[Public Enemy]

Since its inception, Public Enemy has gone on to release more than 15 albums, perhaps none of which is revered as their third, the critically acclaimed double-platinum, Fear of a Black Planet. Now viewed by experts as one of the most influential Hip Hop albums of all time, it has been added to the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry, which selects albums that are "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

Formed in 1985 by Chuck D and Flavor Flav, Public Enemy quickly rose to prominence for their music's political commentary, specifically targeting the American media and ongoing racism in the country. Public Enemy was one of the first Hip Hop groups to employ sonic experimentation on top of skilled and poetic, culturally conscious rhymes. According to music critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine, "PE brought in elements of free jazz, hard funk, even musique concrète, creating a dense, ferocious sound unlike anything that came before."

The plaque offered here was a gift to Kate Ferguson, Editor-in-Chief of Word Up! and Rap Masters magazines, both entertainment publications geared towards Black American teenagers.

Provenance:

From the personal collection of Kate Ferguson

Condition Report:

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