Public Enemy Tops VH1’s 100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs in History

Sandra Rose September 25, 2008

CLICK HERE if you can’t see the video

VH1 Finally got it right: the music channel named Public Enemy’s seminal hit “Fight the Power” number one on its list of the 100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs in History.

That was my jam right there! Spike Lee directed the video which was filmed on location in Brooklyn in 1989. I was working at New York hospital at the time, and the police were on the scene in full force thinking there was going to be a riot because Tawana Brawley was there.

Tensions were still high from when she lied and accused a white cop of raping her. The city had police on horseback and paddy wagons on standby. It was very insulting. But those were good times.

VH1 also named Rapper’s Delight by the Sugarhill Gang which took second place on the list, with Dr. Dre’s Nuthin But A ‘G’ Thang coming in a close third.

Kymystry

While I’m not a PE fan .. I love this song… Rapper’s Delight is MY numb 1 old school Jam …

Have you eva when ova a friends house to eat and the food just ain’t no good.. I mean the macaroni soggy the peas all mushed and the chicken tastes like wood…
prynsexxx

I remember the Tawana Brawley story. How the hell did she end up in the dumpster tho’. Can we say “Marta Chick” throwback!
BLACKBARBIE404

RAPPERS DELIGHT IS MY #1!!!
kwallace577

there are alot of things about puffy i cannot stand. but that time he made those clueless kids on “making the band” memorize the words to delight i was at home clapping. the youth of today know nothing about the roots of hip hop and i think each one needs to teach one.

i don’t think PE shoulda been number 1…but i forgive vh1. god bless their little white hearts…they tried.
http://www.myspace.com/bettathaniwasb4 2bme

As far as a message goes PE should have been number 1 handsdown..rapper’s delight was the first record cut and for many in that era it was a source of debate on the authenticity of the record in what was genuine(lyricwise) and what was not..Rappers’ Delight was a party record, something to feel good to..but it did not move you or make you think..PE did that each and EVERY time..give respect for knowledge
http://www.myspace.com/thegameoncw Bird

I can co-sign that as #1. Ahhh, the good old days when at least some rap songs had a positive message. White folks did away with that real quick.
flyqtnva

Fight the Power, I agree its about the words. I remeber the Greek Feast coming to Va Beach this song was out it was thousands of black people this song was pumping and it was all about BLACK POWER and SELF LOVE. It was so scary for whites it was the last time they had Greek Feast on the oceanfront. Now thanks to Jay Z and Beyond-ce we are a nation of booty popping champagne sippin, drug pushing, rather have name brands than a house lovin, black folks.
katgirl33

Yeah Sandra, that was the shiznit! The video looked like everybody (even the cops, LOL) had a good time…..

I wonder when they are airing the countdown?
prynsexxx

Yeeeaaaaahhhhhh Boyyyyyeeeeeeeee!
candycane

I didnt watch the video, but with you mentioning Tawana I remember a part of the video, there was a brick wall spray painted saying Tawana told the truth. I had always wondered what they thought she lied about.

I was in high school at that time, I vaguely remember Rev Al all up in the mix, but never knew the story.

My favorite part, ELIVS was straight up racist, that sucka was simple and plain, mothaf*ck him and John Wayne. I’m mad, I’m hyped and I’m amped none of my heros never been on no stamp.

Something like that, it’s been a minute since I heard the song, but that part always stuck out to me………….. Or is that from Dont Belive the Hype??

What about the line Dont worry be happy was the number jam, dayum if I say you can slap me right here? Is that Fight the Power or Dont Believe the Hype
lexdiamonz

ohhhh snap why YT looking at me like i am craz mutherphuck her and john wayne girl stop you got me doing the ed lover dance up in the gubment facility now yall remember when we had rap to choose from everything did not sound the same fight the power good election song!!!!
candycane

What was the name of their song that started with, I gotta letter from the government, the other day, I opened and read it. It said they was suckas they wanted me to………………. something I cant think right now. But Chuck D was in prison sitting in a cell by himself and I think Flav and the SW1’s broke him out.
http://www.myspace.com/bettathaniwasb4 2bme

^^^Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos
candycane

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS ^^ i NEVER would’ve remember the name of that song. I wasnt even close in what I was thinking.

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