Fight the Power

On September 25 2008, “Fight the Power” by Public Enemy hit the top of VH1’s Best Hip-Hop list. The song is about fighting for what people want, and fighting for what is right. In the first chorus, Chuck says that freedom of speech will be his freedom, and if he can’t have it, it will become his death. The song is powerful because he talks about today’s society, and recognizes that even he doesn’t like the rock and roll legend Evils Presley because he was racist. (Fight, lyrics) This reminded me when we went on our first field trip to an art gallery, where the artist asked us why Washington was on the dollar bill, because he was a slave owner.

“Fight the power” is more than just a song, at the time when it was played, it was almost like a whole other movement: “the group performed the song on a red, black, and green stage framed by a large photo of Malcolm X…”(Can’t Stop, p.279) This was more like a demonstration, than a performance, and people rallied together to remember the rights of the people, that they were equal just like everyone else, and to remember their ancestors. Another page was turned in the history of hip-hop.

“Fight the power” is also straight forward, short and simple.

“Cause I’m black and I’m proud
I’m ready and hyped plus I’m amped
Most of my heroes don’t appear on no stamps
Nothing but rednecks for 400 years if you check” (Fight, lyrics)
This is a reminder of how long African-Americans suffered, how long white people ruled, but now times are changing. Public Enemy wrote their song with meaning, and Chuck wanted his music to provoke the people, but he didn’t want to lead. This song made the top 100 not only because it was a good song, but because of the history behind it.