Public Enemy’s Grid-Down Return Earns a 7.6

Public Enemy returns with What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down?, a 17-track album that aims to make the case for why the group still matters. It is not a reinvention. It is a statement of purpose, delivered with the abrasive energy that defined the group’s early work and updated with commentary on current politics. The result is a strong return to form that lands with real weight.

Opening With a Warning

The album opens with “When the Grid Go Down…” (1:32), a brief intro that sets the tone before the title track takes over. “Grid” (4:32) follows, and it is the centerpiece of the record. The song builds with a relentless beat and sharp political commentary, earning its place as one of the three tracks critics singled out.

“State of the Union (STFU)” (2:55) is the second standout. It is a direct address to those in power, and the line “Folks might have to pick up a book, pick up a pen” from Chuck D captures the album’s core argument: education and action are the tools of resistance. Flavor Flav’s verse adds a brash, confrontational edge with lines like “State of the Union, shut the fuck up / Sorry ass motherfucker, stay away from me.”

The Middle Stretch

“Merica Mirror” (0:08) and “Crossroads Burning” (0:13) are short interludes that bridge the album’s sections without demanding attention. They are functional rather than essential.

“Public Enemy Number Won” (5:26) is a longer, more reflective track that leans into the group’s legacy. It is not a highlight, but it holds the album together.

“Toxic” (3:12) and “Yesterday Man” (3:04) follow. Both are solid, mid-tempo tracks that keep the momentum without reaching the heights of the record’s best moments.

The Remix and the Beat Smasher

“Fight the Power: Remix 2020” (4:57) is the album’s most immediate hook. It updates a classic anthem for a new era, and it works. “Beat Them All” (2:53) and “Smash the Crowd” (3:06) continue the streak, with “Smash the Crowd” in particular standing out for its aggressive delivery.

“If You Can’t Join Em Beat Em” (0:50) is a short, sharp burst of energy that does not overstay its welcome.

Closing the Record

“Don’t Look at the Sky” (0:09) and “Rest in Beats” (3:57) slow things down before the final stretch. “R.I.P. Blackat” (3:36) is a tribute track that carries genuine emotion.

The album closes with “Closing: I Am Black” (0:14), a brief statement of identity that ties the record together.

What Works Best

Three tracks stand out:

1. “Grid”
2. “State of the Union (STFU)”
3. “Public Enemy Number Won”

These three tracks capture the album’s ambition and execution at their peak. The rest of the record is competent support, with “Fight the Power: Remix 2020” and “Smash the Crowd” adding real depth.

The Verdict

What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down? is a focused, effective return for Public Enemy. It does not waste time on filler and it does not retreat from the group’s core message. The remixes and tribute tracks add texture without diluting the impact of the best songs.

This is a strong, relevant record from a group that has not lost its voice. It earns a 7.6 out of 10.

Key Facts Box
– Artist: Public Enemy
– Album: What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down?
– Tracks: 17
– Total runtime: 44 minutes
– Metacritic: 76/100

album review · Chuck D · hip hop · Public Enemy · remix