“Celebration of Ignorance” is a powerful addition to the hip hop legend’s formidable 30-year career. The album was written and recorded during an intensely prolific and creative period, which included new albums from both Public Enemy and Prophets of Rage (released in 2017), his 300+ page book “This Day in Rap and Hip-Hop History” (published by Hatchett’s Black Dog & Leventhal division in 2017) and a return to TV and Film composing. Chuck created additional music (with Amani K. Smith) for the new Showtime documentary series, “Shut Up and Dribble,” and his new track, “sPEak On It!” will close out the final episode last Saturday.
Chuck D is considered one of the most influential lyricists in contemporary music. Both as a solo artist and as the leader of the groundbreaking group Public Enemy (which was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013), he helped pave the way for political, social, and culturally conscious hip-hop. Public Enemy’s albums remain among the most critically acclaimed works in contemporary music, including “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back” and “Fear of a Black Planet.” Chuck is also a prominent figure on the speaking circuit lending his voice to issues and causes ranging from technology to race relations. He is also a founding member of the supergroup Prophets of Rage, alongside members of Rage Against the Machine and Cypress Hill.