The eighties were such an incredible decade, with punk exploding in all creative directions and house and hiphop just starting out. Like I said earlier, the early days of genres and subcultures are always special. Every record feels exciting, and all the artists, labels, and fanzines are in it for the right reasons: the music! That always changes when money becomes a driving force, but hey, that’s life. I was there!
I was there in the mid-80s when Public Enemy, Eric B. & Rakim, Beastie Boys, and Run DMC all released great records and performed at the Jaap Edenhal in Amsterdam—an ice skating rink where no artist has performed since. Those were amazing concerts.
But Public Enemy played an even more special show in Amsterdam: I saw them live at the Mazzo club, in front of maybe 200 people.
We loved, and still love, Public Enemy. Because it’s loud, and it’s funky. A beatloop, a sample, a scratch, a bass, and the golden voice of Chuck D with a little help from Flavor Flav!