15. Night Of The Living Baseheads (1988)

“Here it is, BAM! / And you say “Goddamn, this is the dope jam” / But let’s define the term called dope / And you think it mean funky now, no…” 

“Night of the Living Baseheads” is the third single from Public Enemy’s groundbreaking album It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back. This powerful track tackles the devastating impact of crack cocaine on urban communities. The song’s message is further amplified by its iconic music video, which masterfully reinforces the urgency and gravity of the lyrics. Together, the song and visual create a compelling commentary on a critical social issue of the time.

14. Brothers Gonna Work It Out (1990)

“History shouldn’t be a mystery / Our stories real history / Not his story…” 

“Brothers Gonna Work It Out ” is an explosive opener for Public Enemy’s third album, Fear Of A Black Planet. This high-octane, sample-laden track exemplifies the signature Bomb Squad sound, setting the perfect tone for what’s to come.

Musically as complex and layered as anything from It Takes a Nation Of Millions, this opening salvo sends a clear message: Public Enemy wasn’t just aiming to follow up their uber-classic second album—they were gunning for another masterpiece. The confidence and intensity on display here immediately reassure listeners that Fear Of A Black Planet would live up to, and perhaps even surpass, its legendary predecessor.

13. Prophets Of Rage (1988)

“With vice I hold the mic device / With force I keep it away of course / And I’m keeping you from sleeping / And on stage I rage / And I’m rolling / To the poor I pour in on in metaphors / Not bluffing, it’s nothing / That we ain’t did before / We played you stayed / The points made / You consider it done / By the prophets of rage…” 

“Prophets of Rage” has long been the electrifying opener for Public Enemy’s live shows, and for good reason. This track is perfectly crafted to ignite the crowd’s energy and set the tone for an unforgettable performance.

As the opening notes hit, the audience knows it’s time to clear the way—the Prophets of Rage are taking the stage. The song’s infectious energy and powerful message make it the ideal choice to kick off a Public Enemy concert, instantly transforming any venue into a cauldron of excitement and anticipation.

Those who’ve experienced it live know, that “Prophets of Rage” is the spark that ignites the Public Enemy live experience, priming the crowd for the sonic and lyrical onslaught to come.

12. By The Time I Get To Arizona (1991)

“Well, I got 25 days to do it / If a wall in the way, just watch me go through it / Cause I gotta do what I gotta do / P.E. number one, gets the job done” 

“By the Time I Get to Arizona” is a blistering critique aimed at the state of Arizona for its refusal to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national holiday. Released in 1991, this track highlighted a contentious issue of the time: Arizona and New Hampshire stood alone as the only two states yet to officially acknowledge this important day of remembrance.

Public Enemy’s trademark blend of hard-hitting lyrics and powerful production turns this song into more than just a protest—it’s a scalding indictment of what the group saw as willful ignorance and disrespect. The track serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil rights recognition, using Arizona as a focal point for a larger national conversation.

Through this song, Public Enemy not only voiced their frustration but also helped to amplify the public discourse surrounding the holiday’s recognition, displaying once again their ability to merge music with meaningful social commentary.

11. You're Gonna Get Yours (1987)

“In this corner with the 98 / Subject of suckers, object of hate / Who’s the one some think is great / I’m that one (son of a gun)…” 

“You’re Gonna Get Yours” is a dope early entry in Public Enemy’s catalog. Unlike their later work, which became synonymous with political and social commentary, this track is simply an ode to a ’98 Oldsmobile. The instrumental perfectly complements the lyrics, creating a cohesive and memorable listening experience.

For many fans, this was their introduction to Public Enemy. Picture this: you’re in a record store (remember those?), eager to sample the album before making a purchase. As the needle drops on side A, “You’re Gonna Get Yours” kicks in. By the time the track ends, who wasn’t sold on Public Enemy?

This opening salvo may not have showcased the group’s future direction, but it certainly demonstrated their ability to craft compelling, sonically rich tracks. It served as an irresistible hook, drawing listeners into the world of Public Enemy and setting the stage for the musical revolution that was to come.

10. Bring The Noise (1987)

“Bass! How low can you go? / Death row, what a brother know / Once again, back is the incredible / Rhyme animal / The uncannable D, Public Enemy Number One…”

“Bring The Noise” first emerged on the Less Than Zero movie soundtrack in 1987 before being released as a single and serving as the opening song to It Takes A Nation Of Millions. This track proved pivotal in shaping Public Enemy’s signature sound, showcasing their evolving musical complexity.

Lyrically dense and sonically intricate, “Bring The Noise” exemplifies the group’s innovative approach to Hip Hop. The layered production, coupled with Chuck D’s powerful delivery, creates a sonic assault that’s both challenging and captivating. Over time, this song has become one of Public Enemy’s most recognizable anthems. Its impact extends beyond its initial release, serving as a blueprint for the group’s future work.

9. Welcome To The Terrordome (1990)

“I got so much trouble on my mind / Refuse to lose / Here’s your ticket / Hear the drummer get wicked” 

“Welcome To The Terrordome” (1990) is one of the cornerstones of Public Enemy’s monumental third album. This track encapsulates everything that makes Fear Of A Black Planet a landmark release in Hip Hop history.

The song is a perfect storm of Public Enemy’s strengths:

– Immediacy: Its urgent tone grabs listeners from the first beat.
– Controversy: The lyrics fearlessly tackle contentious social issues.
– Sonic density: The Bomb Squad’s production creates a rich, layered soundscape.

These elements converge to create a classic Public Enemy track that exemplifies their artistic vision and sociopolitical message. “Welcome To The Terrordome” not only defines the album it appears on but also represents a high-water mark in the group’s discography. As a distillation of Public Enemy’s ethos and sound, this track is an important reason why Fear Of A Black Planet remains a pivotal album in Hip Hop’s evolution.

8. Can't Truss It (1991)

“Kickin’ wicked rhymes like a fortune teller / Cause the wickedness done by Jack / Where everybody at divided and sold / For liquor and the gold / Smacked in the back for the other man to mack” 

“Can’t Truss It” (1991) is one of Public Enemy’s most potent social commentaries. In this powerful track, Chuck D draws a provocative parallel between the modern corporate world and the brutal era of slavery. The song’s incisive lyrics paint a vivid picture of historical oppression and its echoes in contemporary society. Chuck D’s razor-sharp delivery drives the message home with unflinching clarity, forcing listeners to confront uncomfortable truths about power structures and systemic inequality.

The accompanying music video amplifies the impact of “Can’t Truss It.” Through striking visuals, the video deepens the track’s themes, offering a layered experience that lingers long after the last note fades.

Together, the song and video form a compelling artistic statement, highlighting Public Enemy’s ability to combine sharp social critique with innovative musical expression. “Can’t Truss It” is a standout in their catalog, demonstrating their dedication to using Hip Hop as a tool for raising awareness and inspiring change.

7. Don't Believe The Hype (1988)

“Don’t believe the hype, it’s a sequel / As an equal can I get this through to you / My 98 booming with a trunk of funk / All the jealous punks can’t stop the dunk”

Public Enemy’s sharp critique of false media and rumors is another standout from It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back. With its iconic beat, powerful rhymes, and unforgettable hook, “Don’t Believe the Hype” remains a timeless track.

6. Shut Em Down (1991)

“I like Nike but wait a minute / The neighborhood supports, so put some money in it / All corporations owe, they gotta give up the dough / To my town or else we gotta shut ’em down” 

The fourth single from Public Enemy’s underrated fourth LP, Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black, “Shut Em Down” is an album highlight. While the album may not be as groundbreaking as its two predecessors, it’s a classic effort from the group. The track features a hard-hitting beat, paired with Chuck D’s powerful message directed at corporate America, calling out exploitation and inequality.

“Shut Em Down” captures the frustration of marginalized communities and challenges the economic power structures that dominate society. With its fierce production and unapologetic lyrics, this is another song that underscores Public Enemy’s relentless commitment to addressing social and political issues through their music.

5. Burn Hollywood Burn (1990)

“Burn Hollywood burn I smell a riot / Goin’ on – first they’re guilty, now they’re gone / Yeah I’ll check out a movie / But it’ll take a Black one to move me”

“Burn Hollywood Burn” confronts Hollywood’s long-standing exploitation and stereotyping of Black people with unflinching force. Chuck D delivers his signature no-holds-barred commentary, tackling the entertainment industry’s deeply rooted racial biases. Ice Cube and Big Daddy Kane join the track, each bringing their own intensity and perspective, adding even more weight to the song’s powerful message. The collaboration is fierce and unapologetic, making “Burn Hollywood Burn” a bold critique of systemic racism in film and media.

4. Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos (1988)

“I got a letter from the government the other day / I opened and read it, it said they were suckers / They wanted me for their army or whatever / Picture me giving a damn – I said never…” 

“Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos” (1988) is one of Public Enemy’s most impactful tracks, which is no small feat. The song tells a gripping story of a jailbreak while delivering a sharp critique of the U.S. government and its prison system. Chuck D’s hard-hitting lyrics, filled with rebellion and resistance, are matched by the track’s intense, gritty instrumental. This combination creates a powerful and unforgettable listening experience. “Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos” exemplifies Public Enemy at their best—fearless, bold, and unapologetically critical of systemic injustice.

3. Public Enemy No. 1 (1987)

“Well I’m all in, put it up on the board / Another rapper shot down from the mouth that roared / 1-2-3 down for the count / The result of my lyrics, oh yes, no doubt” 

“Public Enemy No. 1” was Public Enemy’s debut single, a groundbreaking track that introduced their innovative sound to the world. In 1987, nothing like this had ever been done before in Hip Hop. The song’s distinctive production, featuring dense layers and chaotic energy, would go on to define Public Enemy’s signature style. Chuck D’s commanding, booming voice, paired with Flavor Flav’s playful interjections, created a dynamic chemistry that became the foundation of one of Hip Hop’s most influential acts. This debut set the stage for Public Enemy’s rise as trailblazers in the genre.

2. Rebel Without A Pause (1987)

“Yes – the rhythm, the rebel / Without a pause – I’m lowering my level / The hard rhymer – where you never been I’m in / You want styling – you know it’s time again” 

“Rebel Without a Pause” was the first single and a standout track from It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back. Released as a bridge between the raw energy of Yo! Bum Rush the Show and the polished production of the Bomb Squad on Nation of Millions, this track marked a pivotal moment in Public Enemy’s evolution. Its relentless pace, aggressive beats, and Chuck D’s authoritative delivery set the tone for what was to come. “Rebel Without a Pause” paved the way for the group’s shift toward a more refined and impactful sound.

1. Fight The Power (1989)

“I’m ready and hyped plus I’m amped / Most of my heroes don’t appear on no stamps” 

Public Enemy’s most famous track, “Fight the Power,” became the musical anthem for Spike Lee’s film “Do the Right Thing” and is one of the greatest songs ever made. This track is a powerful call to action, blending aggressive beats with Chuck D‘s bold and politically charged lyrics. Its message challenged social and racial injustices while encouraging listeners to confront systemic oppression head-on. The song became a cultural force, sparking conversations about inequality and inspiring activism. “Fight the Power” transcended its role as a movie theme, becoming an anthem for empowerment and resistance. Its impact on Hip Hop and the broader cultural landscape is indisputable, making it a defining moment in Public Enemy’s career and an essential piece of musical history.