2018. Artist Proof
18” x 24” (46 x 61cm)
Screen-print on cream Speckletone paper
Signed and marked AP in pencil
Signed by Shepard Fairey, Janette Beckman, and Chuck D!
Chuck D has long been a hero of mine as founder and lead rapper of Public Enemy, as an outspoken social and political voice, as an activist, and now as co-vocalist of Prophets of Rage. I’m always looking for excuses to collaborate with Chuck and celebrate his influence on me and culture in general, so I was very happy to work with him and Janette Beckman, whose hip-hop and punk photography I’ve loved for years. With the 30 year anniversary of Public Enemy’s “It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back” coming up on June 28, I decided one of Janette’s photos of Chuck from that time would be great for me to illustrate as a tribute to my favorite MC and my favorite hip-hop album of all time. If you don’t own Public Enemy’s “It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back,” learn what music at the pinnacle of it’s sonic, political, and revolutionary potential can be. All prints signed by Shepard, Janette Beckman and Chuck D. Thanks for the inspiration Chuck!
-Shepard