Greatest Misses cover

Greatest Misses

Public Enemy · 1992

55 min · 13 tracks · hardcore hip-hop · East Coast hip-hop · political hip-hop

A frenetic blend of samples, sharp lyrics, and relentless beats that challenge societal norms and celebrate resistance.

Why this album works

Best for
steady mid-tempo progression thought-provoking lyrical content engaging, immersive listening experience
Context
Released in 1992, 'Greatest Misses' serves as a compilation of Public Enemy's earlier work while they were navigating the commercial landscape post-'Fear of a Black Planet' (1990). This album came during a peak period of their influence, showcasing their signature style just before they began to evolve with new sounds in subsequent releases. The collection highlights their critical acclaim while hinting at the challenges they faced regarding mainstream acceptance.
If you like
hardcore hip-hop, East Coast hip-hop, political hip-hop

Greatest Misses is an album by Public Enemy, released in 1992. A frenetic blend of samples, sharp lyrics, and relentless beats that challenge societal norms and celebrate resistance. This album is notable for its role in cementing Public Enemy's status as pioneers of political rap, featuring tracks that address social injustices and systemic issues. It peaked at No. 64 on the Billboard 200, reflecting solid commercial performance despite being a compilation, and it has influenced countless artists in hip-hop and beyond who aim to infuse meaningful messages into their music. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Greatest Misses sound like?

A frenetic blend of samples, sharp lyrics, and relentless beats that challenge societal norms and celebrate resistance. Rooted in hardcore hip-hop and East Coast hip-hop.

What makes Greatest Misses by Public Enemy notable?

This album is notable for its role in cementing Public Enemy's status as pioneers of political rap, featuring tracks that address social injustices and systemic issues. It peaked at No. 64 on the Billboard 200, reflecting solid commercial performance despite being a compilation, and it has influenced countless artists in hip-hop and beyond who aim to infuse meaningful messages into their music. Released in 1992, 'Greatest Misses' serves as a compilation of Public Enemy's earlier work while they were navigating the commercial landscape post-'Fear of a Black Planet' (1990). This album came during a peak period of their influence, showcasing their signature style just before they began to evolve with new sounds in subsequent releases. The collection highlights their critical acclaim while hinting at the challenges they faced regarding mainstream acceptance.

Who is Greatest Misses for?

Greatest Misses works well if you're into steady mid-tempo progression, thought-provoking lyrical content and engaging, immersive listening experience.

How many songs are on Greatest Misses?

Greatest Misses has 13 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Tracklist

13 tracks·55:44

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

  • 1 Tie Goes to the Runner 4:17
  • 2 Hit da Road Jack 4:01
  • 3 Gett Off My Back 4:52
  • 4 Gotta Do What I Gotta Do 4:44
  • 5 Air Hoodlum 3:44
  • 6 Hazy Shade of Criminal 4:54
  • 7 Megablast (The Madd Skillz Bass Pipe Gett Off remixx) 3:00
  • 8 Louder Than a Bomb (JMJ Telephone Tap Groove) Standout 3:36
  • 9 You’re Gonna Get Yours (Reanimated TX Getaway version) 4:10
  • 10 How to Kill a Radio Consultant (The DJ Chuck Chillout Mega Murder Boom) 4:03
  • 11 Who Stole the Soul? (Sir Jinx Stolen Souled Out Reparation mixx) 3:38
  • 12 Party for Your Right to Fight (Blak Wax Metromixx) Standout 5:52
  • 13 Shut Em Down (live in the UK) Standout 4:46

Release Date

January 1, 1992

Artist Origin

United States

Runtime

55 min 44 sec