As Public Enemy’s mighty mouth that roared, Chuck D upped hip hop’s aesthetic ante like no emcee before or since. B.C. (before Chuck) the genius of rap was most often its stylistic sophistication. A.D. (after D) we all recognized the power of hip hop to mobilize the masses and elevate mind-states without losing an iota of its visceral appeal.
Interesting as hell, as always, Chuck D speaks with students in Barcelona. Along the way, you’ll learn what it is to be fascinated by sounds, beats.
And of his test, early on, whether he was on the right track: “If it drove my wife crazy.” She listened to Luther Vandross; he heard and wanted to create something new. Public Enemy was the result.
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