Without a doubt, Chuck D is one of hip-hop’s most vocal spokespersons. For the past three decades, as a member of Public Enemy, his socially and politically-charged lyrics have challenged music lovers to “fight the power that be” while reminding them about the dangers of complacency.
Outside of the music arena, Chuck D has also found a welcome home in lecture halls across the United States—stretching (and challenging) the minds of countless college students. Nonetheless, his central message rings clear: “Don’t believe the hype.”
In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked Public Enemy as #44 on its Immortals list, which highlighted the 100 greatest artists of all time.
Upon the release of the Public Enemy’s forthcoming album, Chuck D managed to squeeze some time out of his busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry—reflecting on the past, present and future of hip-hop.
Although you are a pioneer in the music industry, you have made a lot of valuable contributions outside the field as well. Several months ago, you wrote the foreword for The Love Ethic: The Reason Why You Can’t Find and Keep Beautiful Black Love. How did you become attached to that project?
The Love Ethic was conceived by Akilah Watkins. We’re from the same hometown and we have done a lot of community activism together. She had gotten married recently, and her husband wanted to put out a book, so I said I would help them.
There's a line in the foreword that I would like to focus on: “Something has been poured in the waters of the Black community that has made hate and animosity more understood than love itself...” Would you mind expounding on that a bit?
Yes. When black folks see ourselves, like on TV, it's always showing our dysfunctionality and never our appreciation of each other. When that pours into the water, people pay attention to more of those things instead of the reality of themselves.
You are well-known for proclaiming that “rap music is black America’s CNN.” Do you still feel that way?
Well, rap music is worldwide. This is the 30th year anniversary of rap records, to this month. So when I said it was black America's CNN, that was 1988. Right here in 2009, it's almost a worldwide, cultural religion. We need to pay attention to that. But if you don't know how the rest of the world is operating, and if you don't see the rest of the world, how would you know?
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Article comments
1 - Cindy
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