Guide Note:

Influential rap group Public Enemy, founded by MCs Chuck D and Flavor Flav and DJs Terminator X and Professor Griff, infused their music with social consciousness and were among the first major hip-hop acts to center their act around a strong political message. They were also among the first rap groups to gain international noteriety and embark on world tours. Their most recent album is 2007's How You Sell Soul to a Soulless People Who Sold Their Soul?.

Fast Facts

1. Origin: Long Island, New York
2. Debut album: Yo! Bum Rush The Show
3. Years active: 1982 to present
4. Members: Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Professor Griff, DJ Lord, Security of the First World
5. Ranked by Acclaimed Music as the most recommended hip-hop group of all time
6. Ranked #44 Greatest Artist of All Time by Rolling Stone

1. 1987: Yo! Bum Rush the Show
2. 1988: It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
3. 1990: Fear of a Black Planet
4. 1991: Apocalypse 91...The Enemy Strikes Black
5. 1994: Muse Sick-n-Hour Mess Age
6. 1998: He Got Game
7. 2002: Revolverlution
8. 2005: New Whirl Odor
9. 2006: Rebirth of a Nation
10. 2007: How You Sell Soul to a Soulless People Who Sold Their Soul?

The group's most iconic song, "Fight the Power," appeared on its 1990 release Fear of a Black Planet, and helped to make the record the group's most enduring and popular. The song specifically targets beloved icons of white America, such as Elvis Presley and John Wayne, accusing them of racism. It was featured in the opening credits of the Spike Lee film Do the Right Thing, and Lee also directed two music videos for the song.

In addition to their sound, initially created by production team The Bomb Squad and including the innovative usage of samples and beats, Public Enemy was notable for their Afrocentric image and politically charged themes.

Like contemporaries Run DMC, they also made strides in bringing together the rock and rap genres. In 1991, Public Enemy collaborated with heavy metal group Anthrax on the single "Bring tha Noize" and then toured with the band.