Description
Public Enemy – What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down – Vinyl Record
What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down? is the fifteenth studio album by the iconic hip-hop group Public Enemy, released on September 25, 2020. This album marks Public Enemy’s return to Def Jam Recordings, the label where they released some of their most influential work in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The album is a politically charged project that addresses contemporary social and political issues while also celebrating the group’s legacy in hip-hop.
Tracklist and Themes
When the Grid Goes Down (featuring George Clinton) – (3:45) The title track sets the tone for the album, questioning the future in a world reliant on technology, and featuring the legendary George Clinton, adding a layer of funk to the mix.
Grid (featuring Cypress Hill and George Clinton) – (2:52) A collaboration with Cypress Hill and George Clinton, discussing the implications of a technological collapse and the over-reliance on digital systems.
State of the Union (STFU) (featuring DJ Premier) – (3:27) A hard-hitting track produced by DJ Premier that directly criticizes the Trump administration, urging listeners to speak out against injustice and misinformation.
Merica Mirror – (1:57) A reflective interlude that explores the contradictions within American society, highlighting issues of inequality and injustice.
Public Enemy Number Won (featuring Ad-Rock, Mike D, and Run-D.M.C.) – (3:20) A powerful track featuring members of Beastie Boys and Run-D.M.C., paying homage to the golden age of hip-hop and reflecting on the enduring influence of the genre.
Toxic (featuring DJ Premier) – (2:18) Another DJ Premier collaboration, this track addresses the pervasive negativity and toxicity in modern society and the media.
Yesterday Man (featuring Daddy-O) – (3:01) A track that deals with the themes of relevance and legacy, questioning what it means to be a leader in today’s world.
Crossroads Burning – (2:40) A song that discusses the current state of societal division, with a focus on the urgent need for unity and understanding.
Fight the Power: Remix 2020 (featuring Nas, Rapsody, Black Thought, Jahi, YG, and Questlove) – (4:05) A modern remix of their classic anthem, featuring contemporary artists who add new verses reflecting on today’s struggles for racial and social justice.
Beat Them All – (3:14) A high-energy track that encourages resistance and resilience in the face of adversity.
Smash the Crowd (featuring Ice-T and PMD) – (3:20) A collaboration with Ice-T and PMD that emphasizes the power of collective action against oppressive forces.
If You Can’t Join Em Beat Em – (3:09) A song about the need for critical thinking and self-empowerment, encouraging listeners to resist conformity.
Go At It (featuring Jahi) – (3:28) A track with Jahi that focuses on persistence and determination in the fight for justice.
Rest in Beats – (2:34) A tribute track that honors influential figures in music and culture who have passed away, reflecting on their lasting impact.
R.I.P. Blackat – (2:38) A personal track dedicated to the late Blackat, a close friend of the group, underscoring themes of loss and remembrance.
What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down? features true to Public Enemy’s legacy, the album is filled with sharp political and social critique, addressing issues like systemic racism, political corruption, and the dangers of technology dependency. The album includes collaborations with a diverse group of artists, blending the old school with the new, and bridging generations of hip-hop. The production on the album recalls the boom-bap sound of Public Enemy’s early work, with heavy beats, sharp scratching, and powerful lyrics, updated with modern sensibilities. Chuck D’s commanding vocal delivery and Flava Flav’s dynamic presence continue to drive the group’s sound, making their messages as impactful as ever.
The album received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised Public Enemy for staying true to their roots while remaining relevant in the modern era. The collaborations were also highlighted as a strong aspect of the album, particularly the remix of Fight the Power. Fans of Public Enemy appreciated the album for its direct, unapologetic approach to contemporary issues, and for the nostalgic yet fresh sound that harkened back to the group’s earlier work. While not a massive commercial success, the album was significant in reaffirming Public Enemy’s position as one of the most important and influential groups in hip-hop.
What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down? demonstrates Public Enemy’s continued relevance in a rapidly changing world, showing that their voice remains powerful and necessary in the fight for social justice. The album reinforces Public Enemy’s legacy as pioneers of political hip-hop, inspiring both older and newer generations of artists to use their platforms for social commentary. The inclusion of both classic hip-hop icons and contemporary artists on the album serves to bridge the gap between different eras of hip-hop, showing the genre’s enduring power as a tool for social change.
What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down? by Public Enemy is a bold and timely album that reaffirms the group’s role as leaders in political hip-hop. With its sharp commentary, powerful collaborations, and a sound that honors their legacy while pushing forward, the album stands as a vital work in the context of modern social and political discourse. It’s a testament to Public Enemy’s enduring influence and their unwavering commitment to using music as a force for change.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
When the Grid Go Down
Grid
State of the Union (Stfu)
Merica Mirror
Public Enemy Number Won
Toxic
Yesterday Man
Crossroads Burning
Fight the Power: Remix 2020
Beat Them All
Smash the Crowd
If You Can’t Join Em Beat Em
Go at It
Don’t Look at the Sky
Rest in Beats
R.I P. Blackat
Closing: I Am Black
