Public Enemy, Fight the Power

Reading Time: 3 min read

In the 26^th edition of Rap BNGRZ (2023), we break down the banger status of “Fight the Power,” performed by Public Enemy.

Bring on the braggadocio, drip, sex, and kicka$$ery, WOO! You’ve entered Rap BNGRZ territory! On Rap BNGRZ (bangers being the proper spelling), the premise is simple. Rap BNGRZ provides background info and commentary on cocky, confident, ferocious hip-hop/rap songs. The bangers can be brand-spanking-new or certified classics. In the 26^th edition of Rap BNGRZ (2023), we break down the banger status of “Fight the Power” performed by Public Enemy.

“Our freedom of speech is freedom of death / We’ve got to fight the powers that be.” That is a mic-drop moment Chuck D and Flavor Flav. Of course, if we’re being honest, the entirety of “Fight the Power” by legendary rap collective Public Enemy is mic-drop worthy . Socially conscious, political rap shows often shows how artful, complex, and innovative hip-hop/rap music can be. Like many styles, rap has changed considerably since the days of Public Enemy. But looking back at this protest gem inspired by The Isley Brothers’ “Fight the Power Pts 1 & 2” and appearing on the soundtrack from Do The Right Thing as well as Fear Of A Black Planet (1990), it carries much more weight than many rap songs out in the 2020s. Chuck D produced “Fight The Power” alongside The Bomb Squad. The sound of the record is part of its allure and charm.

“Fight the power!

Fight the power! (‘Lemme hear you say –’)

Fight the power!

Fight the power! (‘Lemme hear you say –’).”

Notably, “Fight the Power” features numerous samples including The Isley Brothers, James Brown ( “Funky Drummer”) and Syl Johnson ( “Different Strokes”). The way the samples and repurposed portions of “Fight the Power” come together is ear-catching – quite an amazing sound. The backdrop gives Chuck D ample fuel for the fire with Flavor Flav nailing his role as the hype man. Lyrically, there is plenty to unpack. Honestly, you could pen an entire essay on this one song. As far as rhymes, Chuck D is clever to the nth degree. He’s entertaining and playful, yet, incredibly effective with promoting a call to action.

“What we need is awareness, we can’t get

Careless! You say, ‘What is this?’

My beloved, let’s get down

To business, mental self-defensive fitness

Bum-rush the show!”

fire sunglasses Perhaps the most interesting verse is the third which criticizes ‘great white heroes’ like Elvis Presley and John Wayne: “Elvis was a hero to most, but he / Never meant [bleep] to me, you see, straight out / Racist – that sucker was simple and plain,” Chuck D raps, with Flavor Flav adding, “[bleep] him and John Wayne!” Chuck goes on to say “Most of my heroes don’t appear on no stamps / Sample a look back; you look and find nothing / But rednecks for 400 years, if you check…” He’s telling the truth. So much more can be written about “Fight the Power”, a truly great, great rap song. That said, rather than analyze, it’s best to let this joint speak for itself.