THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

578-Public Enemy-Fight the Power.

1989-Number 29 single.

Best Bit-At 0.23. If your a Rapper born after 1995, then take a good listen to this, then have a good look at yourself in the mirror.

Public Enemy were formed in 1986 in Long Island, New York, United States by Carlton Ridenhour (Chuck D) and William Drayton (Flavor Flav,) The group was soon completed by Richard Griff (Professor Griff,) and Norman Rogers (Terminator X,) Other band members have come and gone, with Chuck D, and Flavor Flav being the only two constants. They have released 15 studio Albums between 1987-2020, and have had 10 top 40 singles in the UK (see also best songs 37.)

‘Fight the Power’ appears on Public Enemy’s third studio Album ‘Fear of a Black Planet’ from 1990, having first appeared on the soundtrack Album for the 1989 film ‘Do the Right Thing.’ The films writer, and producer Spike Lee wanted a hard hitting song, Lee has said,’ I wanted it to be defiant, I wanted it to be angry, I wanted it to be rhythmic. I thought right away about Public Enemy.’ As with many Public Enemy songs from around that period,numerous samples, and loops were used, this was because artists didn’t have to get permission to clear samples until the landmark case of 1991 (see also best songs 37.) The samples, loops and production were done by Public Enemy’s longtime collaborators ‘The Bomb Squad,’ who are made up of the brothers Hank, and Keith Shocklee, Chuck D, Eric ‘Vietnam’ Sadler, Gary G-Wix, and former member Bill Stephney.

Of his inspiration for the song Chuck D has said,’I wanted to have sorta like the same theme as the original ‘Fight the Power’ by The Isley Brothers, and fill it in with some kind of modernist views of what our surroundings were at that particular time.’ Brian Hardgrove who has played bass for Public Enemy said of the songs message,’Law enforcement is necessary. As a species we haven’t evolved past needing that.’Fight the Power’ is not about fighting authority, it’s not that at all. It’s about fighting abuse of power.’

‘1989 the number, another summer, sound of the funky drummer. Music hitting your heart,’cause I know you got soul.’