About this album
Sound:
"Aggressive beats clash with politically charged lyrics, creating an unfiltered voice for a generation."
Where they were
Released on March 1, 1987, 'Yo! Bum Rush the Show' is Public Enemy's debut album, marking their introduction to the hip-hop scene. At this point, they were establishing their identity within the genre, building upon previous singles and collaborations that hinted at their revolutionary style.
Why it matters
The album played a crucial role in bringing political themes to mainstream hip-hop, influencing artists across genres. It received critical acclaim and established Public Enemy as a leading voice in socially conscious music, paving the way for future politically charged artists.
Essential tracks
- "Public Enemy No. 1" — This track encapsulates their aggressive sound and lyrical activism, laying the foundation for their reputation as provocateurs in hip-hop.
- "Miuzi Weighs a Ton" — With its heavy production and fierce delivery, this track showcases the group's signature style of blending hard-hitting beats with powerful messages.
- "Yo! Bum Rush the Show" — 'Yo! Bum Rush the Show' serves as an anthem of empowerment, embodying the group’s call to action against societal injustices through dynamic instrumentation.
Release Date
March 1, 1987
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 You’re Gonna Get Yours 4:04
- 2 Sophisticated Bitch 4:30
- 3 Miuzi Weighs a Ton 5:44
- 4 Timebomb 2:54
- 5 Too Much Posse 2:25
- 6 Rightstarter (Message to a Black Man) 3:48
- 7 Public Enemy No. 1 4:41
- 8 M.P.E. 3:44
- 9 Yo! Bum Rush the Show 4:25
- 10 Raise the Roof 5:18
- 11 Megablast 2:51
- 12 Terminator X Speaks With His Hands 2:13
