Co-founder/frontman of politically and socially conscious Grammy Award winning Hip-Hop collective Public Enemy, Chuck D returns with a seismic 14-track body of work, “Chuck D Presents Enemy Radio: Radio Armageddon” via Def Jam Recordings. The stellar collection contains high profile appearances from Daddy-O [Stetsasonic], Schoolly D, Philly legend Phill Most Chill, Donald D and Jazzy Jay [Universal Zulu Nation], 1/2 Pint, ULTRAMAG7, Miranda Writes and more.
The incomparable Mistachuck, who (alongside Public Enemy) in 2013 was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, is also an integral member of the rock supergroup Prophets of Rage.
First things first, August 11th 2023 marked the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop. What exactly does that mean to and for you?
We should have been just as concerned about HH49. We don’t need an anniversary to honor it.
To quote the late, great The Notorious B.I.G., “You never thought that Hip Hop would take it this far!”. Was this something that you ever could’ve imagined?
Yes, I knew it all the way back in the 80’s when Run-DMC’s “Raising Hell” would battle with Rock music. We’re all here only because of the barriers they broke down.
What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments/memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip-Hop?
Run-DMC performing at MSG [Madison Square Garden] – with the whole Garden holding up their Adidas – is a huge moment in my mind. It was the beginning of hip hop taking over arenas, and also showed the power of hip hop in branding. That moment was the total solidification of so many elements on a massive scale.
That said, what are your future plans and/or goals for the 2025 season?
I’m spreading the word about my Bring The Noise app, which is a cultural media app, as opposed to a social media app. It’s built by Hip-Hop for creators and their communities in Film, Art, Music and Spoken Word.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
That it’s past, present and future at the same time.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip-Hop?
I would like to see more groups, more collectives and more women. But I’m doing my part to get the word out and curate all of these things at Rapstation.com, which is the best radio ever for independent Hip-Hop. Check it out at www.rstvapp.com/rsappget.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Curating the music of Hip-Hop through my graphic art. And, the fact that I’m a true fan.
Do you have any other outside/additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
I just want to keep creating. My graphic art has a life of its own, but that’s entertainment too, isn’t it?
What’s an average day like for you?
Ideally, I would like to work late and sleep late and in between those two, just create. Work late, sleep late, create.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans.
I treat fans with respect, but I like to connect with them one at a time; I don’t like to look at fans en masse. So, sometimes it means that it’s a long line. Patience is a virtue for sure.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
I manage my own time.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Learn everything.
What’s up with Public Enemy?
Public Enemy is like the air itself. It’s everywhere, and nowhere, at the same time.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
I hope the planet is still here. And, I hope to see myself on it.
