Their collective voices demand transparency in the healthcare system, urging elected officials to create an equitable, affordable, and honest healthcare framework nationwide.
As Congress prepares to vote on healthcare transparency bills in Washington, D.C., these iconic artists advocate for more robust price transparency laws. They call for hospitals and insurance companies to publish actual prices for their services and procedures, a move that aims to rectify these institutions’ disregard for existing federal transparency rules.
The PSA highlights the prevalent practice of hospitals and insurers providing only “estimates” or “average prices,” which the hip-hop icons argue stifles competition and results in overcharges, debt, fear, and devastation for countless Americans. Chuck D, frontman of Public Enemy, describes the situation as “an American humanitarian crisis.”
This collective advocacy follows the persistent efforts of Power to the Patients and Grammy-nominated artist and philanthropist Fat Joe, who have engaged with lawmakers, visited The White House, and rallied on Capitol Hill. They aim to express frustration with the healthcare system and champion the rights of patients, families, communities, employees, employers, and unions nationwide.
Earlier this year, Fat Joe and Power To The Patients joined forces with New York City Council Members and various union groups, leading to Mayor Eric Adams signing the Healthcare Accountability and Consumer Protection Act in June 2023. This groundbreaking legislation established the nation’s first Office of Health Care Accountability, enabling New Yorkers to compare hospital costs for identical services.
As hip-hop celebrates its 50th anniversary, these artists confront a rigged healthcare system. They emphasize that hospitals often coerce patients into signing service contracts without revealing actual prices, resulting in widespread fear that deters millions from seeking necessary medical care, jeopardizing their health and lives.
Medical debt remains the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in America, and a recent study by Patient Rights Advocate revealed that only 36% of U.S. hospitals comply with the current Federal Price Transparency Rule.
On Wednesday, September 20, Jada Pinkett Smith posted throwback videos of her and Tupac during their junior year of high school as a way to promote her forthcoming memoir, Worthy. In the clips, Pinkett Smith and the late Tupac are performing to Will Smith’s “Parents Just Don’t Understand” with DJ Jazzy Jeff from 1988.
This morning, September 21, Smith revealed plans to explore that time period even more thoroughly with his Class Of ’88 podcast. According to Billboard, Smith “will celebrate 1988 hip-hop with episodes alongside Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa, Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Rakim, and Chuck D.”
The publication additionally relayed, “Smith will explore the landmark year of 1988, which included the rise of Public Enemy, the ascension of DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, and the outpouring of female MCs such as Salt-N-Pepa and Queen Latifah.”
The Wondery podcast will last for eight episodes. Beginning on October 26, Class Of ’88 will be available exclusively on Amazon Music and Audible. Amazon Prime members can listen to the podcast’s trailer here.
“Today, hip-hop dominates pop culture,” Smith says to start the trailer. “But it wasn’t always like that. Before 1988, a lot of people saw our music as just a passing fad.”
The nearly two-minute audio trailer also includes excerpted perspectives from Smith’s A-list guests, including Queen Latifah recalling, “[Hip-hop] had an expiration date, like milk. That’s what they were saying.”
In 1988, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince released He’s The DJ, I’m The Rapper, housing “Parents Just Don’t Understand.” The track claimed the first-ever Best Rap Performance at the 1989 Grammys, which DJ Jazzy Jeff and Smith boycotted because the category wasn’t televised (as revisited by Andscape in January 2018).
As the milestone anniversary of Hip Hop is celebrated this week, MLB teams with music legend Chuck D for special content and programming to celebrate the connection and impact of music, culture and baseball.
During Friday’s highly anticipated Hip Hop 50 Live at Yankee Stadium concert, the co-founder of pioneering musical group Public Enemy, will serve as MLB’s special correspondent, capturing the electric atmosphere in exclusive content for MLB’s platforms, including @MLB, @MLBLife social handles, MLB.com, MLB.TV and MLB Network.
Additionally, the acclaimed lyricist, producer and author will collaborate with MLB on content, music and stories throughout the 50th anniversary year. Programming includes MLB’s social, MLB Network and in-stadium videos focused on the relationship between baseball and Hip Hop culture, and how its evolved through the years.
“As a longtime baseball fanatic, I am beyond honored to be the first Hip Hop artist to work with Major League Baseball in this exciting new way – connecting sound and culture to the stories of the game,”said Chuck D. “Thank you to MLB for adding me to the lineup…and the pitch is on the way.”
MLB launches its yearlong partnership with Mass Appeal’s Hip Hop 50 this Friday, August 11 with Hip Hop 50 Live at Yankee Stadium. The star-studded event is the opening activation to commemorate Hip Hop’s 50th birthday where it all began, the Bronx. As part of the continued partnership, MLB and its Clubs will create content, merchandise and giveaways to amplify promotions that connect to Hip Hop under this impactful banner through the 2024 season.
In 2013, Public Enemy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and in 2020, Public Enemy received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the GRAMMYs. In April 2023, Chuck D released his ode to the great American pastime with “We Wreck Stadiums,” a collection of songs that pays homage and salute to some baseball’s greats and the undeniable impact they’ve had on the game and the world. Most recently, he is developer and executive producer of “Fight the Power: How Hip-Hop Changed the World,” Chuck D curated a powerful collection of voices on the evolution of the musical genre and its historical significance. The four-episode series premiered in the US on PBS in 2023.
In honor of the milestone anniversary of Hip-Hop, MLB has joined forces with music legend Chuck D to bring special content and programming that celebrates the intersection and influence of music, culture, and baseball.
Chuck D, co-founder of the iconic group Public Enemy, will take center stage as MLB’s special correspondent during the much-anticipated Hip Hop 50 Live at Yankee Stadium concert. He will capture the electrifying atmosphere and share exclusive content across MLB’s platforms, including @MLB and @MLBLife social handles, MLB.com, MLB.TV, and MLB Network.
“As a longtime baseball fanatic, I am beyond honored to be the first Hip Hop artist to work with Major League Baseball in this exciting new way – connecting sound and culture to the stories of the game,” said Chuck D. “Thank you to MLB for adding me to the lineup…and the pitch is on the way.”
The acclaimed lyricist, producer, and author will also collaborate with MLB on various content, music, and stories throughout the 50th anniversary year. The partnership will feature social media, MLB Network, and in-stadium videos that delve into the evolving relationship between baseball and Hip Hop culture.
The yearlong collaboration kicks off on August 11 with Hip Hop 50 Live at Yankee Stadium, a star-studded event marking the birthplace of Hip-Hop, the Bronx. MLB and its Clubs will continue to create compelling content, merchandise, and giveaways under the Hip Hop 50 banner until the 2024 season.
Chuck D’s recent release, “We Wreck Stadiums,” pays tribute to baseball’s greats, while his role as developer and executive producer of “Fight the Power: How Hip-Hop Changed the World” underscores his commitment to exploring the genre’s historical significance. The four-episode series premiered on PBS in the US in 2023.
Rev Run recently spoke to Pitchfork, reflecting on hearing Public Enemy for the first time. According to him, the group’s music was so enthralling to him and the Beastie Boys on tour, they’d race to listen to it after performing. He even shares that the late Jam Master Jay found Chuck D to be godlike.
“I was going on tour with the Beastie Boys, and Chuck D and Hank Shocklee came to meet us at JFK Airport,” he began. “Chuck said, ‘Y’all gotta hear this,’ and they gave Russell Simmons and Lyor Cohen a cassette tape of a new record they had just made.” He continued, “This song was so captivating and addictive that Run-D.M.C. and the Beastie Boys would rush to the dressing room after the show and listen to it on my JVC boombox.” “It wasn’t just a statement about political and social issues,” he adds. “It was a statement about how no motherf*ckers could make hip-hop this incredible.”
Rev Run Recalls Jam Master Jay Calling Chuck D “God”
Joseph Simmons, Darryl McDaniels and Jam Master Jay of the hip-hop group “Run DMC” pose for a studio portrait session in 1985 in New York, New York. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Rev Run also went on to describe how his late group mate reacted upon hearing them for the first time. “When Jam Master Jay first heard Chuck on ‘Public Enemy #1,’ he said to Rick and Russell: ‘God has come down from heaven to rock the mic.’ This was God putting his foot in every MC’s a**. It was voice, delivery, rhyme, style.”
The artist continued, citing how Chuck D managed to simultaneously tap into multiple things on the Public Enemy record. “What’s beautiful is that Chuck said he created the cadence off of Rakim, the God MC,” he says. “Sonically, it was the most powerful, ear-catching, aggressive, complete production of a Hip Hop record. It was mature and youthful. It was who we were before we started making records.”
Can You Dig It? A Hip Hop Origin Story has released the official trailer and cover art for the new Audible Original with hip-hop legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Chuck D. The 5-part Audible series, debuting August 10 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, explores a rarely told story that led to the birth of a global artistic movement. Offering an exclusive sneak preview, the trailer sets the stage for an extraordinary journey, telling the story behind the birth of hip-hop in the Bronx during the early 1970s.
Can You Dig It? explores the events surrounding the murder of Cornell “Black Benjie” Benjamin, a respected peacekeeper and member of the Ghetto Brothers gang in the Bronx. This series dives deep into the impact of his death and the subsequent Hoe Avenue peace meeting, where hundreds of gang members gathered to choose peace over violence. The outcome of this historic meeting laid the foundation for the birth of hip-hop, ultimately leading to Kool Herc’s legendary Back to School party in 1973.
Narrated by Chuck D, Can You Dig It? features interviews with influential figures who were at the forefront of this cultural movement. Their firsthand accounts, including former Black Panther and peacekeeper Joseph Mpa, original hip-hop MC Coke La Rock, and renowned photographers/documentarians Joe Conzo and Henry Chalfant, provide an immersive journey into the political and social landscape of the time.
Also included is insight from the family of Black Benjie, who go on-record, for the first time ever, “If Kool Herc is considered the father of hip-hop, then my uncle was the general; my uncle was the martyr,” says Angelique Lenox, niece of Black Benjie. “He didn’t die in vain, something good came from his death; his life mattered. This is truly my best version of a love letter to my father and my family and I will not stop until his name is a part of the hip-hop story.”
