You really do have too much time on your hands Al. Was spit flying out of your mouth when you were typing this or are you always this obsessed with making your silly point Al "The Animal" Barger

Al,
I don't think Miss Natalie's defense of PE is typical at all, or, at least it isn't the typical defense given by readers of Blogcritics.

I don't think you're an a-hole for making your observations; however, PE has been criticized countless times by other journalists in the past.

Fear of a Black Planet was released over a decade ago, and Public Enemy's impact on the cultural landscape is no more. Why continue pointing out what is now common knowledge among savvy music fans?

Will, I'd like to think that the silly defenses that I've seen here of PE are not typical, as you say.

On the other hand, your statement "Public Enemy's impact on the cultural landscape is no more" does not seem to reflect the commentary of others among us, some of whom even suggest that they think PE will ultimately be remembered as major artists on the level of Elvis Costello, even.

You would THINK that these points about PEs wickedness would be common knowledge, but any time I see reference to PE now, it's 99% likely to be buttkissing praise as great artists and spokesmen of conscience. The great artist part is overstated, but not real significant.

The racial demagoguery that they represent, however, is unfortunately totally current. Hell, some people still treat Jesse Jackson as some kind of moral leader.

Al,
I did think twice before writing that PE's impact on the cultural landscape was "no more"; perhaps I should have simply said that, in terms of popularity, the spotlight is no longer on them, despite the esteem in which the group is held by fans ... and I am a fan.

As I said in an earlier comment, I credit Chuck D for enlightening me on a number of issues, but I recognize the BS. Racial insensitivity is inexcusable, regardless of the source.

I can accept a reasonable degree of "insensitivity." Acceptance and equality mean that you get to be knocked around a bit on the playground like everybody else. See South Park for more details.

It's mostly only when someone gets to real extended, purposeful hatefulness that I get annoyed.

Going to any singer for "enlightenment" is thin gruel at best. Read a book. I don't go to Elvis Costello looking for the answers to life's mysteries. I certainly wouldn't look to John Lennon to enlighten me about Vietnam.

I wouldn't recommend expecting political education from a musician even that I tend to agree with. For example, I'm sympathetic to Ted Nugent's pro-gun sentiments. That does not mean, however, that I'm looking for him to enlighten me. There are lots of people with far greater depth of understanding of the constitutional issues than he.

On the other hand, those scholars could never have written "Cat Scratch Fever."

At the risk of sounding politically correct, something that hasn't been mentioned is the issue of black anger, which, given our history as recently as the '60s, is not without justification. While that kind of general anger might be very destructive for an individual, or as a political foundation, it is certainly a worthy topic for art, and PE did this better than most. There was hyperbole, exaggeration, reverse racism, but the harsh words, sounds and beats came together of a piece.

Art is not politics and they should not be confused.

Last comment from me ... the more I say, the more I feel compelled to defend/clarify my remarks; in the meantime, I've got a life to live ...

In the song, "Prophets of Rage", Chuck D mentions the names Vescey and Prosser. Hearing those names aroused my curiosity. "Enlightenment" may have been too strong a word, but hearing Chuck D talk about men like Malcolm X led me to read The Autobiography of Malcolm X.

Peace out.

Will, that is EXACTLY what I was talking about in my Chuck D article (or the comments, wherever I put it). I did exactly the same thing - hear a name, then go find out who that person was. I can't remember ever expecting to learn anything from a PE record, it just happened. The reason I listened is b/c I liked the music.

Eric, very well said about 'black anger'. I've been trying to come up with a (nice, PC) way to say much of what you said.

Al - you really like to 'throw grenades' (shake things up) don't you? 'stupid MLK holiday' - not to mention your choice of words in your other article ('Negro puh-lease.'). I'm really surprised nobody else has mentioned those things. But anyway...

I'm always mystified when white people talk about 'violent militant' Blacks. Most, if not all, of the people labeled militant are simply down for self-defense. When is the last time you heard of a 'militant' organization actually killing people. It's always the police, or some assassin taking THEM out. So while PE mocks assassinations in their videos, the real-life ones have happened to black leaders. So I feel little compassion for your feelings being hurt over a music video.

Public enemy wasent as breakthrough because of there political savvyness or well thought out social commentary as there punk rock esque role provoking people, they were the voice of a supressed young black culture and they were angry , they wouldent go out of there way to make appolagies or clean up there lyrics to make them more acceptable , besides your overlooking there style and flow , a fundemental part of hip hop music , you wouldent reveiw or critize a led zepplin or beatles album solely on the lyrics would you , the musics very important, you seem to have lost sight of that in your commentary

Luke, you make a good point. I'll note again that this column was about, as it were, sociology not musicology. Fear of a Black Planet in particular was an outstanding album.

I happen to be a big fan of Public Enemy from a musical standpoint. In many ways, they are extremely funky and catchy for a "hardcore" rap group and what's more appealing is their messages, in that is differs from "pimpin","bitches","hos" and making a quick buck my "bustin' a cap in someone's ass".

I like any music that is well done AND makes you think. Their political agenda is no different than the now defunked Rage Against The Machine, they just are more overt about it.

Stating one's anger and mistrust in a world that has led them down a not so rosy path is far more constructive than glorifying a life that suggests criminal activity, hateful misogyny and death by bullets is a better way to get one up on "the man".

I have to go with Natalie's analysis of Chuck D and PE on this one - plus they are funky.

What's Cold Lampin'?

Alright Dawn, I will concede that spouting broad hateful political rhetoric that you're obviously not REALLY going to do anything about (ie "By the Time I Get to Arizona") is healthier than glorifying dope dealing and street crimes that some listeners are actually going to end up doing. Fair enough.

I realised that I had mis read the article , that focused on the political aspects of there lyrics rather than there sound right after i posted my veiw , but another aspect of rap I was pondering that makes it so volatile and raw is the fact that rhymes and verses are often scrawled out in fits of emotion especially in the oldskool rap scene where most rappers were avid freestylers. and though there lyrics are political it comes of more like an emotional arguement than a well thought out debate

Totally cool, Luke. Music in general does a lot better at conveying emotional content of all kinds, rather than logical thought. You wouldn't write a SONG to explain a mathematical formula. Well, Tom Lehrer would, but he's a big freak.

I don't go to musicians looking for political leadership or logical analysis of public affairs. I would likely read a book to find out about black history, not count on picking it up from hip hop records.

Likewise, I wouldn't go to John Lennon looking for advice on who to vote for in an election. Nor would I ask my dentist for stock tips.

Good point, thats one of the reasons I always liked U2 they caimpaigned by making you aware without throwing down a misinformed left/right wing stance on things, capaigning more for understanding than short term political goals.

Do you really know anything about Public Enemy? Or do you take a few quotes and run with it however you want, facts be damned? I suggest you find out who Chuck is and what he is truly about rather than jump to conclusions or believe those have worked to decredit Public Enemy. Anyone who reads this and knows very little, if anything, about Public Enemy, this is a horrible and inaccurate description of them.

Yes, Leroy, I do know a bit about Public Enemy. I've owned all but the last one or two albums. I've seen them in person.

Please tell me in what way my description is inaccurate. Please give examples from PE to substantiate this.

Thank you.