What makes Fear of a Black Planet by Public Enemy notable?

'Fear of a Black Planet' debuted at number 10 on the Billboard 200 and has been hailed for its cultural impact, particularly for its commentary on race relations in America. The album also sparked controversy with tracks like 'Burn Hollywood Burn' and 'Anti-Nigger Machine,' which intensified discussions around censorship and representation in media. Its single 'Fight the Power' became an anthem for resistance and empowerment, significantly influencing hip-hop culture and political discourse. Released on April 10, 1990, 'Fear of a Black Planet' was Public Enemy's third studio album, following the groundbreaking 'It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back.' By this time, the group had solidified their status as pioneers in politically charged hip-hop, blending incisive social commentary with innovative production techniques. This album further developed their sound and message at a crucial point in their career, marking their ascent in the mainstream music landscape.

Who is Fear of a Black Planet for?

Fear of a Black Planet works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, wave-like pacing experience and thought-provoking lyrical content.

How many songs are on Fear of a Black Planet?

Fear of a Black Planet has 20 tracks, running approximately 63 minutes.

Fear of a Black Planet

Public Enemy · 1990

63 min · 20 tracks · hardcore hip-hop · East Coast hip-hop · political hip-hop

A bold fusion of hard-hitting beats and provocative lyrics that challenge systemic racism and cultural oppression.

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Why this album works

'Fear of a Black Planet' debuted at number 10 on the Billboard 200 and has been hailed for its cultural impact, particularly for its commentary on race relations in America. The album also sparked controversy with tracks like 'Burn Hollywood Burn' and 'Anti-Nigger Machine,' which intensified discussions around censorship and representation in media. Its single 'Fight the Power' became an anthem for resistance and empowerment, significantly influencing hip-hop culture and political discourse.

Career context: Released on April 10, 1990, 'Fear of a Black Planet' was Public Enemy's third studio album, following the groundbreaking 'It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back.' By this time, the group had solidified their status as pioneers in politically charged hip-hop, blending incisive social commentary with innovative production techniques. This album further developed their sound and message at a crucial point in their career, marking their ascent in the mainstream music landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: Busta Rhymes· Nas· KRS-One

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Contract on the World Love Jam 1:49
2 Brothers Gonna Work It Out 5:03
3 911 Is a Joke Standout 3:17
4 Incident at 66.6 FM 1:37
5 Welcome to the Terrordome Standout 5:25
6 Meet the G That Killed Me 0:44
7 Pollywanacraka 4:13
8 Anti‐Nigger Machine 2:39
9 Burn Hollywood Burn 3:04
10 Power to the People 3:48
11 Who Stole the Soul? 3:52
12 Fear of a Black Planet 3:42
13 Revolutionary Generation 5:43
14 Can’t Do Nuttin’ for Ya Man 2:46
15 Reggie Jax 1:35
16 Leave This Off Your Fu*kin Charts 2:31
17 B Side Wins Again 3:45
18 War at 33⅓ 2:07
19 Final Count of the Collision Between Us and the Damned 0:48
20 Fight the Power Standout 4:42

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata

What to play next

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Apocalypse 91... The Enemy Strikes Black

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Go back to

It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back

1988

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East Coast hip-hop hardcore hip-hop political hip-hop