In 1998, Public Enemy released He Got Game as the title track for the Spike Lee movie of the same name. Chuck D does what he does so well in this song which is to highlight how young black men are exploited for their talent as they dream of becoming professional basketball players. He wonderfully mixes in Buffalo Springfield’s For What it’s Worth tying what is going on in 1998 with the societal revolution that happened in the 1960s.

Two days ago, Public Enemy released She Got Game, a follow up to the original. Rather than simply highlight the plight of women basketball players, which it does, the song is really a celebration of women players. It starts with Gloria Steinem, “This is no simple reform, it really is a revolution.” And we’re off. It still uses a remixed version of For What It’s Worth tying this one beautifully to the original. The cool thing about this one is that some former players and women are front and center on the song: Flau’Jae of LSU basketball, Retina MC, Cindy Blackman Santana on drums, Blu Detiger and Grace Bowers on guitar, and olympian Elizabeth Beisel on strings.

Public Enemy has always stuck up for the underdog and destroyed those who would prey on them. They continue to do that, but lately, there has been a slight detour to celebrate and uplift others. Flau’ Jae Johnson and Retina MC are on point here. Their verse is poignant and delivered so smoothly. Discovering them on this reminds me of listening to Miranda Writes on Radio Armageddon. These are young ladies with immense talent who just need the right break. Chuck and Flav see the talent and provide the platform.

Flav continues to spread love and support everywhere he goes. He will continue to do that for our USA Olympic team this year. He steals the show on this song, “In a world full of queens, be a king…..Billie Jean King.” This is an amazing celebration of talented women!

I have been a huge PE fan since the early days and still listen to every release intently. While styles change, voices age, folks mature, one thing never changes, Public Enemy still creates for the people. They put predators who would take advantage of others on notice. They defy a culture that rewards cruelty, mediocrity and banality. Change is what they do and who they are. Give this one a listen. I bet you will smile…. I did.

For my Radio Armageddon review click here.