Public Enemy’s New Protest Song: March Madness

Public Enemy Confronts Gun Violence With New Protest Song ‘March Madness‘

New York, June 22, 2025 – Hip-hop pioneers Public Enemy have dropped a powerful new single, “March Madness,” their first in five years. this protest song tackles the urgent issue of gun violence and features collaboration with student artists.

The track, released in honor of Juneteenth, directs its proceeds to vital causes. The Black Music Action Coalition Human Rights Fund and Everytown, an organization dedicated to preventing gun violence, will benefit from the song’s sales.

A Collaboration for Change

The song “March Madness” is not just a Public Enemy creation. It includes contributions from talented students. Lyricists Anthony Bell, Ollie Marinaccio, Rhiannon Rae Ellis, and Dee-1 lent their voices to the track. Sydney DeLeonardis and Ciaran de Chaud also contributed, with Nigel Sanjai Sanders handling production. These students hail from esteemed institutions. Thay represent Harvard, Berklee, and Howard universities.

Artists Speak Out Against Gun Violence

Flavor Flav shared his sentiments on the pressing issues. He stated, “It’s horrible what’s going on right now around the world and especially here. I hate it. But I got a voice and a platform and we are still fighting the power and for positive change all these years later.”

Chuck D added his perspective. “Gun violence is not normal behavior, but it’s been going on for so long that it’s normalized. We need to treat it like the sickness and the epidemic that it is indeed.”

Public Enemy’s ongoing Impact

Public Enemy is currently on tour. Their last full album,*What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down*,was released in 2020.The group continues to use their platform to address critical social issues. The new song “March Madness” follows this tradition.it serves as a potent reminder.The reminder of the power of music. It serves as a catalyst for change.

gun Violence Statistics: A Stark Reality

Gun violence remains a critical issue in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), firearms were involved in over 48,000 deaths in 2023.This includes homicides, suicides, and accidental deaths. Addressing this epidemic requires multifaceted approaches. It requires community involvement.It also requires legislative action. It requires awareness campaigns.

Did You Know? The economic cost of gun violence in the U.S. exceeds $280 billion annually, including medical costs, lost income, and criminal justice expenses.

The release of “March Madness” arrives during a period of heightened awareness. People understand social justice issues.Public Enemy’s decision to donate proceeds to organizations. These focus on human rights and anti-violence. It underscores their commitment. They are commited to making a tangible difference.

Public Enemy’s Legacy

As their emergence in the late 1980s, Public Enemy has been at the forefront of socially conscious hip-hop. Their music has consistently addressed issues. These issues are racial inequality, political corruption, and social injustice. Their willingness to tackle difficult subjects. It has solidified their place.They are music icons. They are cultural commentators.

Pro Tip: Support organizations working to prevent gun violence. Engage in community initiatives.Advocate for policy changes.

The Enduring Relevance of Protest Songs

Protest songs have a rich history. They serve as powerful tools. These tools can be used to voice dissent. They can raise awareness. They can inspire action. From Woody Guthrie’s Dust Bowl ballads to Bob Dylan’s civil rights anthems, music has always played a role. The role is challenging the status quo. It also helps advocating for change.

In today’s polarized climate, protest songs remain as relevant as ever. They offer a space for expression. They can also foster dialog. They can galvanize communities. Public Enemy’s “March Madness” joins this tradition. It uses the power of music to confront a pressing social issue.

Organization	Focus	Website
Black Music Action Coalition Human Rights Fund	Supporting initiatives promoting equality and justice in the music industry	BMACoalition.org
Everytown	Advocating for policies to reduce gun violence	Everytown.org

Frequently Asked Questions About Gun Violence and Public enemy’s Response

Why did Public Enemy release ‘March Madness’?

Public enemy released ‘March Madness’ as a protest song to address the ongoing issue of gun violence and to commemorate Juneteenth.

Who did Public Enemy collaborate with on the gun violence song?

The hip-hop group collaborated with a collective of student lyricists and producers from Harvard, Berklee, and Howard Universities.

Where will the proceeds from ‘March Madness’ be donated?

Immediate proceeds from the track will benefit the Black Music Action Coalition Human Rights Fund and Everytown, an anti-gun violence nonprofit.

What is Public Enemy’s message about gun violence?

Chuck D stated that gun violence has become normalized and needs to be treated as a sickness and an epidemic.

When was Public Enemy’s last album released before this single?

Public Enemy’s last album, ‘What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes down,’ was released in 2020.

How does Flavor Flav feel about current events?

Flavor Flav expressed his dismay at the state of the world and emphasized the importance of using their platform to fight for positive change.

What are your thoughts on Public Enemy’s new track? How can music contribute to social change? Share your comments below.

Public Enemy’s ‘March Madness’: The Raging anthem of Social Justice

Public Enemy’s ‘March Madness’: The Raging Anthem of Social Justice

Public Enemy, the pioneering hip-hop group known for their politically charged lyrics and powerful delivery, has consistently used their music as a platform for social commentary. “March Madness” continues this tradition, serving as a potent protest song that confronts contemporary issues. This article provides a complete analysis of the song, its themes, and its meaning.

Context and Influences: The Genesis of a Protest Song

Understanding the broader context that birthed “March Madness” is crucial. The song emerges from a long history of Public Enemy using their music to address social injustice, political corruption, and racial inequality. Chuck D’s signature voice, combined with Flavor Flav’s energetic presence, creates a sonic force that demands attention.

Legacy of Activism: Public Enemy’s Impact

Public Enemy’s influence extends far beyond the world of music. They have inspired countless artists and activists. They are hip-hop legends. Their impact on the cultural landscape is undeniable.

Consider some of their earlier tracks:

• “Fight the Power”: A call to action against systemic oppression.
• “Bring the Noise”: A sonic assault against complacency.
• “911 is a Joke”: exposing the inequalities within the emergency services.

Decoding the Lyrics: Unpacking “March Madness”

The lyrics of “March Madness” are filled with conscious rap. They act as a powerful commentary.They are critical of current events. It’s a blend of urgency and defiance.

Key Themes and Messages

The song delves into several key issues:

• Political Corruption: Public Enemy tackles corruption within government and the negative impacts on society.
• social Injustice: The track touches upon the systemic oppression faced by marginalized communities.
• Media Manipulation: They discuss the role of the media in shaping public opinion and controlling the narrative.

Line-by-Line Analysis

Here’s an excerpt from the table of lyrics to illustrate a specific verse that analyzes the issues and the underlying meaning:

Lyric	Interpretation	Keywords
“They sell us dreams, we buy their lies”	Critique, highlights media manipulation and propaganda.	Media, Propaganda, Lies
“The system is rigged, you’re caught in the maze”	Shows the complexity of the “system”	System, Rigged, Maze

Music and Production: The Sonic Weaponry

Beyond the lyrics, the musical production of “March Madness” is just as critically important. The raw, aggressive soundscape created by The Bomb Squad, the group’s production team, adds layers of tension and underscores the urgency of the message.The samples are crucial for it’s message.

Soundscape and Style

The sound design of “March Madness” is a direct echo of Public Enemy’s classic sound: raw energy, and uncompromising sound. it incorporates these elements:

• Aggressive Beats: The song’s core rhythm is relentless and impactful.
• Sample Integration: The Bomb Squad strategically uses samples like protest sounds.
• Vocal Delivery: Chuck D’s and Flavor Flav’s vocal delivery injects maximum impact.

impact and Relevance: Echoes in Modern Times

Despite being released in a specific time, the themes of “March Madness” are more relevant than ever. The song’s message about social and political awareness helps motivate people to advocate for change.

The Song’s Legacy

The legacy of “March Madness” will continue to evolve.It serves as a beacon for social justice. It’s a testament to the power of art to ignite change.

The song’s message resonates with contemporary struggles such as:

• Black Lives Matter movement
• Police brutality protests
• Calls for political reform

The ongoing fight against injustice. It is indeed more relevant than ever.