Pretty In Pink
This multi-racial quartet scored in 1991 with “It’s All About You (It’s Not About Me)”. Featuring songwriting and vocals by Indira Milini Khan (Chaka Khan’s daughter), Pretty In Pink emerged too late in the New Jack Era, and disappeared almost as soon as they emerged.
Prince
...bio coming soon!
Public Enemy
This group emerged during the golden age of hip-hop on Def Jam records. With ingenious sonic production by a group of producers known as the “Bomb Squad”, Public Enemy infused political raps, a militant stage presence, a charismatic “jester” by the name of Flava Flav, and great beats. Notable songs from the New Jack Era include “Burn Hollywood Burn”, “I Can’t Do Nothin For Ya Man”, “911 is a joke”, “Fight The Power”, “Night of The Living Baseheads”, “Brothers Gonna Work It Out”, and “Can’t Truss It”.
The group had its share of unwanted controversy, most notably from a member who espoused anti-jewish sentiments that would dog the group until their break-up in the late 1990s. The leader of Public Enemy was Chuck D, (real name Carl Ridenhnour), and he was joined by Flava Flav (William Drayton) who served as comic relief and a notably charismatic presence. Other notable names involved with the concept and sound of Public Enemy include Bill Stephney and producer Hank Shocklee. Chuck D also collaborated with punk rockers Sonic Youth on the song "Cool Thing" in 1989.
The peak years for Public Enemy were between 1988 and 1992 – albums like ‘It’ll Take A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back’, ‘Fear Of A Black Planet’, and ‘Apocalypse ’91: The Enemy Strikes Black’ resonated highly with audiences of all shades – particularly suburban ones near the of that run. Although the group remained commercially quiet throughout much of the 90s and today, they have earned their respect and really don’t have much more to prove at this point…
Editor's Note: Current Island/Def Jam CEO (and industry legend) Lyor Cohen was Public Enemy's road manager during the late 80s as part of (Hip-Hop Godfather) Russell Simmons' RUSH Artist Management