What makes What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down? by Public Enemy notable?

The album debuted at number 16 on the Billboard 200, marking a significant return for the group after years of relative quiet. Its bold political messaging garnered attention during a time of social unrest, particularly resonating with movements such as Black Lives Matter, which further solidified Public Enemy’s position as critical voices in hip-hop. Released in 2020, this album is Public Enemy's first studio project in over a decade since 'How You Sell Soul to a Soulless People Who Sold Their Soul?' (2007). It captures the group's enduring commitment to social justice and activism amid a tumultuous political landscape, reaffirming their relevance in modern hip-hop.

Who is What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down? for?

What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down? works well if you're into politically charged lyrical engagement, dynamic flow with interludes and short bursts of intensity.

How many songs are on What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down??

What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down? has 17 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down?

Public Enemy · 2020

44 min · 17 tracks · hardcore hip-hop · East Coast hip-hop · political hip-hop

A fierce blend of politically charged lyrics and dynamic beats reflecting contemporary societal issues.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

politically charged lyrical engagement
dynamic flow with interludes
short bursts of intensity
wave-like pacing for reflection
urgent calls to action

Maybe skip if you want

prefer melodic, soothing sounds
seek lengthy immersive experiences

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2020, this album is Public Enemy's first studio project in over a decade since 'How You Sell Soul to a Soulless People Who Sold Their Soul?' (2007). It captures the group's enduring commitment to social justice and activism amid a tumultuous political landscape, reaffirming their relevance in modern hip-hop.
Stylistic neighbors: KRS-One· Nas· A Tribe Called Quest

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Tracklist

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

1 When the Grid Go Down… 1:31
2 Grid 4:32
3 State of the Union (STFU) 2:54
4 Merica Mirror (interlude) 0:08
5 Public Enemy Number Won 5:25
6 Toxic 3:11
7 Yesterday Man 3:03
8 Crossroads Burning (interlude) 0:12
9 Fight the Power: Remix 2020 4:57
10 Beat Them All 2:52
11 Smash the Crowd 3:06
12 If You Can’t Join Em Beat Em 0:50
13 Go at It 3:21
14 Don’t Look at the Sky (interlude) 0:09
15 Rest in Beats 3:57
16 R.I.P. Blackat 3:35
17 Closing: I Am Black 0:14

What to play next

Go back to

Nothing Is Quick in the Desert

2017

Full Public Enemy discography Where to start with Public Enemy Artists like Public Enemy

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

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