PUBLIC ENEMY RETURNS TO DEF JAM

Public Enemy is returning to the label it helped build, Def Jam, which will be releasing “Fight the Power (Remix 2020)” and the new studio album from Chuck D and company, What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down.

“Fight the Power (2020 Remix),” which opened the BET Awards in June, features Nas, Rapsody, Black Thought, YG, Jahi and Questlove. The new album will be released 9/25.

Like so many of us, I have long been a Public Enemy fan, and the group was incredibly formative for me and the path I would take,” said Def Jam Chairman & CEO, UMG General Counsel Jeff Harleston. “PE has consistently been a living example of how music can profoundly move and unite people, and affect real change in the national conversation. As we continue to confront inequality and injustice, we need PE’s voice in the national dialogue. Def Jam is proud to partner with Chuck and welcome Public Enemy home.”

“For true fans of hip-hop all over the world, this is a historic moment,” said Def Jam GM & EVP Rich Isaacson. “Bringing Public Enemy home to Def Jam—in a time when their message is more necessary than ever—is a profound statement and a much-needed reunion. We are beyond excited to once again lock arms with the legendary Public Enemy.”

"Cultural Institutions are important. Being an integral part of one is an honor bestowed and to uphold,” says Chuck D. “Public Enemy songs are forever sonic prints in the sands of time. And it’s time—it’s necessary—to bring the noise again from a place called home. Def Jam. Fight The Power 2020.”

Earlier this summer, Public Enemy released “State of the Union (STFU),” speaking truth to power while urging people to fight against racism, injustice and oppression with their vote.