Artist profile · 06/07/2026
Public Enemy
- 5
- Albums on Vinyles.com
- 1.3M
- Last.fm listeners
- 24M
- Last.fm plays
About
Public Enemy, Political firepower from Long Island's hip hop rebels since 1982.
Public Enemy emerged in 1982 from Long Island, New York, established by core members Chuck D and Flavor Flav with DJ Lord and the dance group S1W. Rooted in the political and progressive rap scene, they are recognized for their militant sound and outspoken commentary on social issues affecting African Americans. Produced largely by the Bomb Squad team, their music blends aggressive beats and intricate sampling with confrontational lyrics.
The group has released seven significant LPs available across various vinyl editions, with multiple reissues and special editions reflecting their enduring influence.
Discography
Public Enemy discography
Studio albums, live records, compilations and radio recordings. Each album groups all its editions.
It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
- Vinyl 13
- CD 8
- Cassette 1
From$25.92
at Amazon
Greatest Misses
Public Enemy
- Vinyl 1
- CD 1
- Cassette 1
Muse Sick‐N‐Hour Mess Age
Public Enemy
- Vinyl 2
- CD 1
- Cassette 2
There’s a Poison Goin On…
Public Enemy
- Vinyl 2
- CD 1
- Cassette 1
Revolverlution
Public Enemy
- Vinyl
- CD 2
- Cassette 1
Fight the Power! Greatest Hits Live!
Public Enemy
- Vinyl
- CD 2
- Cassette
It Takes a Nation: The First London Invasion Tour 1987
Public Enemy
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
New Whirl Odor
Public Enemy
- Vinyl
- CD 2
- Cassette
Beats and Places
Public Enemy
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
Revolverlution Tour 2003 Manchester
Public Enemy
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
How You Sell Soul to a Soulless People Who Sold Their Soul???
Public Enemy
- Vinyl
- CD 1
- Cassette
Most of My Heroes Still Don’t Appear on No Stamp
Public Enemy
- Vinyl 2
- CD 1
- Cassette
The Evil Empire of Everything
Public Enemy
- Vinyl 2
- CD 1
- Cassette
Live From Metropolis Studios
Public Enemy
- Vinyl 2
- CD 1
- Cassette
Nothing Is Quick in the Desert
Public Enemy
- Vinyl
- CD
- Cassette
What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down?
Public Enemy
- Vinyl 1
- CD 1
- Cassette
From$14.99
at eBay
Revolverlution Tour 2003
Public Enemy
- Vinyl 1
- CD 1
- Cassette
Black Sky Over the Projects: Apartment 2025
Public Enemy
- Vinyl 4
- CD 1
- Cassette
From$13.98
at eBayData provided by Discogs
Listen
Signature songs
- 01
Fight the PowerFear Of A Black Planet · 1990 - 02
Bring the NoiseIt Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back · 1988 - 03Harder Than You Think
- 04Don't Believe the HypeIt Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back · 1988
- 05Rebel Without a PauseIt Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back · 1988
- 06He Got Game
- 07Countdown to ArmageddonIt Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back · 1988
- 08911 Is a JokeFear Of A Black Planet · 1990
Essentials
3 Public Enemy albums you need to own
Our picks, approved by the editors.
#1 · 1988Landmark sophomore album blending aggressive beats and pointed political lyrics, featuring classics like "Bring The Noise" and "Don't Believe The Hype."
18 tracksProduced by the Bomb SquadDef Jam Recordings labelMultiple represses available
#2 · 1990Third album that expanded on social commentary with tracks like "Fight The Power," presenting a layered, sample-rich soundscape.
22 tracksOriginal pressings from 1990Epic and Def Jam label variantsSpecial editions exist
#3 · 1987Debut album noted for its hardcore hip hop and boom bap style, launching the group's politically conscious career with tracks like "Public Enemy No. 1."
12 tracksDef Jam RecordingsJapanese and US versionsStereo vinyl
Go further
Artists similar to Public Enemy
Artists who share part of Public Enemy's musical DNA.
B-side
B-side: the hidden stories of Public Enemy
Studio secrets, tour stories and B-sides worth the whole album.
Recording 'It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back'
In 1988, Public Enemy recorded their influential second album under Def Jam Recordings, featuring dense production by Bomb Squad, defining the sound of militant hip hop.
1990 release of 'Fear Of A Black Planet'
Released in 1990, this album featured the anthem "Fight The Power" and was issued on Epic in Brazil and Def Jam in the UK, noting its international vinyl presence.
'What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down?' LP from 2020
This special edition LP was released in the US by Enemy Records in 2020, with catalog number B0032884-01, exhibiting steady secondary market prices around €10 to €13.
"Make love, fuck war" has been the group's enduring slogan since their militant beginnings.— Public Enemy Motto
Key original release from Japan: 'Yo! Bum Rush The Show', 1987
The Japanese pressing on CBS/Sony (catalog 28AP 3308(DJ)) is among original vinyl versions of Public Enemy's debut, fetching prices near €27 in resale markets.
Public Enemy vinyl discography
See allBlack Sky Over The Projects : Apartment 2025
Public Enemy
Rap / Hip Hop américainRap/Hip Hop
2025-10-01Enemy RecordsFrom$19.99
1 offerFear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
Rap / Hip Hop américainRap/Hip Hop
2025-06-13UNIVERSAL MUSICFrom$38.71
2 offersIt Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back (35th Anniversary) Édition Limitée Vinyle Noir et Rouge
Public Enemy
Rap / Hip Hop américainRap/Hip Hop
2025-05-01Apocalypse 91 The Enemey Strikes Black
Public Enemy
Rap / Hip Hop internationalRap/Hip Hop
2025-04-25Z2 COMICSFrom$24.99
1 offerPower To The People And The Beats Greatest Hits
Public Enemy
Rap / Hip Hop américainRap/Hip Hop
2025-04-01What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down
Public Enemy
Old School RapRap/Hip Hop
2024-08-09UNIVERSAL MUSICFrom$14.99
3 offersIt Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
Rap / Hip Hop américainRap/Hip Hop
2023-11-14UNIVERSAL MUSICFrom$52.36
1 offerIt Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
Rap / Hip Hop américainRap/Hip Hop
2023-11-10UNIVERSAL MUSICFrom$36.00
2 offersYo! Bum Rush The Show
Public Enemy
Rap / Hip Hop américainRap/Hip Hop
2023-10-27UNIVERSAL MUSICFrom$20.34
3 offersIt Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
Old School RapRap/Hip Hop
2022-05-06UNIVERSAL MUSICFrom$25.92
1 offerPower To The People And The Beats: Public Enemy's Greatest Hits Vinyle Coloré
Public Enemy
Rap / Hip Hop américainRap/Hip Hop
2021-02-01Def Jam RecordingsFrom$24.99
1 offerFear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
Rap / Hip Hop américainRap/Hip Hop
2018-03-23UNIVERSAL MUSICFrom$27.98
3 offers
Public Enemy CDs
See allBlack Sky Over The Projects : Apartment 2025
Public Enemy
Rap / Hip Hop américainRap/Hip Hop
2025-10-01Enemy RecordsFrom$13.98
1 offerIt takes a nation of millions to hold US back
Public Enemy
Rap / Hip Hop américainRap/Hip Hop
2000-04-01Def Jam RecordingsFrom$4.52
1 offerFear of a black planet
Public Enemy
Rap / Hip Hop américainRap/Hip Hop
1990-04-01Def Jam RecordingsFrom$9.69
1 offer
Recommended accessories
See allBig Fudge 4-in-1 Vinyl Record Cleaning Kit, Brush and Cleaning Fluid | Anti Static Velvet and Stylus Brushes, Storage Pouch, Full Clean in Under a Minute, Gentle on Grooves
$24.99
View on AmazonBig Fudge 12" Vinyl Record Inner Sleeves, 50 Pack, Acid Free Paper | Heavyweight Construction, Safe for Long Term Storage, Protects LP Albums from Dust, Dirt and Scratches
$21.99
View on AmazonBig Fudge 7" Vinyl Record Sleeves - Inner Sleeves 50 Pack - Anti Static Rice Paper Acid Free Vinyl Covers - Vinyl Accessories Protect LP Albums from Dust, Dirt & Scratches
$21.99
View on AmazonBig Fudge 7" Vinyl Record Sleeves - Inner Sleeves 25 Pack - Anti Static Rice Paper Acid Free Vinyl Covers - Vinyl Accessories Protect LP Albums from Dust, Dirt & Scratches
$14.99
View on AmazonBig Fudge 7" Vinyl Record Sleeves - Round Bottom Inner Sleeves 50 Pack - Anti Static Rice Paper Acid Free Vinyl Covers - Vinyl Accessories Protect LP Albums from Dust, Dirt & Scratches
$21.99
View on Amazon
FAQ
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
When and where was Public Enemy formed?
Public Enemy was formed in 1982 in Long Island, New York, United States.
What genre does Public Enemy primarily represent?
Public Enemy is primarily a political and conscious hip hop group within the rap and hip hop genre.
Which Public Enemy albums are available on vinyl at Vinyles.com?
Seven major Public Enemy albums are available on vinyl including 'Apocalypse 91 The Enemy Strikes Black', 'Fear Of A Black Planet', 'It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back', and 'Yo! Bum Rush The Show'.
What are some key tracks to listen for from Public Enemy?
Key tracks include 'Fight the Power', 'Bring the Noise', 'Don't Believe the Hype', and 'Welcome to the Terrordome'.
Are original vinyl pressings of Public Enemy albums valuable?
Original pressings such as the 1987 Japanese 'Yo! Bum Rush The Show' or the 1990 Brazilian 'Fear Of A Black Planet' can command higher prices among collectors.
Where can I find the earliest Public Enemy vinyl pressings?
Early vinyl pressings were released in the US, Japan, and European countries, with Def Jam Recordings as a primary label in the late 1980s.
Is Public Enemy recognized by any music halls of fame?
Public Enemy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in December 2012 and the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2007.
What should I expect when listening to Public Enemy vinyl?
Expect politically charged lyrics combined with aggressive, sample-rich production crafted by the Bomb Squad, making each LP a charged listening experience.
Transparency
Sources & method
This profile is compiled by the vinyles.com editors from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discography data from MusicBrainz (dates, country, active years).
- Tracklists, covers and genres from Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists from Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editors.