Legendary American hip hop group, Public enemy, did an old school Q and A at Concrete in E1 last Sunday. Known for their rebellious lyrics the giants of rap are about to go on their 71st tour. Playing the o2 arena, Public Enemy is then flying out to South Africa aiming to bring rap music back to the continent and snatch the meaning of hiphop from MTV corporations.
Reformed with DJ Lord, who replaced Terminator X in 99 and bassist Brian Hardgroove the band claim to have more chemistry than ever before. One fan asked whether the introduction of musicians took away from Public Enemy's “anti-music message” but Chuck D dismissed this saying it allowed public enemy to “manipulate an array of sounds”. Hargroove backed up the rapper saying followers of Public Enemy, Herbie Hancock and Stan Clarke, prove that the group’s message isn’t one of anti music but one of musical change.
Public Enemy's newest recruit DJ Lord humbly admitted that when he first joined he was “star struck”, joking “I am watching the shows, when I am supposed to be in them”. The youngest member, praised for his ability to do an "after set", and then an "after, after set", is equally known for his work with seminal super bass collective TrillBass.
The staunchly political group criticised todays “lazy” artists, saying back in the day you had to give all in your performances and leave crowds “awe struck”. Furthermore, Chuck D slammed the drug culture that goes hand in hand with some modern music, arguing that people are more interested in getting intoxicated because the talent is “wack”. The American rapper, author and producer scorned Paris Hilton and other talent less ‘stars’ asking, “what the f**k do they do?”.
When asked what keeps them passionate, Chuck replied “travelling the world”. While Flav said God and the fans keep him making music. Public Enemy also admitted their message has changed with the ever changing music scene. Chuck D said “Everything has changed- you always have to figure out a different way to speak to people”.
Reformed with DJ Lord, who replaced Terminator X in 99 and bassist Brian Hardgroove the band claim to have more chemistry than ever before. One fan asked whether the introduction of musicians took away from Public Enemy's “anti-music message” but Chuck D dismissed this saying it allowed public enemy to “manipulate an array of sounds”. Hargroove backed up the rapper saying followers of Public Enemy, Herbie Hancock and Stan Clarke, prove that the group’s message isn’t one of anti music but one of musical change.
Public Enemy's newest recruit DJ Lord humbly admitted that when he first joined he was “star struck”, joking “I am watching the shows, when I am supposed to be in them”. The youngest member, praised for his ability to do an "after set", and then an "after, after set", is equally known for his work with seminal super bass collective TrillBass.
The staunchly political group criticised todays “lazy” artists, saying back in the day you had to give all in your performances and leave crowds “awe struck”. Furthermore, Chuck D slammed the drug culture that goes hand in hand with some modern music, arguing that people are more interested in getting intoxicated because the talent is “wack”. The American rapper, author and producer scorned Paris Hilton and other talent less ‘stars’ asking, “what the f**k do they do?”.
When asked what keeps them passionate, Chuck replied “travelling the world”. While Flav said God and the fans keep him making music. Public Enemy also admitted their message has changed with the ever changing music scene. Chuck D said “Everything has changed- you always have to figure out a different way to speak to people”.
Flav poses for the camera above and a picture with Chuck D below The first time they met, Chuck D told fans he saw Flavor Flav, dressed in black with a black keyboard and pack of black cigarettes, and said, “you can't smoke up here”. From then Flav exclaims “it’s been a ride!”. Be on the look out in the near future for the eccentric star of 'Flavor of Love’s' La Flave spirits (cherry, berry, olive, sweet tea and bubblegum favoured vodka), as well as his champagnes, chicken house (FFC) and cabernet ‘collectabottles’. Is there nothing this man can’t produce?
Q and A, the band on stageHaving raised the most money for Sellaband, Public Enemy lives up to their political message. With Sellaband, artists retain complete ownership of the works created and have the flexibility to determine which incentives they will offer their fans, protecting the rights of the musician as an artist. At Concrete we were lucky enough to see the band perform some unfinished new material. It’s hard to believe the man who started Public Enemy, Chuck D, is fifty years old with the energy and freshness of the groups live performance these guys still have an awful lot to say, and they are certainly worth listening to.
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