I met Chuck D once. I think it was 2002 at the Consumer Electronics Show. I was attending as press, covering whatever there was for video games at the time. He was there to talk about online music distribution. He knew that was where the future would be.
We ran into each other, just about literally, each on our way to our own meetings. I didn’t have the time to get a picture with him, or even his autograph, but we walked together and talked about 5 minutes about music, licensing, money, artists rights, influences, and more. It was a great moment that I wish I could take advantage of again, and do it a heck of a lot better.
Public Enemy was slated to go on tour with Public Image Limited and Sisters Of Mercy in 1991 and I was eager to see both bands. The tour was cancelled before it could hit Seattle.
2004 saw the group perform in Seattle at the Bumbershoot festival. I got to take Kyle to see them, and he loved their energy and the fact they had a message. I was just glad to finally see them, and to be able to share it with my son.
What is it about Public Enemy that I like?
There aren’t a lot of rap acts I like. With Public Enemy it is the fact they have a message, it isn’t all bravado, but sometimes political, sometimes social commentary. There was an interview on MTV at some point, probably around 1989 or 1990 and the subject of topicality was raised. The response by Public Enemy (I don’t remember exactly who it was who said this) was rap music was the CNN of the black community. Because the news wasn’t reporting on the realities of what was happening in black neighborhoods, it was up to them (meaning the people) to get the word out about what was going on.
This struck me, and while I enjoyed Public Enemy previously, I began paying even more attention to what was being said.
Yes, there is controversy surrounding Public Enemy both on and off the record. Not everybody is perfect. If you dismiss anybody outright for their mistakes, you can miss out on what truths they do have to share. Don’t make that mistake with Public Enemy.
Still making music. Still have something to say. Still vital.