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.
Why this album works
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.
- Best for
- politically charged lyrical engagement dynamic flow with interludes short bursts of intensity
- 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
- Busta Rhymes· Nas· KRS-One
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) Standout 2:54
- 4 Merica Mirror (interlude) 0:08
- 5 Public Enemy Number Won Standout 5:25
- 6 Toxic 3:11
- 7 Yesterday Man 3:03
- 8 Crossroads Burning (interlude) 0:12
- 9 Fight the Power: Remix 2020 Standout 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
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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