Pioneering hip-hop group Public Enemy has shared a brand new, DJ Premier-produced track, “State of the Union (STFU)”, along with a fiery music video. “State of the Union (STFU)” is the latest in a string of powerful messages about President Donald Trump from Public Enemy frontman Chuck D, who has addressed Trump’s policies and rhetoric for the past several years through his work with Prophets of Rage and as a solo artist.
The single’s cover art quickly conveys the root of their message with images of Donald Trump looking over the now-iconic image of Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin killing George Floyd in the street over ominous blood splatters.
As Chuck D explained in a press release, “Our collective voices keep getting louder. The rest of the planet is on our side. But it’s not enough to talk about change. You have to show up and demand change. Folks gotta vote like their lives depend on it, ‘cause it does.” Added hype man Flavor Flav, “Public Enemy tells it like it is,” added Flavor Flav. “It’s time for him to GO.”
Related: Public Enemy’s Chuck D Tapped To Receive 2019 Woody Guthrie Prize
The video, which they shot “in secret in the dead of night,” presents a collection of graphic footage and imagery from the ongoing protests against racism and police brutality in the country mixed with stark, black and white footage of a vitriolic performance of the song by Chuck D, DJ Lord, Flavor Flav, and DJ Premier.
Watch the video for “State of the Union (STFU)” by Public Enemy below or head to the group’s website for a free download of the track.
Public Enemy – “State of the Union (STFU)” – Official Video
[Video: Channel ZERO]
Earlier this year, Public Enemy made headlines when Chuck D and Flavor Flav clashed over their seemingly opposing views on taking bold political stances like performing at a Bernie Sanders rally. Flav was briefly kicked out of the group, though this new release confirms that they have since mended fences.