The controversial rap group Public Enemy was responsible for hip-hop's coming of age in the late 1980s. The lyrics of frontman Chuck D were realistic and politically aware, the music hard and innovative and the shows absurdistically. After a riot over anti-Semitic statements by band member Professor Griff, the group slowly fell out of favor. At a time when hip-hop is increasingly dominated by
… unbridled self-indulgence, there is still a need for the militant opposition of Public Enemy. Unfortunately the Revolverlution released in early 2002 is not a coherent album. In addition to some new tracks worth checking out, it features old live recordings and interviews, as if a new generation needs to be made aware of the group's historical importance. The result is a somewhat messy mix of old and new, where high quality is alternated with moderate residual material. (MS)more
