The difference between Public Enemy’s Chuck D and Flavor Flav
Public Enemy are one of the most iconic hip-hop groups of all time. They’re known for their brand of political rap, notably addressing racism in the US with groundbreaking songs like ‘Fight the Power’. Founded by Chuck D and Flavor Flav in 1985, the duo are responsible for classic albums such as Yo! Bum Rush the Show, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, and Fear of a Black Planet.
Chuck and Flav are both talented in their own right, but they each bring something slightly different to the table. While Chuck was renowned as an MC, Flav brought the energy as an instrumentalist and hype man, serving as the perfect accompaniment to his rapping. Between them, they maintained the true essence of Public Enemy despite various changes to the group’s personnel over the years.
Flav once sat down for an interview with Kool DJ Red Alert for Interview Magazine. When asked what the difference is between him and Chuck, he said, “Well, you know, Chuck is Chuck and Flav is Flav. That’s one difference. The second difference is that Chuck, he’s not much of a joker. And Flav – he’ll drive you up the wall. Like the Raid to the roaches.”
Not only does their sense of humour separate them, but Flav credits Chuck for his leadership and inspiring generations of hip-hop fans with his lyrical knowledge. “Let me tell you like this: Flavor Flav is his own person,” he explained. “Chuck D, that’s my partner. He is the king because he is a lyrical king. Also he is a king that educated a whole lot of communities. So I look at Chuck as being a king. Right now he’s the leader of Public Enemy and he keeps things pretty well together. But it’s up to myself to keep myself together.”
While he’s quick to praise his partner in rhymes, he’s also not afraid to let his own ability be known. Whether it’s singing or playing a whole range of instruments, he can do it all, while writing songs with various emotions. “I play about 14 different instruments, and I ain’t going to sit here and name ’em all because it would take up the whole interview time,” he said.
He added, “Also, I can sing a little bit. A lot of people don’t believe Flavor Flav can sing. They would if they could hear when I’m in the shower! But yeah, I can sing a little bit, and I write love tunes, love songs. I can write songs that’ll make ya laugh, make ya cry, you know what I’m saying? I’m a songwriter.”
Their impact continues to be recognised decades later, with Public Enemy being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. They were the fourth hip-hop act to be honoured, following Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, LL Cool J, and the Beastie Boys. Chuck and Flav’s success as a duo speaks for itself, with three of their albums reaching platinum status with the Recording Industry Association of America. Needless to say, their legendary status is well and truly cemented.