Public Enemy: Welcome to the Terrordome

In 1988 Public Enemy released their second album, “It Take a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back,” and sparked a social and musical revolution. Director Robert Patton-Spruill chronicles the life and times of PE from their inception to their 20th anniversary world tour and explores the three complex personalities that make up the band. Front man, Chuck D, seemingly low key, is a political activist who explodes on stage, spitting rhymes that confront the status quo in contemporary America. Minister of Information, Professor Griff, is a self-proclaimed revolutionary who assures that PE's message is on point and historically correct. And then, of course, there's Flavor Flav; most popularly known as a reality TV star and the guy with the clock around his neck. (Wonder what the clock represents? Find out here!) With commentary from artists including the Beastie Boys, Tom Morello, and Henry Rollins, WELCOME TO THE TERRORDOME explores the importance of PE's music and its creators from both professional and personal standpoints. Whether as an introduction to hip hop's most popular revolutionaries or as an ode to a long love of PE, this sharp and energetic documentary is a must-see for anyone with the slightest interest in the great phenomena of music and social consciousness colliding. – JBH