Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the song "Fight the Power" (1989) by Public Enemy was radical not only for its lyrics but also for being the linchpin of the movie "Do the Right Thing", giving voice to ideas and emotions that many African-Americans had only thought or expressed to each other. The author points out that Public Enemy not only embraced radical thought with "Fight the Power" but also combined politics, hip hop and anger to create a rap anthem that was aggressive and honest. The paper concludes that, after living in the shadow of the Civil Rights Movement and its message of getting along and nonviolent protest, the song urged blacks to use their voices as weapons and to reject the status quo. Lyrics included.

From the Paper:

"Chuck D's opening verse begins with traditional hip hop lyrics designed to the get crowd moving and excited, which matches nicely with the opening musical sequence, which is loud and forceful. There is no build up, musically, which is one of the first hints that "Fight the Power" is more than just another rap song about partying or showing off. However, by the end of the first verse it becomes clear that "Fight the Power" has a more significant, radical agenda."

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