On 11/21/01 9:45 AM, Michael G wrote:

Peace Chuck,

Last week I was approached by 3 record labels. An independent label and two subsidiary labels of major labels.

They asked me to send a few tracks in for review. I thought that they were contacting me for something else I but did was told that.

An associate of theirs read the comment that I emailed you, that was posted on the site. They were intrigued to see what my skills were.

To make a long story short, I sent some tracks out, got a response, and after the holidays my lawyer will begin negotiations for a production deal offered.

I had no idea that what I said would be posted, and i don’t know what the intent was but all things work together for good.

If I offend I apologize that was not my intent. I was just speaking my mind. And I am sure the P.E. can relate to that. Is not speaking out and speaking one’s opinions what P.E. is all about?

Peace Mike

P.S. The question is rhetorical so I am not looking for an answer.. Thanks...

Mike , I wasn’t meaning to dis... Thanx for speaking your opinion. I was saying that the contest was to make the industry understand that talent could come from anywhere, and it has to be interactive with that. Opportunity should be there for everyone to get their fair shot, and I’m glad that the attention warranted a closer look at your skills. Believe me , there were some awesome mixes... Peace stay in touch and keep doin your thing... Chuck

*****

On 11/20/01 11:32 PM, ShaylaAnne wrote:

Dear Chuck: Your last columns have been so powerful; I just wanted to commend you as being the only living (and active) source of reason around currently. However, regarding your most recent "Terrordome" column; I have seen African American individuals patronize places that sold "Mamie dolls" (contemporary) and have met someone at a Halloween party of late who thought the the Al Jolson "Mamie" figure was appropriate to wear as a costume (this was in a public place with people of all ethnicities). I don't think the trend ever stopped; the stereotypes just were slightly less exaggerated in the 70s but existed.

Leslie

Look behind a 'cracker barrel' menu or counter, there’s a bit of references... I hear you... Chuck

*****

On 11/20/01 9:32 PM, Eddy wrote:

Greetings Mistachuck, For me this e-mail to you has been long overdue. I am a 25 yr old white male from Idaho, of all places, who has been touched and inspired by you and the rest of the P.E. squad.

I have been a fan from the Yo! beginnings. Every record P.E. puts out does leaps and bounds over anything that is out. Chuck, I am always amazed at the things you accomplish. In my opinion you are the essence of this diluted hip - hop rap game. Only if credit were givin' where credit is due . . . Fuck 'em Chuck, shut 'em down.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. Next time I write to you I'll have something more to say other than this greeting. Just wanted to let you know someone else is a P.E. fan 4 life.

Thank You, Eddy aka: fasteddy7a

p.s. Where can I get Griff’s latest album? Stores 'round here don’t carry it.

In 2002 , SLAM mid-line is gonna carry those ungettable items and records and do it up right... Peace Chuck

*****

On 11/19/01 3:35 PM, Mark W wrote:

Dear Mistachuck --

Considering well that you have long possessed the strongest and most distinctive voice in all of hip hop music, and that you are also one of my life heroes, I was wondering whether or not you might be able to recommend to me either a book or a known method for training the voice, which incorporates elements of voice strengthening, breath control, pitch control, projection, etc. which I could use to improve my own rapping voice.

When I read your autobiography, DMC's autobiography, and KRS's book "The Science of Rap" I was hoping that this subject would be covered, because it is so crucial to the emcee to be able to master the instrument which is his voice, but unfortunately KRS's book made scant method of any real "science" at all, and while your book (and DMC's book) did touch on the subject, it never really went that in-depth. Maybe it's time one of you wrote a book titled "How to MC".

I may never ever have a voice like you, Chuck, (I seriously doubt anybody ever will), but I'm sure that with the proper training and dedication to proven voice strengthening methods, I could definitely put an end once and for all to running out of breath and having my voice crack when I'm performing on stage.

Please let me know if you can recommend any methods or writings on this topic, or whether you might be able to at least point me in a direction.

All the best,
Shred L
Regenerated Headpiece

I THINK broadcasting and public speaking as well as theatrical books might give you the basics ...and there are voice training companies out there that will enhance your vocal abilities... half of it is God given the other half are places that can develop that gift. All of this before your decision to either sing or MC should be understood. The answer is somewhere between the library and your local yellow pages... Peace, Chuck

*****

On 11/14/01 2:51 AM, Peter C wrote:

Hey Chuck,

My name is Peter, and I am writing you now just after watching your performance here in Boulder. I have never written a fan mail before, or even shot out words of thanks to a celebrity or person of renown like yourself, so apologies if any of this sounds campy. I just had to try to show you the same respect you gave to me and everyone else at the theatre tonight when you happily spent 3 hours of your own time on us. I've been to countless lectures/speeches/sermons/etc. here at CU, and nobody yet has even come close to treating the audience as you did yours tonight. I'm grateful you gave me the chance to write you now and tell you my truth through this e-mail. You deserve to know how much an impression you left not on myself but also all my friends who came along with me to hear you out.

However, the person you most affected didn't even see you tonight. I just got off the phone with my Mom, and told her about the talk you just gave. Now, she's deep in the suburbs of Denver, just where I've spent most of my life in the non-descript cul-de-sacs of middle America. She was always very liberal in thinking, but tended to be on the conservative side in what her children were exposed to. I can remember the day back in '90-'91when I came back from the mall wearing a Public Enemy t-shirt that was purchased with my own long-saved money. She couldn't right figure out why her son would be wearing a t-shirt of a hip-hop act like yourself, much less one expressing the virtues of supporting Afro-American rights and issues. It's not that she ever had anything against supporting the African-American community or the critical issues facing them as a whole; my Mom could not believe that young white kid like me could ever find himself caught up in the then unknown and perceived dangerous rap world.

Like so many other kids, I was growing up in an environment where there was no real hardship or cause to rally around. Kids can try, but what is there really to rebel against when you have a safe neighborhood everynight, parents who love you, and a strong education provided year in and year out. I had no cause to rally around of my own, but I felt included in rallying around yours. You had such a passion for what you were doing, I could tell it was important back then. You caused me to try to read up on the subjects you were professing (racism, the cultural divide...), and you spawned an important dialogue between me and parents on what the black struggle was and why it was important. In short, you gave reason for some punk white kid in Colorado to look beyond his all-white environs and realize another America beyond my tree lined suburbia. My Mom might not have known how to bring up these issues if I hadn't asked based on your urging.

Here I am some 12 years after first listening to your rhymes, and I am just as much moved by what you said tonight as what you said all those years ago. And more importantly, so is my Mom. I'm sure you must get this stuff from your fans on a daily basis, but I had to drop a line. Thanks coming all this way out to Boulder to see us, Chuck. It was great meeting you!

Take care, and here's wishing you the best!
With many thanks,
-Peter

THANX Peter, your words also mean a lot. I think your point of view can be well respected by others as well... it gives a great deal of perspective... Peace Chuck

*****

On 11/18/01 7:19 PM, Kiara H wrote:

Chuck D,

What's going on (in the immortal words of Marvin Gaye)... I saw you November 13 in Boulder and I have my dollar that you signed, sitting right here. But I wanted to tell you THANK YOU for saying everything you said about women. I respect your upholding of my gender as the ones who have nurtured and built this world, not destroyed it. Only you could make a hilarious joke about how women would never sit around a table and talk about how they’re going to destroy half the world that they themselves will have to live in.

And I am here, days later, unable to stop thinking about everything you said. And I just wanted to tell you, you have been one of the few sustained forces in my life that has disturbed my intellect so much so, that I go to bed thinking about it, I wake up thinking about it and there's no way to escape it in between. As a poor minority female growing up in Boulder, (affluent and predominantly white), I have witnessed the devastating failures of the classist system firsthand. And now, I'm a student of race and ethnic inequality, as well as philosophy which brings everything else to light: Propaganda, neoliberalism, capitalism, arrogance and all the other assassins to democracy.

I am watching for a band of charismatic political leaders to step up and do it... I think by the time I graduate college in four years, Bush will no longer be president, a greater portion of the public will shift from robot to self-determinant human beings, and huge social changes will take place, and new leaders will emerge...

I am asking you for information... on every level, who I might like to listen to in addition to The Coup, and Dead Prez, or what websites I should look at, all in an effort to educate myself and my peers. Do you have some suggestions?

Anyway, thank you so much for being here. I'm very grateful to have to as an influence. You have made an impact.

Peace- Kiara

Yeah, true that women should run the earth...it’ll be so cool. I think that you can ask cats on the Enemy Board here at www.publicenemy.com or okayplayer.com or blackplanet.com... Thanx for the words, stay in touch. Peace Chuck

*****

On 11/19/01 4:48 AM, Tonkku wrote:

Hi! This is Tonkku from Finland and a huge fan of your music, and I wanna know when your new LP comes out?

By the way, was your signature real in 'There's A Poison Goin' On ' cover, I got it may 1999 by Internet? Thank you for your music and stay real!!

When you last time visit in Finland '99 (Helsinki) we shake hands, it was one of my great moments, TOUCHED BY THE HAND OF GOD!:)

Tonkku, 28 years from Finland

Yes it was real, I signed thousands... check out slamjamz.com and subscribe.... Peace and thank you, Chuck

*****

On 11/18/01 6:59 PM, Alessi wrote:

Yo chuck, Wassup?

Why don’t u come and play here in Brazil? You’ll dig the rap scene around here. It’s more conscious and revolutionary than ever.

U could even play in one of the Landless Workers movement camp. Peace Dj Bugiu

That would be fantastic in 2002... surely.... Chuck

*****

On 11/14/01 4:42 PM, Rose M wrote:

Hey Chuck, My name is Rose and I'm a student at the University of Colorado. I went to your vibe session last night and had the greatest time. I know you don't like applause and "big you, little me" scenarios or any of that, but I just had to write you (since I really couldn't express it last night) and tell you how much I appreciated everything you had to say, and to thank you for having come to our school.

It's amazing how many people out there, with or without educations, don't know how to think rationally or appreciate their fellow man. Your messages and feelings were shared by everyone there last night, including myself, and I gotta say that you probably gave alot of people alot of things to think about, and probably also pushed some people to act on what they believe. It's easy to sit back and have ideas and understand why the world's fucked up, but it's a whole different ballgame when it comes to acting on that, and last night I know I was inspired to act as were others. So long story short... I guess I’m just thanking you for conversing with us and i wish there were alot more people out there who understood that the arrogance of assuming oneself to always be right and good (on every level) will lead to disaster, because we never know where our "facts" are coming from, or we're following popular thought, or we're programmed...people don't understand that society, right and wrong, and cultures are relative, everything's relative. Anyway, I’m sorry to ramble on, you probably have other shit to do - just wanted to thank you ....so...THANK YOU :)

Rose M

Thanx Rose, I had a great time as well ...your words are appreciated.... Peace Chuck

*****

On 11/16/01 3:47 AM, Damon wrote:

I have a question I've been struggling with for years: Who is the speaker in the beginning of "Night of the Living Bassheads"? It sounds like Dr. M.L.K., but I can't find any of his speeches where he's kickin' those facts. Hit me back, Damon S

It’s Dr. Khalid Abdul Muhammad who passed earlier this year... Peace Chuck

*****

On 11/15/01 10:01 PM, Eric J wrote:

Just wanted to say very good panel & discussion, I called to ask a question, but I guess my question wasn’t good enough to air, but for real I truly enjoyed it. Listening to you and Harry had me hypnotized, it was awakening type shit for me. I produce indie hiphop projects, my production company is called soundvizion.com and we have one act 304 Reconz.

Artistically, and small business wise I was frustrated before I saw the broadcast, but after last nights panel I almost feel hopeless. If pain makes good art, and pain motivates some artist creativity, and record execs exploit that, how do we correct that? It’s true art. I got into this shit because I love to make beats, after managing and producing my band (regionally), I see the takeover of my brain starting to happen. I’m slowly becoming concerned about what local radio and club promoters think. I used to just focus on making hot shit, but now all this budget per project and bottom line profit is becoming a issue. It drives me away from my art and I can’t stop it, I feel like I’m bieng brainwashed.

The craziest shit is, sometimes I feel like I’m gaining a passion for it, and my company ain’t that successful to the point where I should be fallin for the okey doke. Lately the theory of "art is evil" keeps pooping in my head, how can something that feels so good treat me and my people so bad, it identifies me uniquely and stereotypes me and my at the same fucking time. It just seems like music for me personally is the carrot and I’m the horse pulling the buggy, I just keep on reaching. I have seen, death, imprisonment, betrayal all in this music shit. The Internet shows you how many dreams are fueled thru music. the Internet is becoming just like TV, one big ad agency. It reminds me how my friend is always saying TV shows were invented for commercials.

How do you receive information like that and recognize the big picture, and your art not be effected by it. Once you see how they think, if you don’t buy into it, how don’t you manipulate it. It’s like looking at Jordan right now, the business man, or like you guys said about BET, how don’t you take that opportunity, and they knew he was going to bite, anyone would. I know I’m flying everywhere right now, but your broadcast tonight inspired me to vent this shit.

What literature do you and Harry Allen have out there that I can check out, and will you be doing anymore satellite or TV, Webcast broadcast anytime soon. I needed to hear this panel tonight, because their brainwash was taking over, I was starting to buy it, I was about to let them have a say in my art, fuck that! If it’s hot shit, they will feel it. Period.

227 Digitalmasterz

*****

On 5/27/01 1:31 PM, Chris K wrote:

To Chuck D,

I'm Chris and I'm studying for a degree in Sheffield, England. I've been a hip hopper since 93 and a big fan of PE. I recently read your article in HHC where you spoke about modern day recording contracts being in another language so to speak and spanning over 50 pages long. I was just wondering how does this compare to the first contract Public Enemy signed with Def Jam. It's just out of interest so it's not vital that you reply but it would be good.

I hope to hear from you soon,

Cheers, Chris

The first Def Jam contract was definitely that... a paper disaster one sided from the CBs side of things...therefore the artists got a third generation BS con-tract CBs lawyer style.....Peace Chuck

*****

On 5/27/01 6:29 AM, JP A wrote:

What's up Chuck:

I'm JP, a 22 year old Catholic bi-racial student at UC Irvine majoring in biology. I remember first hearing you when you told the world "Don't Believe the Hype." Well, who would have said truer words were never spoken in this day and age? I frequently check up on the Terrordome commentaries as you have very interesting points about our society.

I want to thank you for what you have contributed to hip hop and our culture. I pray that we can have more people like you to exploit the problems of our greedy and materialistic world. Your influence certainly goes beyond the realm of hip hop culture, as you are one of the voices that positively uses music as an avenue to wake people up and realize the shadiness in perceptions, politics, and power. I feel for ya on issues in music and the industry. I honestly believe that the garbage out there on the radio is put there by the labels for fools to suck up without stopping to think rationally about the message. PE is a breath of fresh air, where one can stop and THINK about the message and apply it to what is happening in the world. We need more Public Enemies to balance out the "thugged out" or one-hit musicians. In 2001, we still shouldn't "believe the hype."

No need to respond, as I can imagine you have your hands full between lectures, answering other e-mails, and other work.

Peace and God Bless, JP

PS I didn't know you too were a Mac user...lol...

Yup I slapped the mac.... Back in Terrordome... the record.....

*****

On 5/25/01 5:08 AM, KiddMouz wrote:

Hey Chuck,

I can't say much that hasn't been said already. But I just wanted to say thanks and that Public Enemy has been a great influence in my life. And as music moves into the future, PE's message remains more important and relevant as ever. Public Enemy's dedication to tearing down walls and opening minds is an inspiration in itself.

I'm Oriental and as a minority, I confront a lot of the issues and difficulties in a world with a one-sided culture and your music has remained a torch of strength for me. I'm only 18 and I got into Public Enemy in around late 1999. I admit I bought "Fear Of A Black Planet" on sheer hype and critical accolades but it has become an album close to my heart as with the rest of your discography. My only regret is that I remained so close-minded to hip-hop until so late in my life.

I was a little punk and at that time, alternative and hip-hop were at the opposite ends of the spectrum. But I think I speak on behalf of a lot of youth, that Public Enemy remains a profound influence in shapes and forms of music. Public Enemy has inspired me to start experimenting with drum machines and samplers as well as look into politically progressive issues. Even now, in the new modern quick-fix age, our generation still has an incredible amount of problems. But we can never give up the fight. One day Chuck, one day we'll make them say (damn) this generation. Thank you so much.

Eric

Thanks .... I try to show folks that diversity is special and cats today should understand comments like yours are priceless... Peace Chuck

*****

On 5/26/01 7:51 AM, CHANNELTHIRTYSIX wrote:

Greetings Mista Chuck D,

I was wondering what you think about the tragedies of crossing the border. What do you feel about the Mexicans that were scorched to death in Arizona's Devil's Path? It hurt me so much when I heard about another attempt to cross that fucken border end like this. Your words and way of thinking strongly effects me and the speeches you put out there are so correct and on point. Keep on doing your thang, it feels good to know there is a voice like yours out there that stands up for the people.

I love you, VIVA PE!!

It’s ridiculous for anyone to prohibit human beings from moving around the earth.... ain’t it?

*****

On 10/15/01 1:10 PM, atswart wrote:

After reading 'THE SHELF IS A VERY LONELY PLACE,' or the art of making records for your damn self, I decided that I had to tell you that "Autobiography of Mistachuck" is one incredible record.

Keep it up AT

Thanx...Peace Chuck

*****

On 10/3/01 5:11 PM, Josh B wrote:

Hi Chuck,

I've been listening to P.E. since before I knew what Hip Hop/Human Rights or prejudice was. As a matter of fact I'd say Public Enemy is the main reason I've become who I am, it certainly wasn't my Redneck step-father. I just have one thing that I want to clear up. Where do you stand on gay/lesbian rights? I've heard all sorts of shit but like you say, I should get the real deal from the source. So if you e-mail me back or put this answer up in one of your Terrordomes I'd really appreciate it.

JFB

Hey... grown folk have the right to do whatever they want on a personal level. I think young people need to be educated on how to handle different peeps and situations as they grow. Peace Chuck

*****

On 10/2/01 10:35 PM, Kevin S wrote:

MISTACHUCK,

This is Kevin S. I had the pleasure of meeting you in Athens, GA shortly before you left town. You and Michael Stipe were discussing some topics from your speech earlier. I sat immediately to your left.

Before I ask my question, I have to take a moment to say that I am in awe of your contribution to music culture and pop culture as a whole. When Public Enemy hit the scene, it was the ass-shakin' wake-up call that EVERYBODY heard. The "He Got Game" single opened the door for adventurous thinking, that made a lot of headz in the inner cities re-think our whole 3-D environment. Presently yourself and Public Enemy are leading creative youth all over the world into their cyber-future with the mindset of keeping their mental treasures out of the corporate machine. Your contributions to a strong, bright, intelligent future for free-thing minds are astounding.

I hope I'm not encroaching to ask your personal opinion regarding a dilemma that my bandmates and myself are facing. I play in Flash To Bang Time--as does Michael's sister Lynda (who sat at his left), and (sitting to my left) Charles. We are currently in the process of sending out demos to labels in hopes of financing the rest of our recording, and a tour. All three of us work well over a forty hour work week. I'm sure you know how quickly expenses add up in the recording and promotions stage without outside help.

Do you see a way a band in our situation could make the most of the Internet's resources to generate income, and possibly sidestep the conventional record company route? Any input would be appreciated-- I know you are a busy man. If this letter falls through the cracks, I extend only respect and continued support.

Thank you for your time-- Kevin S

KEV , I think Tim Sweeney puts the best Internet advice out...you can get his books at either Amazon, B&N, etc... I think you need to build a label site.... Peace Chuck

*****

On 10/17/01 11:51 AM, Calvin D wrote:

??!!??@#!*^% and Scattershot??!!!..@!#$@@#@@ you didn’t...and first of all !!?$#$@#!!$$$%#@ you gotta be fu)*5@!@4 aaaaaaaagghhhh!!!!!!!!!!!! Jeronimo what!!!!!!!! #@#$$@@@@@daaaaaaaamn!!!!!

Signed, Concerned P.E. fan.

p.s. Does someone have Chuck and Flava tied up in a van!?

Calm down Calvin, check it they’re the first of many mixes to be done. THE NEXT TWO Shut Em Down and Arizona will be more conventional, but PE #1 and B-side were so weird when they first came out to the public, we were looking at what would have the similiar eccentric arrangements in 2001. THERE are good and great mixes delivered in both cases but not as bending as these.

*****

On 10/24/01 1:21 PM, Malik I wrote:

Chuck D,

I caught the recent B.E.T. Tonight show where you were the host. I couldn't help but notice the Harvard guest Dr. Cornell West. My mother has always told me to recognize my struggle as an African first, before deciding to accept being American. I was blessed with the opportunity to catch the first day of the Hip Hop Summit on C-SPAN but they didn't show the entire thing. I guess my question to you would be, do you think rap music today is geared toward whites as opposed to in 1990 when M.C. Hammer was the biggest disgrace to black people for his appeal to the majority?

My name is Kevin and I attended Hampton University for my first two years of undergrad before transferring to Wright State University. I'm a French major. As the only black male in the major I come across a lot questions and stereotypes and often find myself defending my culture not just rap music. After my professor demanded that rap was not music, the argument stretched to how whites can relate to the music just as much as an inner city hood. They suggested they know the verses just as well as blacks and even know more about individual artists then many blacks so how come they don't belong to the culture.

My second question is when and where can I catch another conversation with Chuck D, and Dr. West. And if there is nothing planned how can I go about finding the transcripts of the summit.

Thanks for reading.

I don’t think Hammer was degrading at all, plus he was digestible for young peeps... where as today many cats are questionable for one dimensional adult themes. The mass exposure has presented only a 'sliver' of true black life.

*****

On 10/24/01 9:48 PM, Matthew D wrote:

Chuck.

I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming to Iowa city today (10.24.01) and speaking. My name is Matt, and I spent the majority of my formative years here in Iowa City while my father was getting his doctorate. I was blessed in so many ways by living here, but it's hard to keep your head as a young black man in a place where: a. there are few black men or women at all b. there are few role models in the community for you to look up to as black men and women. I had a wonderful father and mother who stressed that I think carefully above all things and who advised and informed me as best they could about the world, but I was very angry and very intelligent and I always gained so much support and encouragement and camaraderie from your records and from your words. I appreciated so much your rationality and conviction and eloquence, the fact that you acted like you had some sense. I got to see public enemy a couple of times, and it was great, but it was very powerful to see you speak.

I appreciate what you said about the music industry and downloading music. I am in a band called the vidablue, and we've toured the country on our own, put out records on our own, and through that experience I've learned that people getting their hands on what you do is compliment enough. It was good to hear you echo my thoughts and ideas in that area. Maybe I only feel like this because we aren't at the level as a band where we make grips of cash. But even if we were, I think that for the kids in places where you don't have any money and for the folks who won't have access to your music, to our music (which is kind of esoteric), the internet gives them access, and that's a wonderful thing, not to be taken for granted.

I'm sure you get this kind of letter all the time, but I can't tell you how many times I felt prouder for knowing there were strong black men in the world like yourself. Thank you for that and thank you for giving a good word in my town where people need a good word from a intelligent black man. Yours, Matt D p.s. My band's website is www.thevidablue.com. You can hear our cuts and see what we do if you're interested or have time, I know your schedule is full. We all grew up on P.E. and would be excited to have you know what we do.