Crucial Track for February 16, 2026

"Bring the Noise" by Public Enemy

Listen on Apple Music

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A song from a genre you didn’t think you’d like—what changed?

Bring the Noise by Public Enemy

As a dumb southern kid with an "us vs. them" mentality I avoided what we then called "rap music" because it wasn't the rock and roll my radio station played. When I eventually grew up, opened my mid a wee bit and started to seek things outside of the world of white male privilege, I began to appreciate the poetry and political intent of Public Enemy. This was the tune that opened my eyes.