Public Enemy was the first major rap group to break out of underground circles and appeal to mainstream fans. They broke down barriers that had marginalized rap before them, and ultimately expanded its appeal beyond just urban black audiences. Few groups can claim the kind of influence that charismatic personalities such as Chuck D and Flava Flav had on rap as a genre--even if the latter has become a parody of himself on reality television. Additionally, few rap groups have aspired to the level of social commentary that Chuck D provided, inciting a call to arms and black pride as much as venting his anger.

Public Enemy was formed in 1982 on Long Island by Carlton Ridenhour, known to most as Chuck D. He met two other crucial members of the group, Hank Shocklee and Bill Stephney, while DJing at a local college radio station. After putting a track together called "Public Enemy No. 1," D. was approached by Def Jam co-founder Rick Rubin, who was eager to sign him. He eventually signed, but asked for a lot in return. He wasn't just after his own career--he had a grand vision of an explosive, shocking hip-hop troupe that offered a militancy in its tone. Back up dancers would feign martial arts moves on stage and wield fake Uzis. His friend William Drayton would take on a lighter role in the group, donning a ridiculously over-sized alarm clock and glasses. He also unwittingly provided a visual cue for countless bad skits throughout the '90s by people who knew nothing about rap.

The group debuted in 1987 with Yo! Bum Rush the Show, revolutionizing hip-hop instantly, but failing to appear on the radar of mainstream music. The following year's It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back had the same effect on a much grander scale, changing hip-hop forever by introducing it to the mainstream listening public.