Last week we got word that Public Enemy (Radio) would be helping Bernie rile up his audience at a stop in LA, though it wasn’t exactly clear what that meant. Some seemed to be under the impression the event would be soundtracked by a Chuck D solo set of PE hits, while others speculated it would be a full-band affair. Seems we got an answer shortly before they took the stage last night: the full entourage would be performing sans newly exited hypeman Flavor Flav.
“Public Enemy and Public Enemy Radio will be moving forward without Flavor Flav,” an official announcement from the group released yesterday read, before announcing a new Public Enemy record called Loud Is Not Enough. “We thank him for his years of service and wish him well.” Things don’t seem entirely cordial though, as the announcement arrived alongside a second statement, one from Flav’s lawyer:
“We have become aware that Flavor’s bandmate and Public Enemy co-creator, Chuck D, has endorsed Bernie Sanders’ candidacy for President and plans to perform at an upcoming Sanders Rally. While Chuck is certainly free to express his political views as he sees fit – his voice alone does not speak for Public Enemy. The planned performance will only be Chuck D of Public Enemy, it will not be a performance by Public Enemy. Those who truly know what Public Enemy stands for know what time it is, there is no Public Enemy without Flavor Flav.”
Less officially, Chuck took to Twitter last night to clarify some topics, particularly that of PE’s status as a political group willing to play benefits and fundraisers—something Flav was never evidently down with. “Spoke @BernieSanders rally with @EnemyRadio. If there was a $bag, Flav would’ve been there front & center,” @MrChuckD shared. “He will NOT do free benefit shows. Sued me in court the 1st time I let him back in. His ambulance lawyer sued me again on Friday & so now he stays home & better find REHAB.” There’s been no word from the PE yet today.
You can watch the LA rally in full below (Public Enemy come on around the 1:57:00 mark). Expect more details on Loud Is Not Enough prior to its release in April.
