AFF Presents: Public Enemy, Welcome to the Terrordome

Though Public Enemy arguably haven't put out an important album since "Apocalypse 91", it's impossible to overstate how influential their first three records were. At the tail-end of the 1980s, this brash, inventive, ridiculously smart group of Long Island twentysomethings almost single-handedly broke rap out of its soft, dance-centric mold, and used the pieces to forge a new, electrifyingly original political artform. And for those of us who were alive to witness, it was absolutely thrilling.

Though they'll be performing their critically adored sophomore album "It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back" in Chicago this summer, we'll argue to the death that "Fear of a Black Planet" is the essential PE record. By 1990, The Bomb Squad's production had finally caught up to Chuck and Flavor's frantic call-and-response rhymes, and the result is a near-perfect rap record (save a couple minor duds on the b-side). It was also the record that mired the group in controversy; faced with accusations of antisemitism after Professor Griff made some regrettable remarks during an interview with The Washington Times, Chuck D responded in song by telling the "Rab" to "get off the rag"--a situation that, for better or worse, made PE seem even more dangerous, and therefore desirable, to us. We still vividly remember watching them perform "Can't Truss It" on SNL as our parents looked on in abject horror. It was totally awesome.

Though they've gone on to release at least 8 more records, it's these early days that still inspire joy in our cold little hearts. Which is why we're excited that tonight, the Austin Film Festival is screening Public Enemy: Welcome to the Terrordome, a documentary look at PE's past and present, focusing heavily on the group's individual members. Through extensive live footage (including an Austin performance of “Son of A Bush”) and interviews with Henry Rolllins, The Beastie Boys, Tom Morello, Talib Kweli and DMC, Welcome to the Terrordome explores the band's personal politics, as well as their extensive influence on music and culture.

The screening is part of the AFF's year-round screening series, and it's free for AFF members (why don't you become a member already?). For the general public, it's only $4. Hopefully, we'll see you there.