Is What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down? a good place to start with Public Enemy?

Yes, What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down? is recommended as a starting point for new Public Enemy listeners. A fiery blend of politically charged lyrics and aggressive beats that confront systemic issues and societal unrest. Released in 2020, this album came at a pivotal moment in Public Enemy's career, marking their first release in over a decade since 'How You Sell Soul to a Soulless People Who Sold Their Soul?' in 2007. The group, known for their politically infused music, utilized this project to address contemporary social issues, particularly those surrounding race and inequality in America.

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

A fiery blend of politically charged lyrics and aggressive beats that confront systemic issues and societal unrest.

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Top tracks — play these first

→
Grid Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Fight the Power: Remix 2020 — This reimagined version of their classic anthem revitalizes its message and showcases how the group's themes remain relevant in contemporary society.
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State of the Union (STFU) — This track delivers a pointed critique of political leaders and societal complacency, embodying the album’s urgent call for action.
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Public Enemy Number Won — With its hard-hitting production and incisive lyrics, this track exemplifies the group's signature style while addressing personal and collective empowerment.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album combines aggressive beats with political themes, though its interludes disrupt the flow.

What we noticed

Several tracks employ aggressive beats and layered samples, creating a dense sound that complements the politically charged lyrics.
The final track is a spoken word piece that serves as a reflective conclusion, contrasting with the more aggressive tone of earlier songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

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

prefer melodic, soothing sounds
seek lengthy immersive experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Revived attention to Public Enemy's message during a pivotal social moment.
Career context: Released in 2020, this album came at a pivotal moment in Public Enemy's career, marking their first release in over a decade since 'How You Sell Soul to a Soulless People Who Sold Their Soul?' in 2007. The group, known for their politically infused music, utilized this project to address contemporary social issues, particularly those surrounding race and inequality in America.
Stylistic neighbors: KRS-One· Nas· A Tribe Called Quest