Public Enemy - Forum

Originally uploaded by hattiec2.

Saw PE last week and reviewed it in the Guardian. Here it is..


Nearly 20 years on, the now three-man band Public Enemy - Terminator X being otherwise engaged running an ostrich farm - are still as rabble-rousing. Granted, the newer material doesn't hit half as hard as classic call-to-arms Fight the Power but fists nevertheless pump with passion. Boasting the best baritone in hip-hop, Chuck D's forceful flow is utterly compelling, whether imploring his adoring audience not to Believe the Hype or leading chants such as "Fuck Bush, fuck Blair" and "Make love, fuck war".

Teamed with the clock-wielding, Brigitte Neilson-courting whirlwind of rampant energy that is Flava Flav and his still eponymous "No you can't have it back, silly rabbit" ridiculous repartee, you have a tag team made in hip-hop heaven.
The arrival onstage of an unannounced can of lager almost halts proceedings as Professor Griff attempts to hunt down the perpetrator and "beat that punk motherfucker down". A slightly less aggressive Chuck simply sighs with disappointment: "We're trying to educate people and you throw a fucking can?" It's soon forgotten though, as the head-splitting sirens and screaming sax breaks of Rebel Without a Pause rage around the Forum. Flav stage-dives, the audience mosh and all is forgiven.

While their best work may be behind them, PE's back catalogue and energised stage show effortlessly puts half of hip-hop to shame. They may not be rewriting the rap rule book any more, but they could still teach the kids a thing or two.

This review first appeared in the Guardian newspaper 21/11/05