KNOW YOUR ENEMY

Public Enemy graces Brooklyn Bowl tonight, bringing their revolutionary rap style to the heart of Williamsburg. Since their breakout in 1987 with Yo! Bum Rush the Show!, Public Enemy have been mixing their signature perspective on social-justice issues with hip-hop’s political and radical roots. Not only that, but Chuck D, Flavor Flav, DJ Lord, and The S1W’s (Khari Wynn and Professor Griff) brought to light important criticism of the media and American culture that was largely absent during the late ’80s and early ’90s. Gaining notoriety in America and abroad, Public Enemy have been a household name for nearly 30 years, and have accrued a number of commercial hits and underground cult classics to draw on as they perform live. A one-off performance like this is a rare thing for such a staple of New York’s foundational hip-hop scene, and one that should thrill diehard fans and brand-new listeners alike.

Tue., Sept. 16, 8 p.m., 2014