Em Down: Last News

Jem Aswad Senior Music Editor Reach Music Publishing has acquired a 50% copyright interest — together with 100% of the writer’s share, including global administration rights — in the song catalog of Public Enemy’s Chuck D, one of the most influential rappers and lyricists in hip-hop history. Further terms of the deal were not disclosed. As a founding member and chief songwriter of Public Enemy, Chuck D co-wrote nearly all of the group’s songs, including such classics as “Fight the Power” (theme song to Spike Lee’s 1989 film “Do the Right Thing”), “Bring the Noise,” “Welcome to the Terrordome,” “Shut ‘Em Down,” and “He Got Game,” all of which are included in the Reach Music acquisition. In total, over 300 songs are included in the deal. 

Chuck D and Public Enemy Radio performed at Senator Bernie Sanders’ rally in Los Angeles last night, where they played classics like “Fight the Power,” “Can’t Truss It,” “Bring the Noise,” “Shut ’Em Down,” and more. Sarah Silverman and Dick Van Dyke were also present at the event. During Public Enemy Radio’s set, Chuck D was vocal about the importance of voting. “Voting is [as] important as washing your ass in the morning,” he said at one point. Find video from the rally below (Public Enemy Radio start around 39:13).