Public Enemy has released a new track titled “March Madness”, which packs a heavier politically motivated punch than anything the duo has released before.
The two-piece Hip Hop duo made of rap icons Chuck D and Flavor Flav, has consistently spread political messages through their over 40 years of releasing music. But their latest track is an undeniably striking condemnation of the rampant injustice in America and the country’s current tumultuous political landscape.
“March Madness” was poignantly released on Juneteenth, a holiday which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and speaks to the powerful nature of protest activism.
“March Madness” begins with dialogue from a 911 dispatcher, asking the caller if they are still hearing gunshots, transitioning to a newscaster reporting that a teacher was asking for help and protecting students, likely during a school shooting.
Following the powerful introduction, is an onslaught of lyrics that call out systemic injustice and spew hard truths.
The track touches on racism, a central theme throughout Public Enemy’s decades long discography, with the lyric “Now I’m America’s nightmare / A Debbonaire black millionaire” before shifting towards a potent criticism of politicians, “Checking these crooked politicians who ain’t playing fair / Shut up! Too much talk-we know you don’t care”.
“March Madness” then focuses its perspective on a pervasive issue plaguing the country; gun violence, particularly on the matter of school shootings, “Kids supposed to have fun, none of this run for cover for your life, son / Grades 1 to 12, even kindergarten, needs security”.
The composition of the track is as distinctive as its lyrics, with the renowned Public Enemy intensity with a modern twist. The sound is classic Public Enemy, with dense, heavy layers and a relentless, hard-hitting rhythm that mimics a military march. In an intriguing instrumental fusion, “March Madness” features various technological sounds, such as beeping, and repetitive low octave, sustained piano notes. It creates a discordant effect that mirrors the passion behind these powerful lyrics, immersing the listener in the discomfort and frustration that Public Enemy conveys through their music.
To listen to more of Public Enemy’s music, visit here.
March Madness Lyrics
Right, left, left, right, left
Right, left, left, right, left
Now I’m America’s nightmare
A Debbonaire black millionaire
Checking these crooked politicians who ain’t playing fair
Shut up! Too much talk-we know you don’t care
Kids make a wall, hands in the air
Yeah boyyy
We still gon’ bring noise
The troops will deploy
Word up. Better run, better run
Better run, run, run
And 911 is still a joke
So no, motherfucka, you ain’t getting my vote
Said you don’t want the smoke
Flavor Flav is the G.O.A.T
I don’t need to throw hands, I got bands and bands
March Madness
Tell ’em who’s the baddest
Step into the blackness
March Madness
Tell ’em who’s the baddest
Step into the blackness
March Madness
Tell ’em who’s the baddest
Step into the blackness
Right, left, left, right, left
Right, left, left, right, left
Trigger happy, how I wanna ask a question
Does a gun need to be in a school to teach or nones?
Kids supposed to have fun, none of this run for cover for your life, son
Grades 1 to 12, even kindergarden, needs security
From this sick trend started left-right marches to the courtyard
Lines of school personnel escaping from this hell
Over and over again, dream turned nightmare
Parents dropping off their children in fear
Lawmakers acting scared off the NRA refusing to change year after year
Let them fall down the stairs to get out of the building, full of blood-stained tears
March Madness
Tell ’em who’s the baddest
Step into the blackness
March Madness
Tell ’em who’s the baddest
Step into the blackness
March Madness
Tell ’em who’s the baddest
Step into the blackness
March Madness
Step into the blackness
Right, left, left, right, left
Right, left, left, right, left
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