Rap, race and reality among his topics

Chuck D, one of the founders of the legendary rap group Public Enemy, will speak at CSU Monterey Bay on Feb. 7 as part of the university’s Black History Month celebration.

His topic: rap, race, reality and digital music. The 7 p.m. event will be held in the University Center on Sixth Avenue. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door. Chuck D is the author of two critically acclaimed books, a political activist, publisher, radio host and producer. He helped to redefine rap music and hip-hop culture with the release of Public Enemy’s debut album in 1987. Yo! Bum Rush The Show powerfully articulated the realities facing black people in the late 20th century. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine included Chuck D and Public Enemy as one of the "50 most important performers in rock & roll history." In 2007, Ebony Magazine named him one of the “100 Most Influential Black Americans.” He has been featured and/or interviewed in over 50 documentaries on music, technology, politics, and race and he has appeared in numerous public service announcements for the Partnership for a Drug Free America. He has been a national spokesperson for Rock the Vote, the National Urban League, Americans for the Arts Council and the National Alliance for African-American Athletes. In 2006, he hosted ESPN’s Ali Raps, about the poetry and politics of Muhammad Ali. Driving directions and a campus map are available at csumb.edu. The event is co-sponsored by the Associated Students and the Otter Student Union. For information, call Tim Bills at 582-4645.

Photo credit: Walter Leaphart