Flav of The Month: Public Enemy

In 1982 a pragmatic use for hip-hop came forward with the capacity to overwhelm all the sceptics. It took the form of iconic figures Public Enemy, who in two days time begin an extensive tour of Europe in Dublin's Button Factory
Today,  the ideals that made Public Enemy so endearing back in the 80's may seem to a modern listener rather draconian. The importance placed on producing a record without a single blemish, not to mention extrinsic motivation, has made fundamental motives of 80's rap take a back seat.
Nevertheless, homage is appropriately due to one of the groups that made modern day success possible and for anyone who regards the old class of rap as a menagerie of emasculated artists, here are five things that make your attendance at a Public Enemy gig essential:

1. FLAVOR FLAV

Love or hate his recent dabble into the world of reality television, once witnessed it is hard to take your eyes off him. With ensembles that range from a clock necklace to trousers suitable for MC Hammer's hot air balloon, he will undoubtedly be the main attraction in two days time when Public Enemy take to the stage in Dublin.

His low brow efforts of obtaining a giggle with colloquial catchphrases that have become synonymous with Flav's fans, shall ring forth in every track amidst the powerful voice of front man Chuck D. Not exactly where the talent lies but he does possess an uncanning ability to set a lively ambiance once on stage.

2. BLACK POWER

With all the passion of a Martin Luther King Jr. speech, the vocals of Chuck D seem always to carry a deeper, political message. Tracks such as Fight The Power are charged with criticism aimed at the plight of the African-American community. 

Any semiotician will regard the imagery of Malcolm X throughout the group's videos as childs play when it comes to deciphering their motives. The level of adrenaline it drums up on stage is sure to have something of a domino effect to the most sloven of crowds this summer.

3. NO P.E = NO FUTURE

The band first started out under the name Spectrum City. Under this early alias they released an E.P for Check Out The Radio which also featured Lies. It is said that the aforementioned emphasis on social injustice within the songs became the focal point for aspiring rap groups such as Run Dmc and The Beastie Boys.

The Profiteers of Inspiration 

The very name of the group came from an early track laid down by Chuck D on the American radio station WBAU. It derived from Chuck's belief that his talents were being opressed due to an unjustified reputation he had amongst his community; young, talented and black in 1982, what could possibly be difficult about that?

It doesn't take long to conjure up an artist (be they old or new) who has turned the same pent up anger at societies' intolerance into poetry, yet all credit must go to Chuck D for setting the standard.

                                                                                                                                           

4. D IS FOR DANGEROUS (AND DIVERSE)

It would be a brave individual who would doubt the credentials of Public Enemy. The beats ( from the original Terminator X to the newest recruit Dj Lord) are as experimental as Kraftwerk in their prime and as enjoyable as Dre's Chronic 95 album. 

The fluctuation of velocity in Chuck D's deep vocals never loses it's importance which carries the lyrics beyond that of a simple political statement. It is no wonder then that the group were voted number 44 on Rolling Stone Magazine's list of "Immortals: 100 Greatest Artists of All Time."

5. NO VIAGRA NECESSARY

The older these Goliath's of hip-hop get the more energy they seem to bring to the stage. One thing you can be sure never to leave a Public Enemy gig with is a dry t-shirt, as each track will have the crowd swaying in a cesspool of perspiration!

Their relentless determination to constantly better themselves in the eyes of their fans is the driving motive Chuck D started with back in 1982, when in an interview he said: "I'd rather have a hundred thousand or a million people saying I'm nuts and I'm crazy for my musical choices and what I've said lyrically, than a million people all raising their hand on the first day."

They have never lacked enthusiasm for gracing a stage, regardless of where in the world it may take them. A ticket to Public Enemy this summer will go a long way towards rekindling an insatiable lust for life.

Tyler's Turn For The Worst

WOLF- TYLER THE CREATOR

It was with bated breath and eager anticipation that we all awaited the latest sample of Odd Future's most recognisable member.

Tyler's 3rd solo album finally graced us with it's presence today and sadly all we were treated to was an album no less annoying than an untimely erection!

With a cult empire now built around the man and an entourage of loyal fans one could be forgiven for high expectations leading up to the album's release.

Wolf seems to finally be the straw that broke the camel's back with regards to the worn out novelty of hilarity that made Tyler the Creator so enticing when he first exploded on the scene. Not only has the prowess of his lyrics dropped significantly in the album but the beats seem like a regurgitation of the usual Odd Future rhetoric.

Track after track, a sense of irritation (most notably on the tracks Jamba and Trashwang) grows to an echelon higher than the rapper's ego. A snippet of the album was given with the release of the track Domo 23 last month and perhaps should have been taken as a warning of the desecration to come. 

None of the tracks warrant more than a minutes listening, which is a far cry from the power previous hits such as She feat. Frank Ocean had in holding it's listeners.

Frank features once again on track seven, Slater, which shows flickers of the younger, more talented Tyler. Perhaps it is just a case of an artist being found out but this album displays too many of the rudimentary errors a rapper of such prior caliber should always strive to avoid. 

One saving grace for anyone who still wishes to check the album out for themselves may be TreeHome95 featuring the sensual voice of Coco Owino and as little of Tyler as possible (which by this the 16th track is a welcome relief).

Lazy songwriting, bland beats and a distinct feeling of unjustified vainglory can all be attributed to Wolf which culminates in a rushed production that has been a year in the making.