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THE REVIEW
The debut of Public Enemy back in '87 is underrated by many who mistakenly compare it to the three albums that would come later. Yo! Bum Rush The Show has a different style compared to what would follow, it is the raw, rough, and angry debut of one of the most revolutionary groups in the entire Rap world, whose political rap would go on to influence many, many artists.
From the first listen, what makes this album a classic immediately stands out: Chuck D's flow, his rowdy, raw voice, his meticulous lyrics like the voice of his colleague Flavor Flav, and their political commitment.
The album opens with the powerful You're Gonna Get Yours, which perfectly encapsulates what was said above, one of the most representative songs of the entire group's catalog. The song would later be partially reused by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who often used it in their live shows to introduce their Give It Away.
Now, it should be made clear that the true and characteristic style of Public Enemy, which would make them unmistakable to many ears, would come later; here, it's in a phase of, let's say, experimentation. In fact, if you pay close attention to Chuck D, it seems like he sings as he would later on, this is true, but it's as if he had a tempo akin to Run DMC.
Returning to the album, the political message dominates, just look at Right Starter (A Message To A Black) and continues along the same path up to track number 7, where we must pause, Public Enemy N1 is the title, and it's the first song written by Chuck with the help of Flav, a kind of response from D to all the rappers who, at the time when he hosted a radio show, challenged and irritated him.
The pattern continues from start to finish with some standout episodes and some more than forgivable mistakes, nonetheless.
This record started what today is the myth of Public Enemy, at the same time a threat to some and an example to many, but still a myth.
The album didn't have the same impact as "Fear Of A Black Planet" or "It Takes A.." but it nonetheless deserves attention and listening.
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Summary by Bot
Public Enemy’s 1987 debut Yo! Bum Rush The Show is an underrated classic that introduced their raw, angry, and politically charged style. While different from later albums, it established the group’s revolutionary stance. Key tracks like 'You’re Gonna Get Yours' highlight their influence. Although not as impactful as later works, the album laid the groundwork for their mythic status in rap history.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Public Enemy
American hip hop group from Long Island formed in 1985 by Chuck D and Flavor Flav, noted for politically charged lyrics and The Bomb Squad’s dense production. Landmark releases include It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back (1988) and Fear of a Black Planet (1990). Collaborated with Spike Lee on Fight the Power (1989).03 Reviews
