What is the best Public Enemy album to start with?

The best album to start with is "It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back" (1988). It's the most representative of what makes Public Enemy worth hearing.

What are the best Public Enemy albums?

The essential Public Enemy albums include "Yo! Bum Rush the Show" (1987), "It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back" (1988), "Fear of a Black Planet" (1990), "Apocalypse 91... The Enemy Strikes Black" (1991) and "Greatest Misses" (1992).

How many albums does Public Enemy have?

Public Enemy has 39 releases in their discography, including 18 albums and 2 EPs.

Photo: MikaV · CC BY-SA 3.0

Public Enemy

Q: Who is Public Enemy for?

If you're into hardcore hip-hop and East Coast hip-hop, Public Enemy is worth your time. The music is characterized by its relentless rhythm and layered samples that create an intense sonic tapestry, propelling messages forward with unyielding force.

The music is characterized by its relentless rhythm and layered samples that create an intense sonic tapestry, propelling messages forward with unyielding force.

East Coast hip-hop · hardcore hip-hop · political hip-hop · progressive rap

United States Est. 1986

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Start here

The album

It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back album by Public Enemy

It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back (1988)

This album showcases Public Enemy's intense sound and political messages, making it a defining work in their catalog and an accessible introduction to their style.

The song

“Fight the Power”

This track is iconic and immediately engaging, encapsulating the group's powerful message and energetic delivery, serving as a strong introduction to their artistry.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Gotta Give the Peeps What They Need" — from Revolverlution (2003)

accessible entry with immediate hook
2

"The Evil Empire of…" — from The Evil Empire of Everything (2012)

establishes the sonic palette early
3

"How You Sell Soul to a Soulless People Who Sold Their Soul?" — from How You Sell Soul to a Soulless People Who Sold Their Soul? (2007)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"Brothers Gonna Work It Out" — from Fear of a Black Planet (1990)

accessible entry with immediate hook
5

"sPEak!" — from Nothing Is Quick in the Desert (2017)

accessible entry with immediate hook
6

"You’re Gonna Get Yours" — from Power to the People and the Beats: Public Enemy's Greatest Hits (2005)

accessible entry with immediate hook

About Public Enemy

Public Enemy matters for their fearless confrontation of social injustice, effectively transforming hip-hop into a powerful platform for political discourse.

They challenged the status quo, using their music to amplify marginalized voices and raise awareness about systemic issues, thus reshaping the cultural landscape of the genre and inspiring future generations of artists to engage with activism through their art. Their innovative approach combines dense layers of production with aggressive delivery, resulting in a sound that demands attention. Public Enemy’s use of sampling and sonic collage creates a chaotic yet cohesive musical environment that mirrors the urgency of their message. This method not only enhances their lyrical content but also reinforces the sense of community within the hip-hop scene, encouraging collaboration and dialogue. Lyrically, Public Enemy often explores themes of empowerment, resistance, and identity, employing a confrontational tone that balances irony with sincerity. Their storytelling merges personal experience with broader societal critiques, allowing listeners to connect deeply with both the personal and political narratives presented. This duality creates an engaging listening experience that resonates on multiple levels.

18 studio albums· 39 total releases· 3 decades· United States