Top 15 Public Enemy Songs
Since their explosive debut in 1987, Public Enemy has solidified their place as one of the most influential and powerful forces in Hip Hop. With over 30 years of nearly nonstop global touring, they’ve earned their reputation as one of the greatest and most impactful live acts in the genre. Decades of producing top-tier Hip Hop have resulted in countless classic tracks. For this list of the best Public Enemy songs, we’ve focused on our favorite era of Hip Hop, selecting tracks only from their first four albums: Yo! Bum Rush The Show (1987), It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back (1988), Fear Of A Black Planet (1990), and Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black (1991).
Do you agree with our choices? Let’s discuss!
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…”
The third single from It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back powerfully addresses the devastating impact of crack cocaine. The accompanying iconic video further amplifies the song’s potent message.
14. Brothers Gonna Work It Out (1990)
“History shouldn’t be a mystery / Our stories real history / Not his story…”
What an incredible way to kick off an album! This energetic, sample-rich track—featuring the unmistakable Bomb Squad production—sets the tone for P.E.’s third album, Fear Of A Black Planet, with absolute flair. Musically intense, on par with anything from It Takes a Nation of Millions, this track made it clear that P.E. was fully committed and confident in delivering another masterpiece.
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…”
Anyone who’s witnessed a live Public Enemy show knows this was their go-to opener for years. It’s the perfect track to ignite the energy and get the crowd amped up. Make way for the prophets of rage!
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”
A blistering critique of Arizona for refusing to acknowledge Martin Luther King’s birthday as a national holiday. At the time of this song’s release in 1991, Arizona and New Hampshire were the only states that hadn’t yet recognized the Martin Luther King holiday.
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)…”
This track doesn’t yet showcase the political and social awareness that Public Enemy would later be known for, but it’s a tribute to a ’98 Oldsmobile, with an instrumental that perfectly complements the lyrics. For many, this might have been their introduction to Public Enemy, back when people would preview an album in the record store before buying it (remember those days?). As the first track on side A, “You’re Gonna Get Yours” likely sealed the deal for anyone listening.
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…”
Originally featured on the Less Than Zero movie soundtrack, “Bring The Noise” was released as a single in 1987. With its intricate lyrics and layered sound, this track played a key role in shaping Public Enemy’s signature style. It’s now one of their most iconic songs.
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”
A standout track from Public Enemy’s groundbreaking third album, this song encapsulates the urgency, controversy, and rich sonic layers that define Fear Of A Black Planet.
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”
In this powerful track, Chuck D draws a connection between the contemporary corporate landscape and the era of slavery, with the accompanying video amplifying the impact of the message.
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 iconic takedown of misleading media and rumors is another standout from It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back. Timeless beat, unforgettable lyrics, and a hook that sticks with you.
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 often overlooked album Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black, “Shut Em Down” stands out as a notable track. While not as groundbreaking as its predecessors, the album delivers solid Public Enemy quality, with a powerful beat and Chuck D’s sharp critique of corporate America.
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”
On this track, Chuck D tackles Hollywood’s ongoing exploitation and stereotyping of Black individuals with his trademark intensity. Both Ice Cube and Big Daddy Kane also deliver strong performances, contributing to the song’s powerful impact.
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…”
This track stands out as one of Public Enemy’s most impactful songs, which is quite a statement. It tells a compelling story of a prison break, delivering a scathing critique of the U.S. government and its correctional system. With its powerful lyrics and flawless instrumental backing, it exemplifies Public Enemy at their finest.
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’s debut single, released in 1987, was groundbreaking. At that time, no music had quite sounded like this. This track set the stage for Public Enemy’s distinctive style, marked by Chuck D’s powerful delivery and his dynamic exchanges with Flavor Flav. Together, they created a unique sound that would become a hallmark of one of Hip Hop’s most influential acts.
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”
The initial single from It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, released in 1987, represents a transition from the raw sound of Yo! Bum Rush the Show to the meticulously crafted production of It Takes a Nation of Millions. This track marked a significant evolution in Public Enemy’s musical style.
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 iconic track, famously featured in Spike Lee’s film Do The Right Thing, is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest songs ever. We share that sentiment.
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