Public Enemy Advocates for Freedom in Palestine at RiverBeat Festival

Join Public Enemy as they passionately call for a free Palestine during their mesmerizing set at the RiverBeat Music Festival in Memphis, showcasing their powerful message through music.

A Bold Statement in Memphis

This past weekend, the legendary hip-hop group Public Enemy took the stage at the RiverBeat Music Festival held at Tom Lee Park in Memphis. Staying true to their reputation as politically vocal artists, they used their platform to deliver a potent message for the freedom of Palestine.

As they performed, the group did not shy away from critiquing President Trump, reinforcing their stance on pressing social issues. One of the highlights of their set was the anthem ‘State Of The Union,’ a track from their 2020 album that resonates with the tumultuous end of Trump’s first term and the intensity of the Black Lives Matter movement. Chuck D passionately raps, “Whatever it takes, rid this dictator… White house killer, dead in lifelines / Vote this joke out or die tryin’.”

Unity Through Music

Flavor Flav, another iconic member of the group, introduced their classic song ‘Fight The Power’ with a heartfelt message to the audience: “No matter what part of the world we come from, no matter what language we speak, no matter what color we are, we are all one person. With peace and togetherness, we would have so much power.” This sentiment echoes the essence of unity and strength through music, as shared via Far Out.

Yeah, boiiiiiiiiiiiii! Public Enemy showed Memphis BIG love – talking up the power of our music and our city throughout their killer set of “rock-ass rap music” (Chuck D.’s words). Bonus: Memphis’ own Khari Wynn joining them on guitar.

Political Context and Controversy

Public Enemy’s comments regarding Palestine follow a wave of political statements made by musicians, notably Kneecap, who faced backlash for expressing support for the people of Gaza during their Coachella performances last month. This has sparked widespread debate and criticism, including remarks from celebrities like Sharon Osbourne. Kneecap's situation escalated to an investigation by counter-terror police in the UK, leading to calls from politicians for them to be removed from upcoming festival line-ups.

Public Enemy's Ongoing Activism

In addition to their recent performance, Public Enemy has been actively involved in various charitable efforts. They worked tirelessly to raise funds for victims of the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles earlier this year, launching a GoFundMe campaign and personally visiting displaced families.

Upcoming Shows to Watch For

Excitingly, Public Enemy has announced a “once-in-a-lifetime” concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall on June 27, marking their return to the UK after nearly a decade. Chuck D expressed gratitude for this opportunity, saying, “We are honored to have this opportunity to stand on the Royal Albert Hall stage and perform under the same renowned roof that the greats from Hendrix to Pavarotti, from The Beatles to my brothers Cypress Hill have.”

They will also be featured in the 2025 edition of Sea.Hear.Now alongside major acts like Blink-182 and Hozier, and at the Shaky Knees Festival in Atlanta, which boasts an impressive lineup including My Chemical Romance, Vampire Weekend, and Deftones.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Public Enemy's performance at the RiverBeat Festival was not just a concert; it was an emphatic call for social justice and unity. Their music continues to inspire and challenge societal norms, proving that hip-hop can and does serve as a powerful vehicle for change. What are your thoughts on their message? Do you think artists should continue to speak out on political issues during performances?

• What did Public Enemy advocate for during their performance? They called for a free Palestine and expressed criticism of President Trump.
• Which song did Chuck D perform that critiques the Trump administration? He performed ‘State Of The Union’, a track from 2020.
• What was Flavor Flav’s message to the audience? He emphasized the importance of unity and peace among all people, regardless of background.
• What recent charity work has Public Enemy been involved in? They raised funds and supported victims of the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
• When is Public Enemy’s next major concert in the UK? They are set to perform at London’s Royal Albert Hall on June 27.

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