Chuck D, one of the founding members of foundational hip-hop act Public Enemy, has been tapped to receive the 2019 Woody Guthrie Prize, which “recognizes artists across media who have utilized their talents to speak for those without a platform.” Previous recipients of the Woody Guthrie Prize include
John Mellencamp, Norman Lear, Kris Kristofferson, Mavis Staples, and Pete Seeger.
The Woody Guthrie Center will present the hip-hop icon, social activist, and author of This Day in Rap and Hip-Hop History with the recognition on Saturday, November 16th at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, OK. Ticket information will be available soon.
As The Woodie Guthrie Center explains in the announcement,
Through his decades as a hip-hop innovator, founder of the highly influential group Public Enemy and as a distinctive solo artist, Chuck D has deployed his art to bring to the forefront issues facing the African-American community. With an emphasis on social justice — told in Chuck D’s commanding voice with thought-provoking lyrics on top of a blaring wall of sound that demanded the listener’s attention — Public Enemy became one of the most recognized and revered groups in hip-hop and popular music at large.
As Deana McCloud, the director of the Woodie Guthrie Center, noted about Chuck D in a statement,
Woody was a fighter for the people, and Chuck D’s message has consistently aligned with Woody’s: choose a side, fight the power and work for a better world. We are honored to recognize Chuck’s work as he shines a light on social and cultural issues through his words and encourages us all to take action for equality and justice. We know that Woody would be rapping right alongside him as he speaks truth to power.
Public Enemy – “Fight The Power” [Music Video]
[Video: TheRappShow]
Chuck D has released four solo albums and recently helped form the supergroup Prophets of Rage with former Public Enemy bandmate DJ Lord, three members of Rage Against The Machine, and Cypress Hill rapper B-Real. Chuck D has also taken his social justice work outside the recording studio, working with radio syndicate Air America and as a spokesman for activist organizations Rock the Vote, the National Urban League, Americans for the Arts Council, and the National Alliance for African-American Athletes. Chuck D also published a comprehensive hip-hop history book, This Day in Rap and Hip-Hop History, in 2017. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Public Enemy in 2013.
[H/T Variety]