Public Enemy, ‘It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back’ – Legendary Rap Albums of the 1980s

"Our attitude by the second album was to destroy music," said Public Enemy vocalist Chuck D in an interview. That about sums up the direction of 1989's 'It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back,' an album so filled with political indignation and brilliance it nearly re-invented the rap game.

Tracks like 'Don't Believe the Hype' and 'Bring the Noise' are chaotic and pressured, ballsy and irreverent, with production that includes horn-like squelches and overpowering grooves. Not to mention lyrics that go, "Radio stations, I question their blackness / They call themselves black, but we'll see if they'll play this."

Watch Public Enemy's 'Bring the Noise' Video