It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
by Roy Luckett
June 24th, 2008
Like Blue Lines, Public Enemy’s first offering represented a totally fresh approach to hip-hop. What made this album unique is not simply the black power social consciousness reflected in the deft lyrics of Chuck D but artists like Gil Scott Herron and Boogie Down Productions who were on the scene as well. Simply put, the music, which encompassed a tornado of wailing sirens and bombastic cut and paste rhythms, was able to effectively create a sense of havoc and mayhem that complimented the lyrics. The Bomb Squad’s “out of the box” production skills are first rate here, with sound effects that include what appears to be a kettle in “Rebel Without a Pause.” My personal favorite is “Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos,” with lyrics and a piano riff that call you to attention. In effect, Nation provides a jarring sound that works incredibly, and it is truly one of the most influential albums ever, and not just for hip-hop artists. Count Portishead as one of those artists influenced by Public Enemy.
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