Episode XVII (Part 1): Hip-Hop legend and Activist Chuck D

The 17th edition (Part 1 of 2) of Whe're They At features Hip-Hop legend, founding member of Public Enemy and activist, Chuck D. Chuck had an iconic career lasting over three decades as a lyricist, leader of the one of the most influential groups in American music, Public Enemy and entrepreneur. His powerful lyrics and artistic foresight helped Public Enemy spearhead the rise of Def Jam Records in the late-1980's while releasing four of the greatest albums in hip-hop history from 1987-91 (Yo! Bum Rush The Show, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, Fear of a Black Planet and Apocalypse 91....the Enemy Strikes Back). While still performing with PE and on his own, he has spearheaded ventures in radio and multimedia. Recently, he's been touring with The Prophets of Rage (with B-Real from Cypress Hill and members from Rage Against The Machine) and has released a new album in April 2020 with Enemy Radio called 'Loud is Not Enough'. Also, him along with Public Enemy received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in January 2020. Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Chuck on a myriad of topics including:                     

02:21: Nabaté thanks Chuck for his support and edification of his album, 'Eclectic Excursions'.                 

05:03: Discusses his new album with Enemy Radio called, 'Loud Is Not Enough'.                    

06:35: On his underrated longevity.                    

09:00: 'Netizens' (citizens of the internet) and how they lack the researching and comprehending acumen of what the internet is really about, especially during this Covid-19 crisis.                   

11:11: On his fellow MC, Jahi and producer, C-Doc's work on the new album.                    

 

13:20: How the latest single from Enemy Radio, 'Food as a Machine Gun' is foreshadowing Covid-19 and the effects on Black community.                     

 

18:55: The generational timeline is lost.                       

 

27:01: What is going on with Chuck and Flavor Flav?                     

 

40:37: On his upbringing as a visual artist and how he got involved in hip-hop.                       

 

45:25: Explains how he is a 'Raptivist'.                      

 

47:04: On how Public Enemy made their mark on Def Jam.                        

 

51:20: The importance of Public Enemy having full artistic and creative autonomy.                     

 

55:50: On the innovative sound created by his production team, The Bomb Squad.                     

 

1:01:25: Chuck expresses how the 'one man producer' has not helped hip-hop progress musically.                     

 

1:05:42: On how Public Enemy gained more visibility during their historic four album run (1987-91) as well as respect from luminous activists.                    

 

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Musical selections are from Nabaté Isles' album, 'Eclectic Excursions', available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon, Tidal, etc. Check out his website as well: www.nabateisles.com