Talib Kweli & Chuck D Talk Public Enemy, Flavor Flav, Tupac, Trump | People’s Party Full Episode 

Timestamps below. Give it up for the legend Chuck D! TIMESTAMPS: 3:40 -- Chuck reminisces on his childhood, when he would run away from his parents dropping the needle on their records because he knew that meant chores. He recalls voting in his 2nd grade mock election for writer,comedian, and civil rights activist Dick Gregory, who was running for president in 1968. They also discuss Chuck being brought up to appreciate all forms of art, the differences of western art vs. other cultures' tied into their everyday necessities, as well as Chuck's great grandfather being the first licensed black architect in New Jersey, and the 2nd in New York. 7:04 -- Chuck speaks to Public Enemy's huge role in bringing a social justice, and revolutionary mindset to mainstream music. They discuss his group following the same stepping stones to success as their label-mates RUN DMC, observing and learning from how Long Island rock bands marketed themselves on the local scene, and Chuck designing the PE logo. They also touch on the significance of Andre "Doctor Dre" Brown, who was mainly known for being the co-host of Yo! MTV Raps, but not getting his due credit as an integral part of what became PE's sound with his manipulation of the Roland TR-909, and in turn created what is now known as Bass Music. 14:41 -- Chuck talks about the word Science being "to know", and about the youth managing and mastering their smartphones as tools, rather than toys, as well as the most effective approach to teaching today's generation. Chuck and Talib discuss their social media interactions, Chuck quotes himself: "messing with Talib Kweli is just giving him bar exercises". They also talk about emcees having their own inside language among themselves, and the contrasts of performing with the big screens of today, being able to watch themselves versus the old days of having to find other ways of measuring their performances, and projecting themselves over these huge audiences. 21:51 -- Chuck speaks on Public Enemy's unmerciful way of attacking racism head on back in the day during the Reagan/Bush era. Chuck and Talib also reflect on their shared use of tape decks to make pause tapes, making their own instrumentals when you didn't have access to a sampler, and Chuck notes his first demo for 'Public Enemy Number 1' was actually created using the method. Chuck speaks on his groundbreaking single Rebel Without A Pause, and dropping Assata Shakur's name to prompt people to do their research on who she is. He also touches on how difficult it was to get New York radio play as a hardcore hip hop groups with R&B ruling the airwaves, and actually getting more love from LA stations like KDAY. 29:11 -- Chuck reflects early beginnings, starting to write rhymes in the late 70's, Talib asks if his loud signature sound of urgency was intentional, and Chuck details his "Louder Than A Bomb" sound has roots in his childhood, with his father always speaking with authority. Chuck also tells about his mother's work as a star of the local Roosevelt Community Theater, and Chuck being forced to star in plays, as well as do stage managing, but later thanking her for those experiences that shaped him as a performer. 33:57 -- Talib tells Chuck about his introduction to hip hop beginning in 1988 with Public Enemy's album 'It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back'. He asks Chuck how he comes up with such bold titles for albums and songs. Chuck illustrates a few stories of how he created those impactful names and concepts. He explains the aim was to make records that would make his girlfriend run out of the room. They also discus how LL Cool J was one of the only ones to successfully balance hardcore hip hop with R&B in the same vein, and speak on how you can't make a top 10 of all-time without seeing how an emcee rocks a crowd. 37:56 -- Chuck talks about mentoring Busta Rhymes and Leaders of the New School when they were coming up in the same neighborhood, them being in the same room when Chuck was producing Rebel Without A Pause, and Chuck getting a real kick out of their lively reactions to what they were hearing. Chuck also speaks on being the first US hip hop group to perform in Ireland, and how PE's 'Fight The Power' movement resonated so well with them during a time of much tension and hostility towards an oppressive British government. 42:13 -- Talib and Jaz debate on who gets to claim Busta as a hometown hero. Chuck breaks down a little NY history of the boroughs, outlines chapters of black life in NY, and the monumental transition from the 50's to the 60's. They discuss how the subway system has been such an integral part of hip hop history and how it progressed. Jasmin also asks Chuck why he thinks their shared neighborhood of Roosevelt always had a community, with a united focus on the teachings of black history. Chuck talks about how the rapid growth of his town was cut short by the crack epidemic, leading to Talib bringing up Night of the Living Baseheads. They discuss the concept and direction of that video, and so many other PE music videos that portrayed such powerful imagery. 52:20 -- The trio discuss Flavor Flav as the undisputed greatest hype-man of all time, and why he was brought into the group. Chuck gives the history of when they met, how the clock necklace originated, explaining both Flav and Chuck wore one in the beginning, Flav's getting bigger as time went on. Chuck speaks to fighting for Flav to stay as a part of the group when Def Jam wanted to let him go, explaining why he was such an essential addition, giving him room to breathe between verses. Chuck told Def Jam it was all or nothing, Flav, Griff, the SW1's and Terminator X, everyone comes along. Giving meaning to the debut album's title 'Yo! Bum Rush The Show'. 57:22 -- Talib states his displeasure as a long-time PE fan in seeing Flav taking part in the reality show 'Flavor of Love'. Chuck explains Flav's struggles finding success in New York at that time being a big part of what led up to that point of Flav choosing to move to LA and doing TV. Jasmin asks Chuck how he feels about people's issues with the show being a tarnish on the Public Enemy legacy. Chuck explains these views get even more complicated because of their widespread international fan base. Later Chuck talks about his forced sense of seriousness during early performances, but after seeing Mike D of the Beastie Boys rocking crowds while stone drunk he realized there was no reason for him to be wound so tight. 1:09:35 -- Chuck speaks on receiving a lifetime achievement award from the Grammy's. They reflect on Chuck's old quote: "Who gives a f*ck about a Goddamn Grammy", and how his views began to change when they finally opened up a hip hop category, but then witnessing over the years, the voters getting lazy with repeated nominations and winnings being handed to the same artists. Chuck tells about the final straw for him being the firing of Debra Dugan, who convinced him to show up for the award. After that Chuck told them hell no, I ain't going. 1:12:36 -- Chuck D discuss Pop Smoke's murder and the negative narrative change in hip-hop. Chuck starts off comparing the sports and music industries, and how dead rappers, from Pop Smoke to Nipsey Hussle, seem to get better promotion from the labels, almost feeling like "Do rappers need to be killed to get noticed in hip-hop?" 1:20:01 -- Chuck opens up about Flavor Flav's "firing" from PE, and how Bernie Sanders, and his policies as a presidential candidate had nothing to do with what went down. Chuck speaks on the formation of his new group 'Enemy Radio', they discuss how voting is like washing your ass in the morning, being something you just have to do. He details being excited with the election of Obama, but having to curb his level of expectations about how much he would be able to accomplish. He also reflects on Trump being a fellow NY native, and how he always saw him as "just a clown". 1:32:06 -- Chuck gives a quick background of Professor Griff and the S1W's, he explains him and Flav are actually better than ever, and have been in the studio, working on new material since February. They discuss Enemy Radio's new single 'Food as a Machine Gun' taking aim at the food industry, Chuck saying he feels it has a chance at being one of the most significant hip hop records of our time. Chuck also speaks on Ice Cube, calling him his younger brother with three brains in his head. Chuck also moves to talk about the lack of black ownership in the industries that they have such a prominent role in. 1:46:19 -- Chuck D speaks on mentoring Tupac Shakur. Talib starts off by explaining how he thinks Chuck and Flavor Flav's verses helped in radicalizing many young rappers of that time -- including Talib, Ice Cube, and Tupac. Talib asks Chuck about his experiences with Tupac, and Chuck says Pac was like a little brother. He talks about his efforts to bring up rookies Tupac and Treach, in part because he finds coaching and mentoring to be an important part of the rap game. 1:52:58 -- Chuck speaks to getting an honorary doctorate from Talib's father at Adelphi University, he talks about breaking down genre barriers like Run DMC did, when PE made 'Bring The Noise' with metal band Anthrax. Talib asks Chuck about Prince giving him a shout-out on Musicology, and Chuck speaks on the first conversation he had with Prince, working with him on the song 'Undisputed' and visiting him at his Paisly Park estate. The conversation circles back to Flavor Flav, Chuck stating everyone has a Flav in his family, as the one that needs consistent protection from outside attacks.

We talk about giving flowers while someone is still here....So this should have over 1million views....The impact of Chuck D is undeniable...Now this is a True Legend

Chuck D, Is A Walking Historian. A True Legend Is An Understatement. He Is A King, Period!!!!!

Chuck D is a legend. He is one of the prominent teachers of black history for many of us that didn't have or couldn't get access. He impacted so many of us in the 80's-90's. Much respect to one of the ALL-TIME greats. Rebel Without a Pause is still one of the greatest rap records of all time.

Now this is how you interview a legend.

im 45 years old and this is an interview ive been waiting to hear for a long time.

Chuck is so scholarly, I could listen to him drop knowledge all day. Another great one People's Party!

The more I indulge in this pod, the more I'm convinced Talib is the perfect ambassador of Hip Hop. Salute my G!!!

The most influential group in hip hop period. Without PE, there’s no NWA, No 2Pac, no Wu Tang

Saw PE IN 87 in London when they came over and took the roof off Hammersmith Palais with LL Cool J and Eric B & Rakim. Seen them countless times since. It Takes a Nation... one of the best albums of all time in any genre. Respect Chuck D, great interview, great man salute. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👊🏾🙏🏾

Hands down best interview ever! Oh man Chuck has respect dripping with every line forget master of ceremony he's a master of life and culture.

Talib was in fan mode on this one. His interview was all over the place. Can’t blame him though. Interviewing Chuck D is like interviewing Denzel Washington

Now can we get Rakim and Ice T on here? This is my favorite show by the way ✌🏾🔥

Chuck is one of my hip hop heroes, next to Rakim, DMC, KRS-One, & Big Daddy Kane. I thank him for dropping knowledge and instilling black pride in our community. Thank you, Talib, for this interview. Appreciate you, Chuck!!!

This dude wrote an album based on the Isis Papers....🔥🔥🔥🖤🖤🖤🖤Don't ever talk about black excellence without this man

Man... Another legendary guest. Much respect to the People's Party!

Best episode so far . Talib is hosting brilliant conversations on this platform . Chuck never disappoints and Talib is perfect for this .

As an early teen in deep southwest Louisiana, Chuck and Public Enemy were MY JDilla. They saved my life. I am forever grateful for their knowledge and awareness. I wore my PE cross hair tee.

Man!! So glad I was a teen at the time I was. I was able to hear the legends at 12 and 13, right when I needed it!!

This interview gave me a different perspective of Chuck D...for whatever reason, maybe the heaviness of PE’s music, I always thought he was preachy but to hear him speak here, he’s very relatable like one of my uncles...great interview guys !

Chuck D is in my top 5!!! Legendary!!!!

"Fear of a black planet" Public Enemy

This interview definitely needs to have way more views. Chuck D is a legend

Chuck D!!!!!! I'm glad to have listened to this interview.... Chuck dropped some jewels on hip hop culture for both artists and fans... Thanks Kwe & Jas #Salute #PP

Thanks. for this interview with Chuck. We need MC Ren. A true MC under appreciated and changed through the years politically.

Damn, it was an honor to witness this podcast - thanks a million Talib! Chuck D knows his worth and is at peace with it, so for him to share those gems I felt privileged - like having an all-access pass to one of Hip-Hop's living legends. Chuck D is like Miles Davis - you can't tell their story in one sitting. Looking forward to parts 2 and 3. Oh, if/when you interview KRS-One, that's another 2/3 part sit- down with a living legend. Much respect Talib, Keep on Keeping on. Shouts to Jasmin.

PE was the soundtrack to the black power movement of the late 80s, early 90s

When he's raps you listen, when he speaks you listen , one of the realist dudes out there

BEST INNER-VIEW EVER... THANK YOU💯✊🏿🤴🏿

"It takes a Million..." is one of the GREATEST Hip Hop albums in the history of Hip Hop. If you don't think so, then you ARE NOT a true head !!!

in 1989 when I was 13 years old, I stole a copy of Fear of a Black Planet from Music Plus. I went in with a fanny pack, came out with that tape, and wore it the fuck out listening to it. It absolutely changed my life.

You can't imagine how fans feel conversating with some of the best rappers of all time 🙌🙌

One of the best People's Party yet. It's a easy home run tho. Chuck is just such a scintillating conversationalist. Commanding, humble, etc. Would love to see Chuck & KRS conversate.

Chuck D is legit the reason I love HipHop. (Like Prince's reckoning) PE is changed my opinion of what Hip Hop is, and what it can be.

salute to 2 legends! Building! Been a PE fan since forever as well as a Reflection Eternal/Black Star/Talib one.

Legend! The way he talks teaches you without you realizing your learning. Thank you for this episode. Public Enemy concert in Los Angeles I’ll be there. 💪🏽

First time I saw PE in concert was at LIU. Chuck D is an underrated MC, not by most real hip hop heads though. PE without a doubt is the greatest rap group ever.

>>> I got so much trouble on my mind refuse to loose.... Here's your ticket let drummer get wicked _ Chuck D. fiyyyyaaaahhhhh!!!

Props to Chuck D the OG. Would love to see Rakim next!

I could listen to Chuck D talk for days. I saw him speak at a WA college in the early 2000's. As a white guy, it was a perspective change which has stuck with me for nearly 20 years. Thank you Chuck.

“ I use to hide in the bathroom “ REAL STRONGIsland VIBEZ 🚊

Chuck D and Robert Townsend are long lost brothers

CHUCK D: " Simple and plain give me the lane, I'll throw it down your throat like Barkley" one of my favorite MCs, I remember hearing him & Public Enemy in 1987 when I was in High School, me and my boys first heard " Rebel without a Pause" we went crazy, I ran out & bought the " Yo, Bum rush the show" album, but rebel without a Pause wasnt on the original album so I had to get the single ( no internet back then no downloading music) that Summer I saw them in concert, they were the opening act on the LLCool J tour, I have been a fan ever since. They brought black consciousness to the hip hop main stream. Will forever be one of my favorite Groups.

My first party as a teenager the DJ played Rebel Without a Pause approximately 8 times. Mind you I got there late. Everyone would go crazy every time that record came on. CLASSIC 💯

"It Takes A Nation of Millions..." was my 10th grade soundtrack... everyday walking to school with the walkman and headphones. 1 of the top 10 hip hop albums of all times.

This is so dope but we need a part 2,3 and 4

Chuck D....... The Rhyme Animal. One of the greatest and most important icons in hip hop history. I had the pleasure of meeting Chuck back in 2013. Very humble, kind individual. Absolutely one of the best moments of my life. Thanx for all the great music, packed with knowledge, and ferocity!!!

chuck d is ol' school ol' school. he keeps real and pays the dues where dues is due. he feels no way calling someone his teacher. big up.

Great media format. We needed this for clarity. The energy was awesome. One love bro!

Love this interview huge Chuck D and Public Enemy fan hope Flav and Chuck get over whatever they're going through peace and respect to Public Enemy and Talib Kweli

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this "first" part of the interview with one of my favourite MCs of all time. From "Yo, bum rush the show" to "Enemy Radio's Loud is not enough" this man/group has had me gripped.

Two LENGENDS! great interview talib i make sure i tune in everytime cause these interviews are personal but yet entertaining and intellectual

Great interview. When I saw the clips I was looking forward to it in its entirety. I still have my P. E. cassettes.

If I had to pick groups mentioned early on in this interview it would have never been K9 Posse and Original Concept. Incredible work. Comprehensive discussion and enthralling content. Thank you

Great talk,gentlemen.... Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos. Jeezus,as a kid, I was amped

YES..! The rhythm, the rebel...

I WISH CHUCK D CAN LIVE FOREVER ‼️👍🏾👍🏾

"They wanted me for army or whatever picture me giving a DAMN I said NEVER" 🖤💪🏾👊🏾 Favorite record of all time

I have always had an incredible respect for Chuck D and his work. Hearing him in such a open interview has only made me respect him even more. He is an icon and hearing him tell stories is mesmerizing. Thank you so much. Great interview!

This is like a conversation amongst hip hop God's!! Big ups to the legends!!

The great Chuck D. What a interview.

1st time I saw PE was in Dayton Ohio and the they rock the house. Awsome interview 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

That was DOPE! Thank you for this. Need to see part deuce!

Great way to start the week.

Went to the U.S, mainly L.A., for a family holiday in the mid-late 90's. There was a record store at Venice Beach selling cheap cassette tapes. Long story short. The Soundtrack to my holiday was "It Takes A Nation" and "Yo! Bum Rush The Show"...

Talib has done it again. #GreatEpisode

Love what you are doing. Great interview with a hip hop legend. Much continued success.

Peace and understanding readers.

This is a very important conversation. Chuck D dropped so many jewels 💎💎💎. We definitely need that part 2.

I love rewatching these older episodes. So many gems dropped, so much knowledge. The best hip hop podcast out, period, point blank, hands down, no cap and all that.

Always enjoyable time spent listening to Chuck D at the table.. and with a host like Talib, it can’t go wrong. I’m an old head too, so I relate to all the history they hit. These convos are real gems. Thank you, T and crew.. Cheers to Part 2 so we get to those other 3 pgs of q’s :)

1st time I ever got onstage was as an opening act for P.E in Denver back in 1999. I bombed so bad but I got to meet him backstage and he gave me and my band some encouraging words. Seeing this interview makes me want to pick up a mic and bomb all over again but with some confidence this time. Thank you for letting me get on that stage. I'm forever grateful.

Fire interview. Part 2 soon coming. I will not miss the next live show. Magic. Peace!

So enjoyed that! PE was the first act I ever saw live in 1991, and it made such an impact. Already fiending for the second installment of this (hopefully) interview series. Thank you Talib 🙏🏼. Yeeeeeaaahhhh boyyyyyy!

Much Blessings To P.E. Was Watching "Do The Right Thing" The Other Day And Radio Raheem Brought A Smile To My Face Bumpin' "Fight The Power" Props To Kweli And Also Peace To Nas On 21st Anniversary On "I Am..." I'm Bumpin' "Ghetto Prisoners" & "I Want To Talk To You".....

Thank you for this interview! Chuck D is Hip Hop! Thank you for everything Public Enemy!! #PublicEnemy

Magnificent interview by far! Salute to The Legendary Chuck D

So had to take a break from social media just to maintain my mental health (definitely helped) but anyways catching up on what I've missed and of course #peoplesparty was one of the first and let me just say THANK YOU!!! UPROXX for giving TK this platform. Positive informative interviews like this are a necessity rn. Salute Talib Kweli Jasmin Leigh Chuck D and Uproxx!!! We appreciate you all👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏

Epic Show!!! Thank you Talib! ❤️🖤💚

Damn, I have so much love for people from New York. So true, so real....easy to love man. Met Chuck D while giving a tour of Hollywood. He was there for LL Cool J's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony. I had a group of Australians and Chuck D was cool enough to say what's up. Love this!!

Salute to all involved, this was necessary

Great interview!!! Talib is a great nurturer of the fans, never forget how nice he was to me at the Gutter Rainbows records signing/meet and greet. Recommended The Alchemist as my next read(I loved it). Keep up the great work. Would love to see MikeD and Adrock on the show.

Now....That's that kind of interview I ever watched!! Chuck was born in Queens before he moved to Long Island which no one knows about that. This is the MAIN reason I got all of Public Enemy's music in one collection. Not just PE, but solo stuff from Terminator X, Professor Griff/7th Octave, Sister Souljah, Flavor Flav and last but not least - Chuck D/Confrontation Camp, Fine Arts Militia and Prophets Of Rage!!!! That's why PE is my favorite No. #1 group if all-time! PE was like the Black CNN and/or the Black Panthers of Hip-Hop. I look up to Doctor Dre (Yo! MTV Raps) more than the West Coast Dr. Dre in my opinion. The group's iconic logo speaks relevant to me. Chuck's my favorite MC in my list is where other cats are sleeping on him. Chuck ain't gonna change/tone/dumped his image for nothing! He's very knowledge, wisdom and understandable. I give the REAL props for Talib Kweli for his own podcast, but giving THAT props for him interviewing with the one and only MISTACHUCK!!!!! I still listen to his 1996 solo debut album which in my opinion everybody sleeping on Chuck as a solo artist after Muse Sick-N-Hour Mess-Age. Chuck reminds you of a pastor meets the sportscaster with the political/socially conscious style with an influence from the greats of Dr. King, Malcolm X, Dick Gregory and Harry Belafonte. This interview had me in tears, real talk. It made me feel very proud of myself to be the real PE fan. You got real cats like Talib, Ice Cube, Ice-T, KRS, Guru (RIP) and Kane were staying loyalty to Chuck/PE as friends. My favorite PE song was Welcome To The Terrordome because that was the song of anger. Hard. Angst. Dark. Depressed. And WIIIIICKED!!! That's why I love PE all the way!!! ✊✊✊✊✊✊✊✊✊💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

Much respect, love, and unity to both of you. Very intelligent. I love tuning into your shows, it’s like a history lesson, I appreciate your openness and a window to peer through into where HIPHOP started and what it’s about, Rap and it’s elements. Love the stories, Thanks for doing the interviews, always have the best guests.

Freedom is a road seldom traveled by the multitudes...

This interview has made me smarter, I need to sit through a Chuck D lecture. Thank You, Life for Chuck D.

Good guest. He says some thought provoking stuff

ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING! EXCELLENT job, sir!

Amazing interview! Great job!💯✊🏾🤎❤🔥

This was an informative interview. I never knew that Treach & Tupac were on tour together...that explain ed their close bond. The fact that Chuck mentored so many artists at the start of their careers is so admirable, just as Whodini & Doug E Fresh mentored him. I agree with Talib...there needs to be a Part 2 and 3 to this interview!!! ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

I'm glad Talib expressed how he felt about The Flavor of Love Show and the co-host loved the show.

Very powerful , it's like honesty is his superpower and it just naturally deflects negativity

Gr8 episode! Blessup Talib & Chuck D

Public Enemy gave me that moment that everyone gets when they found out " this is my shit right here"! I love me some Public Enemy!

Man dis da best show I ceen on people's party, so far. Peace 2 talib, jasmine, n chucc d

excellent conversation. thank you.

Sound of the funky drummer

Always a pleasure and a education to hear Chuck speak, great interview

Chuck - Chuck - Chillout - Chillout.... I can hear it now! Great memories... First time I heard My Philosophy and The Ruler's Back was on the Chuck Chillout show! Good Times.

Amazing... Thank you!