Initially formed by Chuck D and Flavor Flav on Long Island, New York, in 1985, Public Enemy is an American hip-hop group known for their political messages, with topics including American racism and the American media.
This year the popular musicians are back touring Australia, proudly supported by Indigenous hip hop duo A.B. Original.
Despite Public Enemy only announcing their much-anticipated return to Australia this week, hype surrounding October's On The Grid 35th Anniversary Tour, featuring A.B. Original as special guest has already begun.
"Proud to announce we are joining rap revolutionaries Public Enemy on their On the Grid 35th Anniversary Tour this October," said A.B. Original.
Commencing on October 2 at Perth's Red Hill Auditorium before hitting up the AEC Theatre in Adelaide on October 4, John Cain Arena in Melbourne on October 5, the Hordern Pavilion in Sydney on October 9, Newcastle Entertainment Centre on October 11, before heading to Brisbane's Eatons Hill Outdoors on October 12, the tour is set to draw patrons who are a fan of both A.B. Original and Public Enemy's music.
A.B. Original is the collaboration between artist, activist and author Briggs and MC and multi-ARIA Award-winning producer, Trials.
Indigenous artists from Yorta Yorta and Ngarrindjeri country respectively, A.B. Original are known for their fearless address of racial, societal and systemic injustice.
Their purpose is to stand, call out and challenge the status quo of Australia, and provide truth-telling through First Nations' perspectives on history, society and the Australian national narrative.
After unleashing a new track ahead of the referendum for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament earlier this year - which saw the musicians enlist Tiwi Islander man Marlon Motlop and world-class turntablist DJ Total Eclipse for the super charged track - A.B. Original further cemented themselves as not just a musical duo but a force within the creative industry continuously pushing and advocating for change.
"I was inspired by Paul Kelly to put out his track. We can't let PK be the only fella doing it. We're A.B Original," Briggs told triple j last year.
"We're the most important hip hop outfit in the country when it comes to this.
"If we're not leading the way on this stuff, who is? If we're not standing up and setting the standard, who is?"
Just as supporting of activism and cultural influence, Public Enemy were, and remain, at the forefront of the fight against racial injustice and inequality, using their platform to raise awareness and spark meaningful dialogue.
From ground-breaking music videos to candid interviews, the group remain unapologetically vocal about issues affecting the community.
With both groups music representing much more than just their talented vocals, both Public Enemy and A.B. Original are sure to see a series of critics and music lovers support them in their tour around Australia later this year.
Public Enemy - On The Grid 35th Anniversary Australia 2024 Tour, featuring special guest A.B. Original
Wednesday 2 October - Perth, Red Hill Auditorium
Friday 4 October - Adelaide, AEC Theatre
Saturday 5 October - Melbourne, John Cain Arena
Wednesday 9 October - Sydney, Hordern Pavilion
Friday 11 October - Newcastle, Newcastle Entertainment Centre
Saturday 12 October - Brisbane, Eatons Hill Outdoor
Telstra Plus will have an exclusive presale from 10am (local time) on the Friday 28 June, with the General Public on sale at 10am (local time) on Tuesday 2 July.
For more fashion, beauty and lifestyle news subscribe for free to the Style Up newsletter.
