Public Enemy has returned to Def Jam Recordings, the iconic record label it helped build into a globally recognized brand. Co-founded by Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons, the legendary imprint was Public Enemy’s first home along with other flagship artists such as Beastie Boys, LL Cool J and T-La Rock & Jazzy Jeff.
Over two decades later, Chuck D, Flavor Flav, DJ Lord and the S1Ws are ready to fight the power — 2020 style. On Friday (August 28), P.E. and Def Jam officially released the “Fight The Power (Remix 2020),” the explosive remix that opened the 2020 BET Awards in June.
The track features contributions from Nas, Rapsody, Black Thought, YG, Questlove and Enemy Radio MC Jahi and serves as the first offering from the group’s forthcoming album What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down?
Recorded in June, the “Fight The Power (Remix 2020)” also boasts new lyrics that reflect the global protests over the police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others. The video features performances by the artists (filmed separately due to social distancing) and intercut with powerful protest footage.
What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down? will arrive via Def Jam on September 25.
“Cultural Institutions are important,” Chuck D says. “Being an integral part of one is an honor bestowed and to uphold. Public Enemy songs are forever sonic prints in the sands of time. And it’s time — it’s necessary — to bring the noise again from a place called home. Def Jam. Fight The Power 2020.”
Def Jam Chairman & CEO, UMG General Counsel Jeff Harleston adds, “Like so many of us, I have long been a Public Enemy fan, and the group was incredibly formative for me and the path I would take.
“PE has consistently been a living example of how music can profoundly move and unite people, and affect real change in the national conversation. As we continue to confront inequality and injustice, we need PE’s voice in the national dialogue. Def Jam is proud to partner with Chuck and welcome Public Enemy home.”
Check out the cover art below and pre-order the album here.
