Public Enemy is one of the most influential rap bands in music history. They have given rap legitimacy beyond its core following through its delivery of controversial lyrics dealing with social issues.
Public Enemy was officially formed in 1982 by rapper Chuck D. (Carlton Ridenhour, born in 1960), who was studying art at Adelphi University (New York). He was joined by producer Hank Shocklee and publicist Bill Stepheny as the initial members. The group signed onto the Def Jam label and then recruited D.J. Terminator X (Norman Lee Rogers, born in 1966), Professor Griff (Richard Griff), and Flavor Flav (William Drayton, born in 1959).
Although formed in 1982, Public Enemy did not release a record until 1987, when the album, Yo! Bum Rush The Show was released and received critical praise but failed commercially. Their next album, It Takes Millions To Hold Us Back, got a much better reception, and it rose high on the Billboard charts and made People Magazine's list as one of the best rap recordings ever made. The album was considered revolutionary as Chuck D. rapped about social problems plaguing the black community and pushed for social activism.
