06: The Enemy Strikes Back!!!

I finally broke down and bought the latest installment of Public Enemy's musical legacy: Rebirth of a Nation. Now, I am kicking my self that I did not get it earlier. The combination of Public Enemy and Paris (ironic, but longtime favorites of mine) creates a thought-provoking and intellectual discussion of the state of US society. The CD definitely lambasts the "president with the devil eyes" our country currently suffers under, but the commentary is a stark contrast to much of the tripe commercial hip-hop is spewing these days. The CD starts out with a bang on "Raw Sh*t" and "Hard Rhymin'". "Hard Truth Soldiers" is an instant favorite of mine, particularly with the inclusion of another of my favorite hip-hop groups, Dead Prez. The entire CD will keep your heading rocking and your finger on repeat after the last song. Another highlight of the album for me is the great mix, "Field N*gga Boogie", which includes a Capleton sample (one of my all time favorite reggae artists...and a completely appropriate sample in light of PE's revolutionary mentality/stance). All the Flavor Flav fans out there, no worries. Although Flav's contributions are minor for the most part, "They Call Me Flavor" takes us back to Flavor Flav's glory days with a raucous, fun, and insightful song. For any PE fans or those who want hip-hop with a mind, Rebirth of a Nation is a necessity for your collection.