Today's piece is "Shut 'Em Down" by Public Enemy.
Public Enemy is, without question, one of the most influential rap groups in history. As far as I'm concerned, they mark the arrival of mature, message-driven rap. Some may claim that Run-DMC was there before PE, but just take a listen: Run-DMC was clearly important to the development of rap as a viable mainstream option, but their lyrics and beats sound childish next to the intensity of PE. The group created controversy at every step of their success and failures but Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Professor Griff, and Terminator X have always produced musical gold.
Next time you see Flavor Flav clowning around on TV, think about this song.
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