It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
Public Enemy · 1988
57 min · 16 tracks · hardcore hip-hop · East Coast hip-hop · political hip-hop
Aggressive beats and incisive lyrics fuse to create an explosive manifesto against systemic oppression.
Why this album works
- Best for
- explosive energy for activism dynamic flow with peaks cathartic release of frustration
- Context
- Released on June 30, 1988, 'It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back' was Public Enemy's second studio album, following their debut 'Yo! Bum Rush the Show.' At this point in their career, they were solidifying their reputation as leading voices in political hip-hop, with innovative production from The Bomb Squad that blended samples and noise.
- If you like
- hardcore hip-hop, East Coast hip-hop, political hip-hop
It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back is an album by Public Enemy, released in 1988. Aggressive beats and incisive lyrics fuse to create an explosive manifesto against systemic oppression. This album is widely regarded as a seminal work in hip-hop, influencing countless artists and earning critical acclaim. It peaked at number 42 on the Billboard 200 and has been included in numerous best-of lists, highlighting its cultural significance during a time of social unrest and activism. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back sound like?
Aggressive beats and incisive lyrics fuse to create an explosive manifesto against systemic oppression. Rooted in hardcore hip-hop and East Coast hip-hop.
What makes It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back by Public Enemy notable?
This album is widely regarded as a seminal work in hip-hop, influencing countless artists and earning critical acclaim. It peaked at number 42 on the Billboard 200 and has been included in numerous best-of lists, highlighting its cultural significance during a time of social unrest and activism. Released on June 30, 1988, 'It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back' was Public Enemy's second studio album, following their debut 'Yo! Bum Rush the Show.' At this point in their career, they were solidifying their reputation as leading voices in political hip-hop, with innovative production from The Bomb Squad that blended samples and noise.
Who is It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back for?
It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back works well if you're into explosive energy for activism, dynamic flow with peaks and cathartic release of frustration.
How many songs are on It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back?
It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back has 16 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Countdown to Armageddon 1:40
- 2 Bring the Noise Standout 3:45
- 3 Don’t Believe the Hype 5:19
- 4 Cold Lampin’ With Flavor 4:17
- 5 Terminator X to the Edge of Panic 4:31
- 6 Mind Terrorist 1:20
- 7 Louder Than a Bomb 3:38
- 8 Caught, Can We Get a Witness? 4:53
- 9 Show ’em Whatcha Got 1:56
- 10 She Watch Channel Zero?! 3:49
- 11 Night of the Living Baseheads 3:14
- 12 Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos Standout 6:23
- 13 Security of the First World 1:20
- 14 Rebel Without a Pause 5:02
- 15 Prophets of Rage 3:18
- 16 Party for Your Right to Fight 3:25
Release Date
June 30, 1988
Artist Origin
United States
Runtime
57 min 58 sec
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