Public Enemy Tickets - Definitely One of America's Most Wanted

At least in the rap genre anyway. Like the Sugar Hill Hang, N.W.A., and Run DMC, Public Enemy stands at the throne of hip-hop and rap with top hats and big clocks and comedic antics along with a definitive gangster flavor. A homeboy by the name of Carlton Ridenhour, born August 1, 1960, gave himself the name 'Chuck D' and formed Public Enemy in 1982 while studying graphic design at Adelphi University in Long Island. After a few stints in the rap field, he had asked his old friend William Drayton to join up. Drayton ended up changing his name to Flavor Flav, serving as the 'alter ego' in the rap duo. The resulting combination was a winning recipe to some serious rap phenomenon, and Public Enemy was able to sign a deal with Dej Jam Records in 1987 for their debut album.

Public Enemy Tickets - The Music of Public Enemy

Their first piece of work was the ambitious and hip-hop heavy Yo! Bum Rush the Show turned quite a few heads in the rap industry, enough to warrant the release of a second album. The second effort was called It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, and not only was the hip-hop crowd shouting for joy on this one, but the rock and mainstream arenas were tipping their hats off as well. Public Enemy still pulled out all the stops even after a chart-topping second album with a third endeavor in 1989 entitled Fear of a Black Planet, featuring the controversial hits 'Welcome to the Terrordome,' '911 Is a Joke,' 'Brothers Gonna Work It Out,' and 'Can't Do Nuttin' for Ya Man.'

Public Enemy Tickets - The Sound and Style of the Enemy

Well, not your enemy, of course. Public Enemy broke ground in many ways similar to how Run DMC broke ground. While DMC had worked with Aerosmith on the iconic 'Walk This Way' single, Public Enemy made headlines with thrash heavy metal band Anthrax to bring out a reinterpretation of the track 'Bring the Noise.' And as for the style of Public Enemy? Take one look at Flavor Flav! You have the odd physique, over-the-top clothing, and the big clock necklace. They were gangster rap mixed with some very comedic antics. It made them a popular hip-hop staple.