Review Summary: Public Enemy's debut showed the world that they had something to say.
During the mid-'80s, hip hop was going through it's transitional stage. It had went from a disco-influenced fad, to having artists that had deep messages, and speaking on the state of the country, and society in general. One of the groups to lead this transition was a group called
Public Enemy, who pioneered political hip hop, and changed the way hip hop was viewed, and listened to.
With Yo! Bum Rush the Show, Public Enemy proved that they had a message, and was something much bigger then your typical Whodini or Kurtis Blow. Public Enemy delved into topics that most other hip hop albums didn't, but this was just a glimpse of what was to come for Public Enemy. Chuck D proved he had something to say, and Flavor Flav was there for humorous comical relief. The music was somewhat minimalistic, but the lyrics definitely made up for it. The music was similar to what you hear on Radio by
LL Cool J. It has similar sound effects and DJ scratching.
Overall Yo! Bum Rush the Show is still a fantastic album, and it definitely deserves a listen if you want to hear what '80s hip hop had to offer. This was just a an introduction to what Public Enemy had to say.
Ratings:
1. You're Gonna Get Yours: 5/5
2. Sophisticated Bitch: 4.5/5
3. Miuzi Weighs a Ton: 5/5
4. Timebomb: 4.5/5
5. Too Much Posse: 4/5
6. Rightstarter (Message to a Black Man):.5/5
7. Public Enemy No.1: 5/5
8. M.P.E.: 4/5
9. Yo! Bum Rush the Show: 4.5/5
10. Raise the Roof: 4.5/5
11. Megablast: 4/5
12. Terminator X Speaks With His Hands (Instrumental): 4/5
Best song: You're Gonna Get Yours
Weakest song: Megablast
Production: 9/10
Lyrics: 9.2/10
Overall rating: 91/100
Grade: A
