BBC World Service - Witness History, Fight the Power: The song that became an anthem of protest (original) (raw)

Fight the Power: The song that became an anthem of protest

It's 35 years since the release of one of the most provocative songs in music history. In 1989, Public Enemy released Fight the Power. Chuck D shares his memories of that time.

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It's 35 years since the release of one of the most provocative songs in music history.

Fight the Power by hip-hop group, Public Enemy, was radical both politically and sonically.

The song was written at the request of filmmaker, Spike Lee, who needed an anthem for his 1989 movie, Do the Right Thing.

The film became a box office smash and - despite controversy surrounding Public Enemy's image - the song soon became an anthem of protest and rebellion all over the world.

Public Enemy frontman, Chuck D, shares his memories of that time with Matt Pintus.

(Photo: Chuck D and Spike Lee pictured in 1989. Credit: Getty Images)

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