Public Enemy were recently inducted into the Rock and Roll
Hall of Fame for their revolutionary brand of politically charged hip-hop. Days
after this landmark, the group bring the noise to Nottingham’s Rock City – but
can they live up to their former glories?
The clique, comprising of figureheads Chuck D and Flavor
Flav, certainly get off to a good start. They briefly set ground rules, stating
“this is a real hip-hop show”, much to the delight of the surprisingly
middle-aged audience. They then tear straight into the classics. Backed by a
seriously impressive live band and DJ, songs like Bring the Noise and Rebel
Without a Pause are twisted with heavier, rock elements. These opening tunes
are rapped alone by Chuck D, but when cult legend Flavor Flav joins the fun,
the crowd is cranked into a frenzy. The hype man’s infectious energy proves
that Public Enemy still enjoy what they do.
The group’s extensive back catalogue is combined with
entertaining showmanship throughout the set. Flav, now 54-years-old, provides
both bass and drum solos before a mesmerising showcase in scratching from DJ
Lord. From this, it's apparent these rap veterans have spent years honing their skills.
There is also a focus on crowd interaction, with the group
often urging fans to raise their fists and “fight the power.” Members of the
crowd are even summoned onto the stage to help with vocals on Don’t Believe the
Hype and Fight the Power.
Public Enemy conclude their set with a triumphant
performance of Harder Than You Think. The track, probably their most
commercially successful due to the 2012 Paralympics, has brought the group a
deserved second wave of popularity. Chuck D and Flav are last to leave the
stage, giving a heartfelt message of thanks to the Nottingham crowd.
They now may not be as intense, or even as important,
compared to their legendary Rock City appearance in 1987, but Public Enemy are
still the real deal.
8/10
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