Calling all hip-hop aficionados! Brace yourselves for an electrifying blast from the past as Public Enemy's game-changing masterpiece, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, celebrates its 35th anniversary with a mesmerizing vinyl release on November 10th. This legendary album, originally dropped in 1988, revolutionized the genre and catapulted Public Enemy into the stratosphere of musical greatness.

 

It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back is more than just an album; it's a force of nature that meticulously weaves together politically charged lyrics, explosive beats, and fearless performances. With anthems like "Fight the Power," "Don't Believe the Hype," and "Bring the Noise," this record captured the essence of frustration, rebellion, and empowerment that defined an era.  

 

But what makes this upcoming 35th anniversary edition even more extraordinary? Brace yourselves, because it promises to be even better than its predecessor. Remastered to perfection, this release will breathe new life into the iconic tracks while preserving the raw energy that made them resonate with fans across the globe. Immerse yourself in the sonic journey of Public Enemy's unparalleled lyricism and groundbreaking production techniques, all immaculately preserved in the warmth of analog vinyl.

 

This anniversary edition also offers a glimpse into the band's history, featuring bonus content such as rare recordings, behind-the-scenes footage, and insightful interviews. Experience the evolution of Public Enemy and gain a deeper understanding of the creative forces that shaped this influential group.

 

For die-hard fans and newcomers alike, the 35th anniversary edition of It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back is a momentous event to mark on your calendar. Get ready to witness the brilliance and impact of this iconic album in an entirely new light. So, prepare your turntables, crank up the volume, and let Public Enemy ignite your passion for hip-hop once again!   - Matthew Belter

Los Angeles, CA (October 6, 2023) – GRAMMY® Award-winning legendary hip-hop collective and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame® Inductees Public Enemy celebrate the 35th anniversary of their seminal sophomore offering, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, with a very special new Vinyl Edition out November 10, 2023 via Universal Music Enterprises’ (UMe). Fittingly, the release also coincides with UMe’s continued celebration of rap’s 50^th birthday, Hip-Hop 50, as well. 

It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back will be available in either 4-LP 180gram vinyl and 2LP 180 gram vinyl—pressed on limited-run red or standard. The 4LP package features bonus tracks from the Deluxe 2CD, extensive new liner notes penned by Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Q-Tip, and Questlove, and a 12x12 sticker insert of the instantly recognizable Public Enemy logo. 

 

Pre-order/Pre-Save HERE.

Speaking on this release, Chuck D said, "Thanks to Run-DMC, LL Cool J and Whodini, we knew that hip-hop albums could explode on cassettes. At about the same time, Hank Shocklee was the manager of a record store, and he would point out how rock bands like Iron Maiden, The Rolling Stones, and even Bruce Springsteen were getting the most out of the album concept. So, we took that and went further with It Takes a Nation, approaching it like a rock band. It ended up becoming a part of rap's evolution from a singles-driven genre into the dawn of rap's album age."

Public Enemy first dropped It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back on an unsuspecting world on June 28, 1988. Nothing would ever be the same in its wake. 

It not only climbed to #1 on the Billboard 200 and went platinum, but it also carved out a place in history thanks to singles such as “Rebel Without a Pause,” “Bring the Noise,” “Don’t Believe the Hype,”and many more. It yielded an unprecedented collision of jazz fluidity, punchy funk, and fascinating sample alchemy with provocative, powerful, and poetic wordplay about everything from race to revolution. By doing so, this magnum opus set a template followed by successive generations of rappers. Speaking to the record’s impact, Rolling Stone touted it in the Top 15 of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time,” while Pitchfork rated It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back a highly rare “10.0” score and summed it up best, “It changed the face of rap music.”

 

Stay tuned for more from Public Enemy soon.

 

TRACKLISTING 4-LP

Side A:

1.     Countdown To Armageddon

2.    Bring The Noise

3.    Don't Believe The Hype

4.    Cold Lampin With Flavor

Side B:

1.     Terminator X To The Edge Of Panic

2.    Mind Terrorist

3.    Louder Than A Bomb

4.    Caught, Can We Get A Witness?

Side C:

1.     Show 'Em Whatcha Got

2.    She Watch Channel Zero?!

3.    Night Of The Living Baseheads

4.    Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos

Side D:

1.     Security Of The First World

2.    Rebel Without A Pause

3.    Prophets Of Rage

4.    Party For Your Right To Fight

Side E:

1.     Bring The Noise (No Noise Version)

2.    Bring The Noise (No Noise Instrumental)

3.    Bring The Noise (No Noise A Cappella)

4.    Rebel Without A Pause (Instrumental)

Side F:

1.     Night Of The Living Baseheads (Anti-High Blood Pressure Encounter Mix)

2.    Night Of The Living Baseheads (Terminator X Meets DST And Chuck Chill Out Instrumental Mix)

3.    The Edge Of Panic

Side G:

1.     Terminator X To The Edge Of Panic (No Need To Panic Radio Version)

2.    The Rhythm, The Rebel (A Capella)

3.    Prophets Of Rage (Power Version)

Side H:

1.     Caught, Can We Get A Witness? (Pre Black Steel Ballistic Felony Dub)

2.    B-Side Wins Again (Original Version)

3.    Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos (Instrumental)

TRACKLISTING 2-LP

Side A:

1.     Countdown To Armageddon

2.    Bring The Noise

3.    Don't Believe The Hype

4.    Cold Lampin With Flavor

Side B:

1.     Terminator X To The Edge Of Panic

2.    Mind Terrorist

3.    Louder Than A Bomb

4.    Caught, Can We Get A Witness?

Side C:

1.     Show 'Em Whatcha Got

2.    She Watch Channel Zero?!

3.    Night Of The Living Baseheads

4.    Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos

Side D:

1.     Security Of The First World

2.    Rebel Without A Pause

3.    Prophets Of Rage

 

4.    Party For Your Right To Fight