80/35 Preview - Public Enemy
Written by Andy Duffelmeyer   
Thursday, 25 June 2009 19:59
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Public Enemy is one of those special groups that his withstood the test of time and doesn’t seem much worse for the wear.

Formed in 1982 in Long Island, NY, Professor Griff, Chuck D, Flavor Flav and Terminator X have been rhyming about politics, society and  culture for over 25 years, while pushing the boundaries of lyrics and music as well.

Although the group may best be known these days for funny-guy and TV star Flavor Flav, Public Enemy was and is much more than that. From generational anthems like “Fight the Power” to “Bring the Noize,” a collaboration with Anthrax that crossed the barrier between hip-hop and heavy metal, Public Enemy has always been on the cutting edge of music, politics and, sometimes, controversy.

The group’s debut album, “Yo! Bum Rush the Show,” hit the musical world hard in 1987, unleashing a wave of top albums from Public Enemy including “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back”, “Fear of a Black Planet” and “Apocalypse 91…The Enemy Strikes Back.”

Although the group’s work hasn’t enjoyed as much critical or commercial success over the past decade or so, their latest album, “How You Sell Soul to a Soulless People Who Sold Their Soul?” has been well-received by fans and the music press alike.

Expect some old favorites and some of these new cuts, along with a raucous stage show, when Public Enemy comes to Des Moines for the 80/35 Music Festival. They will perform July 3 at 9:30 p.m. on the Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Main Stage.
 
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