Shut 'Em Down

Public Enemy

About Shut 'Em Down

"Shut 'Em Down" is the fourth single from Public Enemy's fourth studio album Apocalypse 91... The Enemy Strikes Black. Part of group member Chuck D's voice was sampled on the track "Ten Crack Commandments" by The Notorious B. I. G., off the album Life After Death. The opening of the song was used by Russell Simmons Television Productions (RSTV) during the closing credits of Def Comedy Jam. This song was used in the 2008 thriller film Lakeview Terrace, the 2009 video game Madden NFL 10 and the 2014 video game NBA 2K15. A mashup of the song with The Prodigy's "Stand Up" was created by fan Pony Sixfinger when Liam Howlett noticed the mashup on his YouTube channel ; The Prodigy would eventually release the song, retitled "Shut 'Em Up", which is a mashup of both song titles, as a bonus track on the expanded edition of The Day Is My Enemy. The mashup was eventually used in a commercial for Nike, and as the opening song for the Showtime documentary series Shut Up And Dribble. The song was also used in the movie Fist Fight. 


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I testified
My mama cried
Black people died
When the other man lied

See the TV listen to me double trouble
I overhaul and I'm comin'
From the lower level
I'm takin' tabs

Sho nuff stuff to grab
Like shirts it hurts
With a neck to wreck
Took a poll 'cause our soul

Took a toll
From the education
Of a TV station
But look around

Hear go the sound of the wreckin' ball
Boom and Pound
When I
Shut 'em down

One two three four five
Six seven eight nine
What I use in the battle for the mind
I hit it hard
Like it supposed

Pullin' no blows to the nose
Like uncle L said I'm rippin' up shows
Then what it is
Only 5 percent of the biz

I'm addin' woes
That's how da way it goes
Then you think I rank never drank, point blank
I own loans

Suckers got me runnin' from the bank
Civil liberty I can't see to pay a fee
I never saw a way to pay a sap
To read the law

Then become a victim of a lawyer
Don't know ya, never saw ya
Tape cued
Gettin' me sued

Playin' games wit' my head
What the judge said put me in the red
Got me thinkin' 'bout a trigger to the lead
No no

My education mind say
Suckers gonna pay
Anyway
There gonna be a day

'Cause the troop they roll in
To posse up
Whole from the ground
Ready to go

Throw another round
Sick of the ride
It's suicide
For the other side of town

When I find a way to shut 'em down
Who count the money
In da neighborhood
But we spendin' money

To no end lookin' for a friend
In a war to the core
Rippin' up the poor in da stores
Till they get a brother

Kickin' down doors
Then I figure I kick it bigger
Look 'em dead in the eye
And they wince

Defense is pressurized
They don't want it to be
Another racial attack
In disguise so give some money back

I like Nike but wait a minute
The neighborhood supports so put some
Money in it
Corporations owe

Dey gotta give up the dough
To da town
Or else
We gotta shut 'em down

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Public Enemy

Public Enemy is an American hip hop group consisting of Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Professor Griff and his S1W group, DJ Lord (DJ who replaced Terminator X in 1999), and Music Director Khari Wynn. Formed in Long Island, New York, in 1982, Public Enemy is known for their politically charged lyrics and criticism of the American media, with an active interest in the frustrations and concerns of the African American community. more »

1 fan

Written by: Carlton Ridenhour, Gary Rinaldo, Hank Shocklee, James Henry Boxley Iii

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Authorship
"Shut 'Em Down" was written by Chuck D, who is one of the founding members of Public Enemy, a group known for its politically charged lyrics.
Album
This song is part of the "Apocalypse 91... The Enemy Strikes Black" album, which was released in 1991.
Sampling
"Shut 'Em Down" samples drums from Mountain's "Long Red," a song often used in hip hop music for its distinctive drum break.
Chart Performance
Upon its release, "Shut 'Em Down" reached No. 26 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play charts and No. 61 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Music Video
The accompanying music video for the song is widely recognized and features the members of Public Enemy in various urban settings.
Remix
The song was remixed by Pete Rock, who added verses from other Public Enemy songs to create a new version.
Political Message
The lyrics of "Shut 'Em Down" speak against big corporations using the black community for profit, reflecting Public Enemy's outspoken political stance.
Legacy
"Shut 'Em Down" remains one of Public Enemy's most popular and influential songs, resonating with listeners due to its potent social commentary.
Vinyl Records
In 2014, to celebrate its legacy, a 12" vinyl special edition of "Shut 'Em Down" was released.
Use in Other Media
The song is included in the video game soundtrack for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD, a 2012 release across various platforms.
Cultural Impact
"Shut 'Em Down" was a key part of the soundtrack for the "Black Lives Matter" protests, further underlining its cultural significance.

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